Create and Consume

The defining pop culture moments of the 2020’s (so far) - Ep 112

The last 5 years have been a wild ride, but what have been the biggest pop culture moments of the 2020s so far? In this episode we're looking back at the defining cultural moments that shaped the first half of one of the craziest decades ever—from the COVID-19 pandemic and the explosion of TikTok to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, Barbenheimer, the streaming wars, AI, GLP-1's, the nostalgia boom, and the changing role of social media. We'll explore how entertainment, celebrity culture, technology, and the creator economy have evolved since 2020, why shared cultural moments still matter in an era of personalized algorithms, and what these trends reveal about the way we consume media today. Whether you've been following every viral moment or simply want a nostalgic look back at the biggest trends of the 2020s, this episode unpacks the pop culture moments that defined the decade so far—and what they might mean for the future. Mentioned in episode 112: Mid-year reset vlog [https://youtu.be/i_NHqjdZPRY] Bustle Zoom interview [https://www.bustle.com/p/what-makeup-should-you-wear-for-video-calls-three-experts-offer-their-wfh-advice-22629355] Bella Poarch viral video [https://www.tiktok.com/@.vinnyz/video/7638077759180295455] TikTok ban and sale episode [https://youtu.be/OlBa_m0RErg] Taylor Swift regains masters [https://www.billboard.com/pro/taylor-swift-regains-control-master-recordings-shamrock/] Eras tour recap episode [https://youtu.be/RIRt2Hdu_cc] Acquired podcast NFL episode [https://www.acquired.fm/episodes/the-nfl] 2000’s fashion nostalgia episode [https://youtu.be/pJhNpzPTsUk] Made to measure fashion [https://fashionista.com/2018/12/made-to-measure-custom-clothing-brands] Influencers lying about being on GLP-1’s [https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahlizzy_/video/7659208445748432159] The Social Reckoning trailer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM4LkaXwGuY] Follow Create & Consume: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@createandconsumepod] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createandconsumepod/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createandconsumepod/] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/createandconsumepod/] Follow Austen: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/austentosone] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austentosone/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@austentosone] | Blog [https://www.keepcalmandchiffon.com/] Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com [createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com] Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ [https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/] Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

Habits that keep me grounded in busy seasons - Ep 111

Feeling overwhelmed, out of routine, or like life has been moving at 100 miles an hour? Yeah, same! In this episode, I'm sharing the simple daily habits that help me stay grounded during busy seasons of life. Whether it's a packed summer schedule, a demanding work season, or just one of those weeks where everything seems to happen at once, these routines help me slow down, feel more present, and create a sense of balance. We'll talk about morning rituals, planning your week with intention, making time for hobbies and the small wellness habits that help prevent burnout before it starts. If you're looking for realistic self-care tips, healthy habits and productivity routines this episode is for you. Mentioned in episode 111: 4 things I’m weirdly passionate about [https://www.instagram.com/p/DadlWxAtqYr/] Wedding day story time episode [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHvQpid7v5E] Atomic Habits by James Clear [https://amzn.to/4vRAIGW] Notion goals & planning hub [https://austentosone.com/products/p/notion-hub] How to be your healthiest self episode [https://youtu.be/zfKin_LgdKU?si=fAp_VBAalRjxfUNe] Try the Peloton app [https://bit.ly/4f4nmQq] Hot girl walk essentials [https://liketk.it/6hTVR] Salmon bowls recipe [https://www.instagram.com/p/DXNSlPfjyOz/] Chicken meatballs recipe [https://cocinarepublic.com/greek-chicken-meatballs-with-lemon-orzo/] Tara’s YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@imtaramichelle] Brooke’s YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@brookemiccio/] Amber’s YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@byamberburns] Taylor’s YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorMorello] Top 4 TV shows, movies episode [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaoYoIIwWD4] Follow Create & Consume: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@createandconsumepod] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createandconsumepod/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createandconsumepod/] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/createandconsumepod/] Follow Austen: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/austentosone] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austentosone/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@austentosone] | Blog [https://www.keepcalmandchiffon.com/] Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com [createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com] Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ [https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/] Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

2000s fashion nostalgia: malls, catalogues & Y2K style - Ep 110

Before Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, discovering fashion was a completely different experience. Today we’re taking a nostalgic trip back to the fashion moments that defined growing up in the late '90s and 2000s. From flipping through Teen Vogue and Delia's catalogs to spending weekends at the mall browsing Limited Too, Hollister, Abercrombie, and Forever 21, we're revisiting the stores, magazines, TV shows, celebrities, and trends that shaped style in the early aughts. We’ll also talk about Polyvore and Tumblr, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan, Juicy Couture tracksuits, UGGs and why discovering fashion before social media felt so much more intentional. Whether you lived through this era or you're simply fascinated by 2000s fashion nostalgia, this episode is a love letter to the pre-algorithm days of personal style. Mentioned in episode 110: Bang bang salmon bowls [https://www.instagram.com/p/DXNSlPfjyOz/] Our Perfect Storm [https://amzn.to/4wvBxWb] My retail job episode [https://youtu.be/-3yhi7Ii4XY] The Teen Vogue Handbook [https://amzn.to/4eIwNoJ] Lauren Conrad Style [https://amzn.to/43VUZPu] True Whit [https://amzn.to/3SLVgC5] Erin Miller [https://www.instagram.com/overthemoonfaraway/] Katie Steinberg [https://www.instagram.com/itskatesteinberg/] Nicole Dent [https://www.instagram.com/nicolestorydent/] You Had to Be There podcast [https://www.instagram.com/yh2btpod/] Follow Create & Consume: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@createandconsumepod] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createandconsumepod/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createandconsumepod/] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/createandconsumepod/] Follow Austen: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/austentosone] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austentosone/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@austentosone] | Blog [https://www.keepcalmandchiffon.com/] Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com [createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com] Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ [https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/] Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

2026 book recommendations & mid-year reading update - Ep 109

My mid-year reading update is here! I am breaking down the 15 books I have read so far in 2026 to help you find your next great read from romance, to suspense, to non-fiction and more. I'll share what I've tackled so far in my 2026 reading list. If you enjoy honest book reviews (some were gems, some were skips) and want to track your own progress, you'll love this mid-year reading update. I’ll also share what’s leftover on my TBR from the beginning of the year, the summer beach reads I’m excited for and upcoming 2026 releases I can’t wait to read. Which book has been your favorite read of 2026 so far? Mentioned in episode 109: Nantucket vlog [https://youtu.be/roIfMmHj62Y] Nantucket blog post [https://keepcalmandchiffon.com/blog/nantucket-weekend-guide/] Good Hang with Jack Black [https://youtu.be/oh4AY4BSErY] In my reading era episode [https://youtu.be/58o9C0fag5w] My Goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/64682491-austen-tosone] 15 books I read so far [https://liketk.it/6gM8t] Still on my 2026 TBR [https://liketk.it/6gMa1] Follow Create & Consume: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@createandconsumepod] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createandconsumepod/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createandconsumepod/] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/createandconsumepod/] Follow Austen: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/austentosone] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austentosone/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@austentosone] | Blog [https://www.keepcalmandchiffon.com/] Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com [createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com] Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ [https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/] Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5

14 years of blogging & my top learnings through the years - Ep 108

Is blogging dead? After 14 years of running my blog, Keep Calm and Chiffon, my answer is a resounding no. I'm celebrating the 14th anniversary of the blog I started at 17 years old this week! What began as a creative outlet inspired by platforms like Tumblr and Lookbook has grown alongside me through multiple careers, a move back to New Jersey, getting married, buying a home, launching products and services, and building a full-time content creation business. I'll share the different eras of my blog, the biggest lessons I've learned from more than a decade of blogging, how the industry has evolved since 2012, and why I believe having a platform you own is more important than ever. We'll also discuss why blogs still matter in the age of TikTok and AI, the difference between owning and renting your audience online, and what creators should know before starting a blog in 2026. Mentioned in episode 108: Nantucket outfit reel [https://www.instagram.com/p/DZkjYOiN4Ro/] Nantucket vlog [https://youtu.be/roIfMmHj62Y] Nantucket blog post [https://keepcalmandchiffon.com/blog/nantucket-weekend-guide/] First blog post ever [https://keepcalmandchiffon.com/blog/here-it-goes/] Influencer 101 playlist [https://bit.ly/3Sgm5OC] The AI episode [https://youtu.be/yUyiT0Kgqsc] InfluencerSEO [https://influencerseo.com/] My SEO workshop [https://austentosone.com/products/p/seo] How to pivot episode [https://youtu.be/yDecW3Au78c] Substack episode [https://youtu.be/TAazsvLsSWo] Follow Create & Consume: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@createandconsumepod] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/createandconsumepod/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@createandconsumepod/] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/createandconsumepod/] Follow Austen: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/austentosone] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austentosone/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@austentosone] | Blog [https://www.keepcalmandchiffon.com/] Podcast inquiries can be sent to createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com [createandconsumepodcast@gmail.com] Visit the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/ [https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/] Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5