Imagine If... a Bluedot Living Podcast

What Happens When We Finally Slow Down and Notice Nature with Chris Mckleroy, NOCS Provisions

There’s a change happening. In a fast paced world, more people are craving mindfulness, connecting with nature and being present… slowing down to notice more.  In this episode of Imagine If, Janet Kraus sits down with Chris Mckleroy, founder and CEO of NOCS Provisions, to talk about birding, binoculars, sustainability, mindfulness, and the growing desire many people have to reconnect with nature. But this conversation goes far beyond outdoor gear. Janet and Chris explore how birdwatching and spending time in nature can improve awareness, mindfulness, curiosity, and our sense of interconnectedness with the natural world. They also discuss: * Why birding has exploded in popularity * How binoculars help people feel more present outdoors * Sustainable product design and reducing environmental impact * Conscious entrepreneurship and values-driven brands * Why younger generations are craving more connection to nature * The emotional and mental health benefits of slowing down outside * How businesses can build sustainability into their DNA from the beginning Chris also opens up about designing NOCS Provisions around environmental responsibility, including plastic-free packaging, carbon emissions reduction, nonprofit partnerships, and supporting organizations that help kids access outdoor experiences. Whether you love hiking, birding, camping, sustainability, mindfulness, or simply want to feel more connected to the world around you, this episode offers a thoughtful conversation about nature, design, and paying attention to the details we often miss. Learn more about NOCS Provisions: https://shop.bluedotliving.com/collections/nocs-provisions [https://shop.bluedotliving.com/collections/nocs-provisions] Be part of the Bluedot Living community At Bluedot Living, we imagine if people were actually making progress on climate change—because they actually are. Each episode of Bluedot Living Podcast shares stories of people, policies, and projects that prove your choices matter, from micro decisions at home to macro shifts in law and industry. If you want to explore our recipes, products for your home and lifestyle, and read interesting stories, you can find us BluedotLiving.com [http://bluedotliving.com/] For daily inspiration you can follow us @Bluedotliving on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluedotliving/ [https://www.instagram.com/bluedotliving/]

Beans 101 | Chickpeas, Lentils, Black Beans & Sustainable Cooking (Pantry to Dinner Series)

What if one of the best foods for your health, your wallet, and the planet has been sitting in your pantry this whole time? Part of Imagine If’s new Pantry to Dinner series, this episode explores one of the most overlooked foods in our kitchens: beans. Victoria Riskin sits down with food writer and Bluedot Living contributor Caroline Saunders to talk about why chickpeas, lentils, black beans, and even lesser-known varieties like tepary beans may deserve a bigger place in the way we cook and eat today. Caroline shares easy dinner ideas, thoughts on homemade hummus, the bean she can’t stop buying, and the ingredient hiding in your chickpea can that might completely change dessert. In this episode: * Canned beans vs. dried beans * Why legumes are good for soil health * Chickpea dinner ideas and pantry cooking * Homemade hummus and flavor upgrades * Tepary beans and Indigenous food traditions * Black beans, sofrito, and comfort meals * Lentils worth giving a second chance Shop for Beans at https://shop.bluedotliving.com/collections/food-drink [https://shop.bluedotliving.com/collections/food-drink] Explore more recipes and sustainable living inspiration at https://bluedotliving.com/sustainable-recipes/ [https://bluedotliving.com/sustainable-recipes/] Get your copy of Bluedot Living’s Magazine: https://bluedotliving.com/magazine-subscriptions/ [https://bluedotliving.com/magazine-subscriptions/] Be part of the Bluedot Living community At Bluedot Living, we imagine if people were actually making progress on climate change—because they actually are. Each episode of Bluedot Living Podcast shares stories of people, policies, and projects that prove your choices matter, from micro decisions at home to macro shifts in law and industry. If you want to explore our recipes, products for your home and lifestyle, and read interesting stories, you can find us BluedotLiving.com For daily inspiration you can follow us @Bluedotliving on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluedotliving/

The Convenience Lie: Why We Stopped Cooking (And What It’s Costing Us) | Marco Canora, Brodo & Hearth

What if the way we eat isn’t just affecting our health—but how we connect, live, and relate to one another? In this episode of Imagine If, James Beard award-winning chef and founder of Hearth and Brodo, Marco Canora, joins us for a conversation about the cultural shift toward convenience—and what we may have lost along the way. From home cooking and seasonal ingredients to the rise of ultra-processed “health” foods, this episode explores how our priorities around food have quietly changed. We talk about the role of shared meals, the impact of convenience culture, and why nourishment goes far beyond what’s on the plate. This is a conversation about food—but also about time, attention, and what it means to care for ourselves and others in a fast-moving world What we cover: * The hidden cost of convenience in modern food culture * Why cooking has become less of a priority—and what that means * The connection between food, community, and wellbeing * Whole foods vs. ultra-processed “health” products * A new way to think about nourishment in everyday life Learn more about Marco: https://bluedotliving.com/marketplace/products/brodo-broth/ [https://bluedotliving.com/marketplace/products/brodo-broth/] Stocking Your Pantry: https://bluedotliving.com/stocking-your-pantry-and-introducing-bluedot-kitchen/ [https://bluedotliving.com/stocking-your-pantry-and-introducing-bluedot-kitchen/] Be part of the Bluedot Living community At Bluedot Living, we imagine if people were actually making progress on climate change—because they actually are. Each episode of Bluedot Living Podcast shares stories of people, policies, and projects that prove your choices matter, from micro decisions at home to macro shifts in law and industry. If you want to explore our recipes, products for your home and lifestyle, and read interesting stories, you can find us BluedotLiving.com For daily inspiration you can follow us @Bluedotliving on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluedotliving/

PFAS, Microplastics & Your Tap Water: What You Need to Know with Epic Water Filters

We’ve all been told plastic is an environmental problem. But what if it’s also a human health problem—starting with the water you drink every day? In this episode, we sit down with Ash, co-founder of Epic Water Filters, to break down what’s actually in our tap water, what “clean” water really means, and how to make better choices at home without overcomplicating it. From microplastics and PFAS to heavy metals and pesticides, this conversation cuts through the noise and helps you understand what matters (and what doesn’t) when it comes to your water. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a filter—or how to choose one—this episode will give you a clear place to start. Key Takeaways: * Clean water isn’t just about clarity—it’s about what’s removed from it * Many contaminants (like PFAS and microplastics) aren’t new—we’re just more aware now * Not all water filters are created equal—transparency and testing matter * You don’t need to be perfect—small upgrades (like a pitcher or bottle filter) can make a real difference * Consumer demand is driving better, safer products in the water space Shop Epic Water Filters: https://shop.bluedotliving.com/collections/epic-water-filters-usa Be part of the Bluedot Living community At Bluedot Living, we imagine if people were actually making progress on climate change—because they actually are. Each episode of Bluedot Living Podcast shares stories of people, policies, and projects that prove your choices matter, from micro decisions at home to macro shifts in law and industry. If you want to explore our recipes, products for your home and lifestyle, and read interesting stories, you can find us BluedotLiving.com For daily inspiration you can follow us @Bluedotliving on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluedotliving/

Reducing Plastic One Small Swap at a Time with Me Mother Earth

Living more sustainably does not require perfection, it requires more intention. In this episode of Imagine If, we sit down with Amanda Runkle, founder of Me Mother Earth, a company built on one simple idea: small, everyday changes can create real impact. Amanda shares how a single product (a collapsible straw) grew into a mission-driven business helping households reduce plastic in practical, approachable ways. But this conversation goes deeper than products. We explore the hidden ways plastic shows up in our daily lives—from dental floss to packaging—and how those exposures impact not just the planet, but our health.  You’ll also hear an honest take on what sustainability looks like in real life, from running a business to navigating motherhood, and why “progress over perfection” isn’t just a phrase, it’s a necessity. In this episode, we discuss: * The surprising health implications of everyday plastic use * How to identify greenwashing (and shop more intentionally) * Why reusable and sustainable products often cost more—and why they matter * Simple, high-impact swaps for your kitchen, bathroom, and daily routine * The role of small businesses in driving environmental change * How to think about sustainability without overwhelm Resources & Mentions: Me Mother Earth (sustainable products): https://memotherearthbrand.com/ [https://memotherearthbrand.com/] TrashBlitz app (track plastic waste): https://www.5gyres.org/trashblitz [https://www.5gyres.org/trashblitz] Plastic Detox documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/82074244 [https://www.netflix.com/title/82074244] Be part of the Bluedot Living community At Bluedot Living, we imagine if people were actually making progress on climate change—because they actually are. Each episode of Bluedot Living Podcast shares stories of people, policies, and projects that prove your choices matter, from micro decisions at home to macro shifts in law and industry. If you want to explore our recipes, products for your home and lifestyle, and read interesting stories, you can find us BluedotLiving.com For daily inspiration you can follow us @Bluedotliving on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluedotliving/