Making Waves with Randi Ramdeen and Dom P-C Part II
Mimi 0:00
Welcome back to part two of our two-part interview with the brilliant and inspiring individuals from the nonprofit organizations Start the Wave: Dom P-C and Randi Ramdeen. In part one of our #RanDom conversation with these two lovely human beings, we chatted about their own journeys regarding their relationship with nature, getting into environmentalism, sustainability and animal rights, and talked about all the incredible work that they're doing at Start the Wave. If you missed it, I highly encourage you to listen to the episode before. In today's episode, we'll be diving deeper into the ideas and themes that Imperfect Eco-Hero and Start the Wave have in common, like building community, empowering individuals, and destigmatizing perfectionism in activism. We even learn a bit about the brand new project that Start the Wave is working on, the incredible eco-heroes that have inspired both Randi and Dom, and laugh about life and ourselves as we navigate this crazy world together.
[intro music]
Jordan 1:02
Hey, this is Jordan!
Mimi 1:04
And this is Mimi.
Jordan 1:05
And welcome to the Imperfect Eco-Hero podcast.
Mimi 1:08
The series that connects community, normalizes imperfections and empowers heroes.
[end of intro music]
Jordan 1:17
I love when you talked about how for you, like, just in general, when you're making these changes, it's okay to not get it right the first time, and then it's okay to change it. A lot of what we're trying to do with Imperfect Eco...Eco-Hero is to, like, normalize that notion of perfectionism, cause that...
Mimi 1:32
Hm mmm, yeah.
Jordan 1:34
I feel like that often is what limits and hold...holds a lot of people back from making action is that fear of failure and that fear of not being perfect at all times and that...and... How do you guys handle that sort of pressure of perfectionism, both being in the public eye, Randi, you with, like, your entire political career and now with Start the Wave and Dom with Start the Wave and all of your other endeavors? Like, how do you guys, like, mentally, emotionally just, like, handle that pressure of perfectionism?
Dom 2:09
This is a really big one for me. This has been a really big one for me. I am a recovering perfectionist, very much so. And I held a lot of shame around the things that I...I'm not doing rather than, like, celebrating the wins and the things that I do do. Hm, so when...being in the public eye, there was this, like...for a long time this, like, fear of people actually figuring out that I'm not the thing that I'm...that they are perceiving or seeing from the...that this is a portion of who I am. And then behind that, the...all the imperfections and the stuff that I'm working on daily. And so that very much shows up in regards to my environmental action and the...the...the actions I was taking and the efforts I was making to send...to...to speak to the things that I cared about through Start the Wave and messages that I was putting out there. Then the person that I was...that I am...that is constantly evolving behind that, um...I've been making mistakes left, right and enter, and for the first part, I was like "ooh, I have to hide that!!" like, just to give you an example because I think it's really important and I love the fact that we're on the, this podcast so we can actually talk about this stuff, because I think it's super important for people to...to hear and for us to normalize those imperfections. Like, just to give you an example. I remember there was a time, not that long ago just during COVID where I had a reusable uh...I had a coffee. I went and got coffee out at a coffee shop with a friend and she took a video of me on...I was dancing around like a little fairy human and...and she took a video of me and I didn't realize and then she's like "Can I post this?" and my first, like, gut reaction was "Uh! Can't post it, it's got a coffee cup!" Right?
Mimi 4:39
Hm mmm.
Dom 4:40
And I am promoting and...and...and insp—...yeah, I am promoting being as environmentally conscious as possible. Did I need to have that coffee? Probably not, but I chose to have it, because I went out for coffee with my friend and that was the moment that was happening, and...and whatever, but there was that...there's that, like, dilemma of like, "Oh gosh, I don't...I...". And...and now, I mean, over... this has been, you know, like in the past year, I think COVID has been very transformational for a lot of people. And I have done a hell of a lot of healing work and realized that actually, it's so important to just understand our humanity and just say "How human of me!...How human of me!" There's going to be moments loads of moments like that where "Yeah, okay, that's the choice I made in that moment and let's not hide it. Let's actually speak to it and say, Yeah, every time I go..." and especially now during COVID, it's very difficult to be really in integrity all the time because we've taken 10 steps backwards in regards to disposable products, like, it's so frustrating, I would always have had my coffee mug that I would have got, you know, there was no...no way would I have had this, you know, disposable one! So I think that also played into it, right? It was like, you know, "this is so not me, I don't want people to think that this is me and I'm promoting going out and getting a coffee in a...in a disposable container". Um, but I think...yeah, so in answer to your question that definitely shows up to me in wanting to fear- or I think fearing...fearing that in some way. But actually, the more important lesson there I think is to just be really honest and then in integrity as much as you can in every moment and...and lean into the imperfection of this journey and be honest with yourself and...and others, because I think once we all come together from that place, is going "Yeah, I have...I have had to get coffees out sometimes now with... How frustrating is this? Let's talk about it. What can we do? Is there a way that we can actually try and shift it back into the direction we want to? Can we speak to our local coffee places and say “Look, we're done with this now, come— Are we over it?” Like, you know, how can we...or is it, you know, is there a conversation to be had? Is there...Is it just something we have to deal with, for a bit? Like, you know, or do we make our coffees at home?” Or like, just...having the conversations and opening the dialogue and realizing that we are...we are imperfectly human and that is all part of the journey, right?
Randi 7:45
Nice. Yeah. That's a good answer!
Jordan 7:49
Yeah that's...No...I think...I think a lot of people have been in...in that exact predicament and...
Mimi 7:55
Yeah...Yeah!
Jordan 7:57
I definitely have, for sure.
Randi 8:00
My um...my experience with, you know, with being imperfect falls in line with veganism and the reali— the realization that veganism isn't perfect either. And I tried to, so wh—...when I became vegan, I was dating someone who was perfect, who tried to be perfect, to "veganism perfectly". And there was definitely problematic...problematic things about the "perfect" veganism. But...but I...something happened and I can't remember exactly what happened. I was trying to...I was talking to a good friend of mine who was vegan, my coworker at the time, just like, I kind of relied on her, she was my vegan guru. And I think I said something of like, "Oh, I can't do this. I can't go to this person's house because I...you know what if...I know they're not gonna understand", and I said, "You know, what would you do in that cert—...situation?" And she said to me, "Well,..." I think it was, like, a sandwich, or something. And there was...there was something called L-cysteine in the sandwich, which is made of duck feathers or...human hair. It's a...it's a non-essential amino acids that goes into bread. [laughs] Your faces... all of your faces right now! [laughs] It's hilarious!
Jordan 9:25
What?!
Randi 9:26
Yeah, like dominoes pizza!
Dom 9:28
Yuuck.
Randi 9:29
They have L-cysteine in there. It can...it can be made from hog hair, duck feathers, or human hair.
Dom 9:34
YUUCK!!! Oh my Good!
Randi 9:35
Yeah...That's totally true.
Dom 9:38
Wow, so weird!
Randi 9:39
Yeah.
Jordan 9:40
Really?
Randi 9:41
Yeah. And there's also...there's also amylase, which can be from the pancreas of animals. Like, there's lots of stuff that we don't realize is in there, that is from animals. Anyway! So, I think I was...I was feeling...like trying to be perfect around veganism. And I said to my friend, "what would you do" and she said, "I would have eaten it, because your message is getting...It's not getting across, when you're...A, not making people understand and feel, feel insulted, personally, or uh...to be...to be honest, sorry. You're...You're...they've tried to make something that, you know, you can eat and they just happen to not realize that this is in there" and so, I realized that I could apply that to...just that it really, really resonated me...resonated with me that my message will get lost if I tried to be perfect in every aspect. So when it comes to veganism or environmentalism, when you're trying to...when you're trying for perfection, that just becomes unattainable like we were...what we're talking about, and that really scares people off and it makes them not want to do it. And so, I just go back to that of...of... Yeah, this isn't...my message will get lost if I try to, um...try to be perfect or try to push people to be perfect. So you have to be...speaking to myself, you know, you have to be compassionate with people when it comes to this stuff. And you have to be compassionate with yourself—
Dom 11:21
And yourself!
Randi 11:21
Yes, exactly. You have to be compassionate with yourself around making mistakes, and having a coffee every once in a while, you know. We're not out there every single day, like...you know, going to Starbucks 10 times a day, you know. It's...it's...we're living in a...an unprecedented times where our option right now is to have take-out coffees. And, and...that's a very unfortunate part and hopefully we can fix that when everything's done.
Dom 11:50
Yeah, exactly. And being conscious, being conscious in our decisions. Like, if...if you're...have an awareness of it, and you know, consciously decide to do it, because it makes sense for you in this moment, I think that...that's a huge part of it, right?
Randi 12:07
Hm mmm.
Dom 12:08
Yeah. Being really conscious and being really, yeah, like you say, kind, gentle and compassionate to ourselves 'cause you know, that whole thing of you saying Ran, it's like, it's scaring other people off? I relate to that within myself. It's scaring ME off! Like, you know, I think Mimi said it, like, she's being, like, "I have to be perfect" and then like, "I'm so scared of f...[stiffled]fucking up!"[back to normal] excuse my language, I don't know if we can swear on this thing, but yeah...
Jordan 12:34
Go for it! [laughs]
Dom 12:36
[laughs]...but like you know, so scared of messing up and then...and then it stops you from doing anything and...and rather than just being like "Okay, yeah, what is...what is the conscious choice that I can make?", and yeah, just going from there.
Jordan 12:51
There's actually a quo—
Mimi 12:51
Somethi—
Jordan 12:52
Oh, sorry!
Mimi 12:53
Go for it, Jordan!
Jordan 12:53
I was just saying, like, a quick quote that would sum up everything you're saying....there was a quote I just read the other day that said, like "Perfectionism instills shame, which is the enemy of growth".
Randi 13:01
Yeah!
Mimi 13:01
Yes!
Dom 13:02
That's exactly it!
Mimi 13:02
So true!
Randi 13:03
Love that!
Dom 13:03
That is exactly it.
Mimi 13:04
I love that quote!
Randi 13:02
Yep.
Dom 13:07
Totally.
Mimi 13:07
I was gonna say, something that I love, that both of you have included in all your answers, is that there's two, like, really important elements. There's, like, the learning, and the knowledge, and the facts and getting that. But then there's also this other, like, emotional side that's just as important. And in order to, like, navigate environmentalism and to make change in your own life and the lives of others, you need both of that, 'cause you can't just be shouting facts at people. Cause then they just like, put a wall up, or will get insulted or whatever it may be, right? So it's so important to have that emotional connection, as well as the facts.
Randi 13:43
I...I learned that as...as a vegan as well, that once you...once you become the angry vegan, you are...you're completely invalidated. Like your, like your...your opinions are not heard. And it's the same thing with any...with any movement. It's...you...you have to approach it in a very sensitive way and really underst— like everyone's on their own journey, right. And we have to remember that we have traveled, you know, we're privileged enough to have the knowledge that we do and be where we are to know these things. And not everyone is as fortunate or as far along on the journey. So I think, you know, having that compassion for that...for those reasons, it's really important.
Dom 14:28
Hm mmm, that's so true.
Jordan 14:29
I also think recognizing your own limitations too. I know THAT for me has been a big process. I suffer from a bowel disease. So for me, I can't eat anything with fiber, which has made switching to veganism so difficult cause most protein alternatives are very high in fiber and so I've, like, gotten very sick, trying and testing them out. And I've, like, come to the realization that for some... some days, I'm just gonna... I, like, I can't go fully vegan. And that was something that was definitely affecting my own mental health cause I was like "the biggest thing we can do as a person is to go vegan" and like, my body physically can't handle it. And I was like, "Well, that's great! [ironic] Now what am I supposed—what am I supposed to do?" And I definitely was hard on myself for no reason cause I couldn't control it, but I thought I just wasn't trying hard enough.
Mimi 15:15
Hmmm.
Dom 15:16
Hmmm.
Jordan 15:16
But it's that idea of like people acknowledging that, like...some changes that you make, you're gonna be limited in, in a number of ways.
Dom 15:23
Totally..
Jordan 15:23
And I don't think people t— emphasize it enough, when we're talking about making positive changes for some people, it's not going to look the same, not only in terms of like when you get there, but even the way you show up to do it.
Dom 15:36
Totally!
Mimi 15:37
Yeah!
Dom 15:38
So glad you're speaking to that!
Jordan 15:38
And I was just curious if either of you...if either of you, uh, face those limitations and some of the changes that you've tried to make.
Randi 15:45
Oh, for sure. [laughs] Go ahead Dom, no, you go ahead!
Dom 15:48
Yeah, no, I'm just...I'm just really glad that you're bringing this up, Jordan, cause one of the things that I've been thinking about a lot recently, especially as we're diving into, you know, really looking at our privilege—as Randi has spoken to so eloquently— and noticing where, you know, that...we have the ability to be healthy and vegan. And that is awesome. And that is not the case for everyone. And there are...we have just such a wide ranging spectrum of different individuals that are on different journeys, different backgrounds, different, like...yeah, different parts, and I think it's super important, especially when talking about veganism, to really listen to your body, like, the...it is...you know, very important, as you were saying Mimi, the...the...intellectual component, the...the facts, the...the knowledge of, like, the changes that need to happen in order for us to make change and to hopefully, turn the ship around that is heading in a very scary direction right now. And so it's like, great, we need to take these changes, we also need to make sure that we don't abandon ourselves in the process, but actually like heal and nourish ourselves, truly, like, in the...the best way that we can, so that we can show up as the most healthy humans, to continue all the other fights that we have going on at the same time. So I've just been thinking about that and I don't have any, like huge insights or anything, but what I would just like to echo back is how, um, yeah, it's...we are...we all have different makeups and different bodies, and it's equally as important to listen to what your body needs and...and really enter into a strong relationship with yourself, to listen, to..."Okay, actually, like, I’m… I... this is feels like my body really needs this particular thing". And I, I...I'm starting to think that, like, veganism can look many different ways, actually, for different people and, um, the purest mentality, which you were speaking to, Randi, I don't think is the way that is going to get us to where we need to be. And especially when there's judgment and shame around it, that is just the enemy! I really hope that people that are listening, and when they hear, you know...maybe they're not vegan and then I talk and "here are all these people talking about veganism" and that there's no shame attached, cause it's the most destructive emotion possible. And actually, if we came from, like, like you say, we're all on different parts of the journey. Some people may not even want to go full vegan, but they may...make...they may shift their diet and make loads of really great changes but they might still eat fish because they live by a river, and they go out and they...that...that's their food source. They go out into the lake or the river or whatever, and they get their fish and that is the most sustainable way of them eating and nourishing their bodies, rather than going to the supermarket and getting things that have been flown over from somewhere else. That in every situation, there are so many different components to be thought about in order to make the decision that makes the most sense for the environment and for all. Right, Randi? [laughs]
Randi 19:47
Right! I'm just like, yees, preach!
Jordan 19:49
Yeah.
Randi 19:50
Woo! [laughs] Yeah, I...um, I...echo that. That, and...add to that, like, yeah, it's not just a matter of your body too...it's your...your privilege and what you...what you have access to and so, you know, and I, I've said this a m—, I've said...definitely said this a million times, like, the problem...you know, when you...when you have that purest mentality and you're like, you know, "lentils for the win!", but you're saying it to someone who is indigenous and they don't have access to clean water. How are you gonna...how are you gonna boil your lentils and...and, you know, without...without—? Well, I think it costs a lot of money to get bottled water for some indigenous communities, here in Canada, even. And so, you're telling people to, you know, to try to, like, have a diet that consists of that when it's much easier to go out, like Dom said, and hunt and...and get your own meal from that. But I will say, I think, the problem is capitalism. [laughs]
Dom 20:57
Hm mm. I think you know you're right, there. [laughs] That's a little bit [inaudible].
Jordan 20:59
Yup, just a little bit right, there. On the...on the nose!
Randi 21:05
[laughs] And um, that's what we have to fight. [laughs]
Dom 21:08
Hm mmm.
Jordan 21:09
Hm mmm. You can't hate the player, you have to hate the game. Like our system is inherently imperfect, so I don't know why we're all forced to be perfect. And in this system that is probably imperfect than we are. So yeah, I totally...agree...with all of that
Mimi & Randi 21:21
Hm mmm.
Dom 21:22
Randi and I have a thing where we are starting to like, when we get annoyed at ourselves, if we don't show up in the way that we want to, in the moment, because of our conditioning, that we...I was gonna say blas— what..oh...how would you say it, like what's the word I'm looking for, like we...
Randi 21:41
F...F the society? [laughs]
Jordan 21:44
[laughs]
Dom 21:44
Yeah, we...we...we focus on...our frustrations to the...to, yeah, systematic conditioning, or the society, or capitalism, or whatever it is and name that being the problem rather than putting the blame on ourselves.
Mimi 21:59
Hm mmm.
Randi 22:00
Hm mmm.
Dom 22:00
Because then it separates, like, yeah, us with what...how we have...a world that we've been brought up into and the things that we're trying to unlearn and undo.
Randi 22:10
It's the compassion, like, we've been conditioned...
Dom 22:13
Yeah!
Randi 22:13
...in this world, to be a certain way, to act a certain way. And then when we....we get really upset with ourselves, it's like, "No, actually F society! They're the ones that screwed us up!" [laughs]
Dom 22: 22
Yeah! Exactly! [laughs] Yeah...
Mimi 22:25
I was gonna say, going back, Dom, to what you were saying about perfectionism, like, I think that is definitely, like, a symptom of capitalism. Just, we're so conditioned to be this, like, cog in a production machine, right?
Dom 22:36
Hm mmm. Yeees.
Mimi 22:37
And that, like, we're so trained that, like, productivity and...and the finished product, and the final product, and this beauty of the thing: that's what's important, right? And so, like, every time I get caught up in my own, like, perfectionism, I always have to, like, draw myself back and be like, "No!", like, "I'm not giving into this capitalistic system!".
Randi 22:56
Nice.
Dom 22:57
Yeah. Good for you! That's exactly it. Yeah. Just this obsession with product, and outcome, and the drive that is instilled into us to be able to work in that way, is...it takes a lot of...a lot of undoing and a lot of, like, constant checking in with...why am I...why am I doing this? Like, this is actually a process programming and this is conditioning and is this the most...most healthy and sustainable way for me to show up? More, like...nine times out of ten, for me personally, I think, to speak for myself, but, like: absolutely not and slowing down and...there is something to that, that old slowing down, ain't there?
Randi 23:47
Hm mmm. [laughs]
Dom 23:48
Hm mmm.
Jordan 23:49
Slow and steady. I was gonna say, what helps you guys, like, take the time to be so reflective? Cause I don't know too many people, at least in my personal life, who go on a...on a regular basis, check in like that, look at the bigger picture. Do you guys find that— I know, Dom you mentioned meditation. Do you find that's been what's really helpful on this journey? Like...
Dom 24:10
Yes! Actually, um, meditation and healing practices have been huge in my...my personal journey. I think, for me... I've been doing a lot of breathwork recently. And that has been—
Jordan 24:28
What's breathwork? Just...just so...just in case any of our listeners are unaware of what breathwork is.
Dom 24:33
Yeah, it's...we...I practice a type of breathwork called breathwave. And it is a conscious, connected breath. So you're learning to breathe into the full capacity of your body, which is something that we have all forgotten how to do, because of the systems and society that we have been brought into...that we each have a very unique breathing pattern, that is actually reflective of the way that we show up in the world. So people that breathe, like, shallow into that chest and don't breathe down into their...their gut, often might not be very grounded. And...like, there's...there's a real correlation between the way that we breathe and the way that we are and navigate through the world. And so, by learning to breathe into your entire being, and, like, sort of hm, flatten out the kinks and allow the breath to actually flow through us, um, and circulate that lifeforce energy, it helps to access any stuck energy that may come from trauma, repression, emotional blocks...and it helps them come to the surface and release, so that we are able to heel. And it has been very transformative for me and it also...that's just one of the things, it regulates the nervous system, helps you get into the parasympathetic rather than the sympathetic nervous system. We're always in this state of, like, we were just talking about Mimi, that overdrive of constantly having to achieve and stuff, like, we're constantly in the sympathetic nervous system, whereas entering into the parasympathetic is that rest, recuperate...this, this the state that our nervous system is when we are resting, when we are ab—....and the only way that you can heal is if you're in that state of rest. The body can't heal when we are in that sort of heightened sympathetic nervous state. And so...but through the breath, in breathwave, we...it is done in ceremony. And hm...One of the things that I have found, how it has sort of really helped my deepening into this work is...we, we actually like to say prayers to the Earth and to all the elements and so, you start to develop relationship with, like, fire, for example, fire and what does fire teach us, and the Earth, what does the Earth teach us, and then water, what...what is it that water teaches us one of the lessons of water. And these are indigenous practices that are, you know, I just think the most...just important medicine during this time to actually start listening to the wisdom of the Earth. And so, the spiritual nature that has come from those practices has helped me enter into right relationship with our surroundings and therefore makes me want to show up in the best way that I can. And it...I think it...another piece to it too, is that I think for me spirituality is...helps us to...to really see our interconnectedness. So it is a way in to, yeah, to seeing that interconnectedness. And when we...when we do tap into that and realize that we are all influencing each other all the time and that we are all...we are one. Then you start realizing that you are a puzzle piece in something bigger. And then it's like well, what...what kind of puzzle piece do I want to be, what kind of...what kind of cog do I want to be, and how...what are the actions that need to be taken in order to do my bit.
Jordan 29:05
I...can't follow that up very well. [laughs]
Jordan 29:08
What puzzle piece are you Randi?
Dom 29:10
[laughs]
Randi 29:13
Hm...Well, I...I'm a...so... as I...Jordan, I think that you said you watch the panel, the spirituality panel. I don't know if Mimi you watched it as well, but hm...so I...As you learned in that, I'm not a religious person, but I do believe in the connection of human beings and, like Dom was talking about, we're all connected. And what I...what really keeps me motivated and really...really reminds me what I'm doing...that I'm doing the right thing, is seeing the change happen with the people that I am engaged with. So you know, it's educating them on...like, my...my friend, one of my best friends now. She buys reusable...reusable paper towels and biodegradable products and she is all...in love with the toothbrush that I bought her, as well. And it's moved to her husband, you know? He called me one day, he's like, "Hey, can we go to Kensington market? I need to get some bio stuff". And, I was like [laughs] "Yes, this is great!". And it's...it's watching the shifts happen with people, is what keeps me inspired. You know? Yeah.
Dom 30:31
Hmm.. beautiful...
Mimi 30:33
Two themes that both Imperfect Eco-Hero and Start the Wave have in common, is this emphasis on building community and the focus on empowering individuals to be their own change makers, or wave makers, as we're now going to call it, if you don't mind, Dom?
Dom 30:47
Yeees. Urh, please!
Mimi 30:50
What do you think, or why do you think, both are so crucial and sometimes lacking for making long—...making a long lasting difference within the environmental movement?
Dom 31:00
Oooh, yes! Two, like, just super important things, I think that when we are part of something bigger, we feel...and we feel connected to others that are on a similar journey to us, it helps us feel a sense of belonging. And I...yeah, I think that that's like a huge part of what being human is. And so, for us, we really want to put a lot of emphasis on the building of our community so that we don't feel as alone in the process. And we don't feel like the only crazy one in the village that trying to, you know, implement changes in some places in the world and...and actually through this amazing tool that we now have, what with the internet, like, using it to raise the vibration, and create those connections, so that we can say like, "Hey, I'm doing exactly the same thing in Sydney! Like, oh my gosh!! Like, teach me!! Like, did you...did you run up against any...any issues when you were trying to implement this? Like,...". And then we can help one another, and support one another, so that we stay engaged and stay excited about the prospect of creating change, rather than getting swamped into the negative, which can so very easily happen, and I have very much felt the weight of it, a lot. My dad was...is an activist in the UK and when I was growing up, before I left home, he was often talking about just how messed up the world was and how we're all doomed. Essentially, it's all goi—...it's going downhill and there's nothing we can do...or not that there's nothing we can do, but just really, like, unsure of what...the more he learned, the more he was, like, "it is...we're in a really, really bad way, Dom!". And I was, just "I don't really know what to do with all this information, on my own" and I think that as we have developed our team, Rans, I think, this past...however long, especially during COVID, and supporting one another through the journey and building closer relationships...Like, it's really show me the strength of when you put awesome people together that have a similar mission, shit gets done.
Randi 33:41
Yeah.
Dom 33:41
And it's like, yes!! And then it's so exciting and we're building something together. I'm sure...I'm curious to hear about...for you how it's been too...building the Imperfect Eco-Hero, but how much, like, it helps to make those connections and...and build upon that. Yeah. Does anyone want to jump in and talk about community before I speak to the other piece of the question?
Mimi 34:05
I was gonna say, this actually came up in our conversation with Laura who's Back to Earth, so another Start the Wave, hm...friend.
Dom 34:14
Hm...Aaw...
Mimi 34:15
Yeah, yeah, just this idea of like, you— like, you can do work on your own, but it's the work that you do in community and a part of community that really will have impacts and that will...will just, like, make you feel good, like, the work alone can make you feel very isolated, and can get you to be very frustrated with yourself, but the community work, that's where the real like empowerment is.
Dom 34:39
Hm hmm. Beautiful.
Jordan 34:42
You know, what I was gonna say, is what I found really interesting about, like, reaching out to people, is that how many people feel the exact same way about, like, what we're dealing with. I know we recently talked to Crystal Ambrose the..
Mimi 34:54
Yes, the...
Randi 34:55
Bahamas plastic...
Jordan 34:55
...the Bahamas— Yeah, she single handedly got the Bahamas to ban all single use plastics and, like, she's developed kids programs, so like, teach them about how to make a difference, and like, how to reach out to policy makers. Like, she's incredible! Sorry, the Italian in me keeps whacking this microphone! Hm...hmm...
[general laughter]
Jordan 34:14
But, I remember we reached out and we made a post about her, and she was like "thanks for highlighting me, like, you totally didn't have to, I'm so not an Eco-Hero" and I was like, "you got the Bahamas to ban single use plastic, if you're not an Eco-Hero....!!!!".
Dom 34:25
Wooow.
Jordan 34:27
She's like yeah, "I feel imperfect all the time, like, I feel like I'm not making a difference". I was like, "Lord help the rest of us!! I've done...I've done nothing. I think I threw up my cup in the wrong bin and she's got the Bahamas to ban all single use plastic." And it was just cool that, like, someone....someone who's making such a big difference feels just as insecure and anxious, and feels like they're not making a difference too. And that's been really nice, cause we've had a lot of people reach out to us saying that we're inspiring them. And I was like, "Are you sure it's us or our guests who are talking?" and so it's been...I don't know, really hopeful.
Dom 36:00
But it's like, that's the thing, right? It's like, it is a domino effect and it's the waves that we're talking about, it's the ripples that are created and...and...and if we add in connection to that, too, of like, putting...joining forces, or you know, stron— being stronger together, like...It's so awesome that you were then able to hold space for the Bahamas project to then be able to spread their message, that then has an impact, and it just continues growing like that. So I, like, literally think about it as, like, but if we have the world's, like, because we have the internet as such an amazing tool, like, just creating this like web of change makers or wave makers all around the globe that then together...it just helps raise the vibrations of it. And bringing hope, like you say, like, that.... Oh, actually we don't have to look far to see, Meg says this, on My Kind of People the podcast. She says you don't actually have to look far to find people that are doing amazing work, beautiful people. And if we just connect them all, you know, that creates a huge movement of awesome, awesome beings. And I think it just amplifies the change that we're able to make.
Jordan 37:20
Hm hmm. You want to hear something really random? [laughs] Sorry...
Dom 37:22
#RanDom? Yeah! Sure! [laughs]
Jordan 37:23
...every time I say random now... This is gonna—... It's a slight off—...It's gonna start off off topic, but it's going to come back. I swear, it will come right around. Do you know what the name Waverly means? Just out of curiosity.
Dom 37:35
Hmm… No!
Jordan 37:37
So it means meadow of aspen trees. And so aspen trees are really cool. They're the trees that’s known as the hero tree. And people would seek out aspen trees to protect themselves and not from other people, but from their own inner demons. So, hm...
Dom 37:54
Ohhh! Wooooow!
Mimi 37:57
So cool!
Jordan 37:57
Yeah! So people would actually seek out aspen trees to become...like, use their truth, use their wisdom, overcome those demons, to then become the person they're meant to be, which is what I find so crazy about this whole experience. Is...is that Start the Wave is like our aspen tree. It's like a safe community for us to...kind of work on our own inner demons to become the people we want to be. But what's so cool about Waverly is it's not just one tree, it's a meadow of aspen trees. So what's so cool about aspen trees is they...They're also known to, like, spread the word of God, like, love, community and compassion.
Dom 38:33
Wooow!!
Jordan 38:34
So I think it's kind of like...almost like it was meant to be, like, I always see this as, like, we're just an aspen tree in Waverly's meadow of aspen trees.
Dom 38:45
Woow!!
Mimi 38:46
I love that, Jordan!
Jordan 38:46
Because Waverly was, like, your aspen tree...
Dom 38:49
Yeah!
Jordan 38:49
...and then you started Start the Wave. And so what I love about this...this whole message in general— cause I feel like, this is just really...it blew my mind when I found it out— It's just like, what's so great about the work that you're doing is you're not just inspiring people to be better versions of themselves. It's like taking that and then using it to be that for other people. And so, I thought I'd just throw that tidbit in because when I found that out...this is exactly what we're talking about. We're just a...aspen tree in...in Waverly's meadow of aspen trees.
Dom 39:22
Wow, that is amaazing! And I can't believe I didn't know that before! And it really is, it just, again...it's just more proof that all of this was absolutely supposed to go this way, you know?
Jordan 39:33
Yeah, right?
Dom 39:35
And, like, Waverly was, as you say, just like such a huge inspiration to me and um...yeah, I love that so much! It's like...as well, like, you imagine this meadow full of trees, it's like we're all in this together. And you know, we're all equals and strong and have roots and ooh! Like it just got such a beautiful image.
Jordan 40:00
Right? And trees are so great because they’re all about regrowth, too, which is, I think, so true about just our, like, everyone's journey in general and like just their own battles with their inner demons. It's gonna come again and again and it's all about just constantly like finding your...your space, and like, overcoming those demons and being your own hero tree. Which is what I love so much about finding out that aspen trees are known as the hero tree, is that they're like the hero of their own lives, which is, I think, a lot of us don't often focus on, is like saving ourselves first before helping save other people. Yes. I just thought it was cool.
Mimi 40:31
That’s so cool! I love that. Love it!
Dom 40:38
Beautiful!
Jordan 40:40
Yeah, sorry. Segue. I just...I figured I had to say this...
Dom 40:43
That is so important, and you’re kidding me? That's like, yes. Lift that up. Like, what a beautiful, like, lesson and how...it’s so interesting! We all get something completely different, like, because of its own unique experience and like from...from this just...the most mad, like, when you actually like put it out like that, like, what a...what...what a turn of events, you know, what a turn of events that they one thing leading to the next and, like... I mean, Waverly was just such a savior in my life. I just...she just changed, like, fundamentally shifted something for me and just inspired just a whole... Yeah! Wow! Sorry I don't have any words. I'm just processing what you're saying. And it's... it kind of blows my mind, to tell you the truth, of how we've got to this place and where we continue going and... Now seeing, like, the amazing work that you're doing and how you're gonna inspire so many people, and then we're just gonna keep continue growing. This community...
Jordan 41:49
Into this big meadow of aspen trees.
Dom 41:50
Yeah!
Jordan 41:51
But it's also cool that that's what you took from her too and decided to continue, like, to literally start the wave, like Waverly is literally gonna help save the world. Just, one tree at a time.
Dom 42:04
Hm mmm. And isn’t it funny that Start the WAVE and then WAVErly... like it's...it's veryyy...
Jordan 42:09
I thought you did it on purpose. I thought, I thought it was kind of on purpose.
Mimi 42:09
I was just thinking that, yeah...
Dom 42:12
Interest— It kind of wasn't. Was it?
Jordan 42:15
Oh interesting. Okay.
Dom 42:16
Noo...Not really. Like...I...I think...I mean, I remember thinking “that's quite funny that..that waves and Waverly” and it's all very...
Jordan 42:28
Wave makers.
Dom 42:29
Wave makers, all that stuff... But I don’t...it was more about like... I remember, initially, when I was looking for a name, I came from like, Wave Makers, thought like, uh, not Wave Makers, um, not Start the Wave, but like Making Waves. Like, it was gonna be something to do with making waves, cause of just, like, the ripple effect. Cause that was really what's coming through from that, sort of like, the planting a seed and it growing and it creating ripples. So it was like, yeah, wave...wave makers, like, something like that. And then, of course, there's just so much stuff on the internet about wave makers and whatever. And when you go through the process of trying to find a name for something, like, you have to go through a whole bunch of stuff before you get to the actual ones that you land on. And I’m soooo glad that it ended up where it—, you know, the name is. It is exactly what it was always supposed to be. And, and yes, it's...there is this kind of a nice little nod of...of Waverly in there too, in a kind of subtle way, but that was never intentional.
Jordan 43:34
Hm, did not know that. But that’s cool. Sorry, not to take away—... We can go back to community now!
Dom 43:43
But it's reminding me, Rans, real quick, of like, in the past— over the past...I mean how long has it been since we've known each other?
Randi 43:49
Five year! [laughs]
Dom 43:49
We’ve moved quite close—... Really, so when...that was the first time...hoooly! Five years..!
Randi 43:58
Um, but, August...August last year.
Dom 43:58
But we’ve... But anyway, I’ll [inaudible] because.. yeah and, we've got closer, more recently and developed our friendship. And the amount of time or... the amount of times that...having conversations with Randi about my activism, how much that has influenced and helped me see the way that I do want to show up, it's been huuuge and that’s that community piece and that empowering individuals, like... Having Randi reflect back to me that I'm an activist, for example, was huge!
Randi 44:41
A rockstar activist!
Dom 44:42
And, like, I mean, I don't know if I can identify as an activist! And Rams is like “What?!” You know, it's like that same thing with the Bahamas project, them saying to you, like, “I'm not an eco-hero”, and you're like “Uh, excuse me!!”. And it’s through those...it’s through those reflections and those connections that we lift each other up, I think, and I...yeah. I've very much felt that within our relationship and I hope that I will continue to lift you up and tell you how amazing you are and the work that you do, cause it's so apparent to me, right? And sometimes we need those relationships to be able to see our own light.
Randi 45:26
Hm mmm. Yeah, and I think that… I really don't think that people can do it on their own. I mean, Crystal did it. But she did it with the support of people, you know, people on the outside...
Dom 45:38
Right, yeah.
Randi 45:40
...telling her that she…
Dom 45:41
In community.
Randi 45:38
Yeah, exactly. Like, encouraging them, being like, “Yeah, yeah, like, go for it!”. You know, I’m... I'm... I mean, I'm just guessing. But...but the reason I am where I am, is because I had that support at some point in time, you know? And, you know, same thing with you Dom, you’re...you’ve stepped into your activism, your activist title, with that support... So it's like, yes, you know, the individual, it's... it's really important for their..., you know, to take those steps, but I think that community is the thing that backs you into taking those steps.
Dom 46:12
Hm mmm. Yes! And, really... really exciting bit of information, like, we're really building, at the moment, the community piece and we've...we're creating a platform to be able to really connect people and um... and really create that sense of community. So, I’m just like, eeeeeee!!!! [= excited squeal] Like, what we've, you know,... hearing that you've spoken to other Start the Wave funded projects, and that you've made those connections with Laura, and, you know, already organically!! It’s just, like, the most exciting thing, right? Because we're… it’s like...essentially doing exactly what we are talking about building community but then being able to actually, like, bring a home, you know, and offer a home to… and a real safe container for all of that awesome stuff to..to go down. It's like, it’s really exciting.
Randi 47:13
And I think that intention was there, but I don't think we quite envisioned...
Dom 47:17
We didn’t have the—
Randi 47:18
...how it would look! Right?
Dom 47:20
Yeah! And we were just...weren't quite there yet, in the evolution of... we didn't have the tools or the bandwidth. And now we're at a place where we're like, we can actually do this and we can visualize it and through our connections within our many communities, the team, like, we have been in each other’s conversations about what's important and belonging and how... how we can offer that to the community, and, yeah, be of service.
Mimi 47:49
Yeah, sometimes it's important just to, like, just do it! Just act! You know? Like, don't sit and think and flesh out all these details. Just get started and all of this other beautiful stuff will come, right? Just as you’re saying.
Dom 47:59
Yeah. Exactly.
Randi 48:01
Find yourself some good people who will also encourage you.
Mimi 48:04
Hm mmm.
Dom 48:05
Hm mmm.
Jordan 48:06
I was… I was ac— gonna say, a lot of the Start the Wave groups, not just Laura, a lot of them have been really amazing and super supportive online. Like, we all share each other's content, they constantly reach out asking to help, we've had the other Laura too, from Kinsugi on. Like, everyone's been, like, crazy supportive, like, people will constantly reach out asking how you're doing. Yeah, like, it's... like, you guys have definitely helped foster community just within the first round of funded projects, for sure.
Mimi 48:36
Yeah..
Jordan 48:37
Yeah.
Dom 48:37
That’s awesome to hear!
[several people speaking at the same time, inaudible]
Randi 48:40
Yaaay!
Dom: 48:41
Wooooo!
Jordan 48:41
You did it!
Dom 48:43
WE did it!
Jordan 48:43
Um, but I’m excited to see what's coming down the line for Start the Wave too, like, do you have any idea when we could see those new things?
Dom 48:50
The communities. There's a heavy lift that's about to happen. Danielle and I are communicating about that and realizing that there's going to be some...a lot of work that goes into it. I don't know when... we will actually see it up an0d running, but it's like, really, cogs are in motion, we're in full swing now. So, the platform has been chosen, we’re going to then we're going through the process of setting it all up. We have two amazing new volunteers that are...have lots of experience in community building and we’ll put our heads together. So that is definitely coming, to be...to be determined. I don't want to give you a date cause I’ve..I’ve got no idea, we’ll pluck it out of my arse, no idea! [laughs]
Jordan 49:32
[laughs] No, no, just, just to...more to keep people excited over, like, more new changes that are coming, like, Start the Wave’s way.
Dom 49:39
Yeah. Const—The constant evolution of Start the Wave is where I see it. It's just, yeah, we're continuously growing and finding ways to create more change, more of an impact for all of the communities so that we can all be in community together too. Like, I'm super excited to have a Start the Wave profile and be able to, like, see what's going on and support you in the ways that I can. You know, like, that's such an exciting prospect.
Jordan 50:12
Hm mmm. Especially after COVID too, I think… I think a lot of people are craving, yeah, community and connection, or at least, I definitely am, for sure.
Mimi 50:20
Yeah, totally.
Randi 50:21
Hm mm.
Dom 50:22
Agreed
Jordan 50:23
Hm mmm.
Mimi 50:24
Jordan, I started this, so you can wrap up.
Jordan 50:26
Let's do it. Okay, considering you guys are our role models, we’re curious if you guys have any one in particular that was, like, super inspiring on...on your own environmental journey. Or like a group, a person, groups of people. We're just curious who...who...who were your eco-heroes?
Dom 50:44
Hm mmm. You wanna go first, Rans?
Randi 50:47
Sure. Hm...Mine was Elizabeth May. Hands down. She's one of my...one of my...good friends. But she's just such a warrior for the environment. And...and she's done it. She has been an activist since she was seven years old with her parents and she's...she's fought against the patriarchy [laughs] her whole career and uh misogyny and she's done such a good job and and she... has been nominated the best parliamentarian, yeah, a couple of times, I think. But she...she just...it's so inspiring and so classy, especially when you know her, personally. She...yeah, she...she really, in every way that she can, walks the walk. She got married on Earth Day to her..her...her husband and they had Tesla's that took them away and, you know? She walks around with her little reusable napkins. So, she really...she really lives a life as best she can. And so she’s...she's near you Dom, so if you ever want to meet Elizabeth... [laughs]
Dom 52:13
[laughs] Cool!. She sounds pretty epic. [laughs]
Jordan 52:16
I know, I was gonna say!
Randi 52:17
Yeah, she’s pretty awesome. But, but she is one of the big people who inspired me, definitely. And Dom also inspires me, for making Start the Wave and wanting to make these changes. [laughs] I see that you’re…! [laughs]
Jordan 52:16
[laughing] Dom’s face when you said that!
Randi 52:34
[laughs]
Dom 52:36
Really??
Randi 52:36
Yes!
Dom 52:37
Hm.
Randi 52:38
Dom, you inspire me, for wanting to make this community, to make these changes, of course.
Dom 52:44
Yeah...
Randi 52:45
That's why I wanted to be a part of Start the Wave, because it was...it was just so inspiring to me.
Dom 52:49
Hm...Thank you. And as...for me, the person who's popping up is Elliot Page. Elliot Page was...is a huge inspiration to me and their documentary There's Something in the Water. I think, for me personally, just because of my journey with having a platform and having a, for want of a better term, influence, the influence that comes with having a platform that people are listening to. It was...it was huge to see somebody with that amount of influence actually use his voice to really spread some truths about what is going on and...and use that power and that privilege wisely. And I am constantly inspired by that, and it's...it's scary too, like, sometimes when I just...cause because I'm so inspired by that, there's...there's a piece of me that is clearly so called to that real activism...activist work and...And yeah, of course there's...there's the inner demons and the things that we need to...to work with at the same time, to get to that place, and so I'm just, yeah… He's been definitely a beacon of light of going, you know... We aspire...we aspire to that, for sure, of being able to really just speak to things in a way that cuts through all the shit, and just... Yeah, and just be really, really authentic in...in that truth. Yeah, so Elliot Page definitely is a big one for me.
Jordan 55:04
Those are two great ones!
Mimi 55:06
Yeah. Really good! Both Canadians, too!
Jordan 55:09
Yeah, I was gonna say!
Dom 55:13
[laughs] Didn't even think of that.
Jordan 55:16
Would you guys consider yourself eco-heroes, just out of curiosity?
Dom 55:20
Imperfect...eco-heroes!!!
Randi 55:21
I was just gonna say imperfect, Dom!! [laughs] I was JUST about to say that! [laughs]
Mimi 55:27
Love that!
Randi 55:28
Yes! Definitely an imperfect eco-hero, for sure.
Mimi 55:32
Well, welcome to the community!
Dom 55:32
Yeah!
Jordan 55:33
Yeah! Welcome to the club!
Dom 55:37
[laughs] Yeah...
Jordan 55:39
Thanks ev— Thanks everyone, for... oh, sorry, go for it, if there’s...
Randi 55:42
No, no!
Dom 55:42
No, I...yeah. I just... literally just before we jumped on, my housemate was like "Oh, what's the podcast you're doing?", I was like “Imperfect Eco-Heroes” and she was like, "Oh, that's a-maazing!" Like she loved it so much. And so when you asked me, like, “are you an eco-hero?”... The... the thing that is so awesome about the title Imperfect Eco-Hero is that... we are...we are all doing our best but we are all imperfect in our journey. And so yes, I'm an imperfect eco-hero and I'm... a proud imperfect eco-hero. [laughs]
Mimi 56:20
I love that!
Jordan 56:21
Love that! ... Yeah!
Dom 56:22
Well, thank you SO much!!
Mimi 56:23
No, thank you!
Jordan 56:24
Yeah, I was gonna say, thank you!
Randi 56:27
Yeah!
Mimi 56:27
Yeah... You guys, both of you, were such a pleasure to chat with.
Jordan 56:29
Hm mmm!
Randi 56:29
Aww. Same!
Dom 56:30
Hmm... Likewise…
Mimi 56:32
Exactly!
Dom 56:33
Yeah, it's totally our pleasure and just keep your am—... amazing work that you're doing. It's so inspiring. I can't even tell you, I just...
Mimi 56:40
You too.
Jordan 56:41
Thanks! That means a lot. Because it doesn't feel like it, sometimes, at least um...in-between interviewing people, like how are we doing enough?
Dom 56:49
I think that's very normal and very human. And I can relate to that feeling so...well... so much. Like, just constantly feeling like, uuuh am I doing enough? Am I doing it right? Is this… is this okay? You know, just those layers of self doubt, but you're doing a freaking amazing...amazing job.
Jordan 57:09
Yeah, we're creating waves!
Dom 57:11
Yeah!
Jordan 57:11
We’re wave makers!
Mimi 57:12
Wave makers, yeah!
Dom 57:13
Hm mmm! Yeah!
Mimi 57:15
Self celebration. Everyone needs a bit more of it.
Dom 57:18
Yeah!
Mimi 57:18
Maybe not everyone, but…
[general laughter]
Jordan 57:21
Yeah! I was gonna say “Not everyone!”...
Mimi 57:22
The environmentalists!
[general laughter]
Dom 57:25
Eco-heroes. Imperfect eco-heroes!
Mimi 57:26
Yeah! Imperfect eco-heroes.
Jordan 57:27
THEY need it more!
Mimi 57:28
Yeah! [laughs]
Jordan 57:30
But yeah, no, thank you...thank you, guys, for everything!
Mimi 57:32
Thank you so much, yeah!
Dom 57:34
You’re so welcome.
Jordan 57:34
We're here because of you, so. So, thanks for this.
Dom 57:37
So yaay!
[outro]
Mimi 57:38
Thanks for listening to this episode of Imperfect Eco-Hero. Stay connected with us through our instagram @Imperfect_ecohero or email us at imperfectecohero@gmail.com. If you want to learn more about our podcast or see resources related to this episode, visit our website imperfectecohero.com.
