In this heartful and energizing episode of The Sustainable Act, I sit down in person with climate justice leader and social entrepreneur Kevin J. Patel—and it’s been years in the making!

From his family's roots as climate migrants in Gujarat, India, to founding OneUpAction International and passing the groundbreaking Youth Climate Commission, Kevin opens up about his powerful journey, the importance of youth voices, and what it means to be a young brown leader in a space that wasn’t built for us.

Together, Smiely and Kevin reflect on friendship, community, and how staying rooted in culture and values has helped them navigate—and reshape—the climate movement.

Whether you're an aspiring changemaker or a longtime activist, this episode is a reminder that we all belong in the fight for a just and sustainable future.

Tune in to hear:

- Kevin’s earliest memories of growing food with his father in South Central LA

- What fuels his vision for youth empowerment and intersectional climate action

- The importance of showing up as your full self in advocacy spaces

Learn more about Kevin and his organization below:

https://www.imkevinjpatel.com/

https://oneupaction.org/our-story/

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In this powerful episode of The Sustainable Act, I sit down with 22-year-old social entrepreneur and changemaker JC Arce to explore how lived experience fuels meaningful impact.

JC opens up about navigating homelessness and systemic barriers as a queer, BIPOC, first-generation youth—and how those challenges shaped his mission to build resilient, community-rooted systems for sustainability and justice.

Together, we dive into the intersections of policy, culture, grassroots organizing, and economic development—plus a behind-the-scenes look at what’s ahead for LA Climate Week 2025.

JC’s story is a testament to courage, creativity, and the power of showing up for your people.

🎧 Tune in for a raw and inspiring conversation on reclaiming agency, cultivating emotional sustainability in movements, and why real change always starts with community.

Links below:

https://collidescope.foundation/

https://laclimateweek.com/

https://www.thesustainableact.com/

Have you ever felt like you’re juggling everything yet wondering if you’re even doing it right? Same. In this cozy journal-entry-style episode, I’m reflecting on life, growth, and the journey of building my dream while managing imposter syndrome, stress, and self-doubt.

Join me as I share updates from the past year—exciting milestones like stepping out of my comfort zone, breathwork techniques that have become my secret weapon against spiraling, and the power of slowing down to refuel ambition. I’ll also dive into how practices like Pilates and yoga have taught me the art of balance, both in body and mind, and how I’ve applied those lessons to my work and life.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder to embrace the messy middle, breathe through the hard moments, and keep showing up—even when self-doubt creeps in. By the end, I hope you’ll feel inspired to take that leap, challenge your comfort zone, and trust the process.

Grab your favourite cozy drink, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in.

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