<p>In this episode, I share why I’ve been off mainstream media (and feel calmer, clearer, and more engaged), how I stay informed on my terms, and what the Tao Te Ching and Stoicism taught me about hope that does the work. </p><p>We’ll look at the “doom loop,” why outrage isn’t engagement, and how to channel energy into real life—voting, volunteering, showing up for people you love—without pretending everything’s fine. </p><p>Along the way, I unpack a Tao passage that once infuriated me (“You can’t improve the world”) and how it ultimately freed me: the world is imperfect—and we make it better anyway. </p><p><p>This podcast is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p><p><strong>Support the Podcast</strong></p><p>To keep Food for Thought Podcast ad-free and accessible to all, I rely on the support of <strong>paid subscribers</strong>. If you’re already one—thank you. If you’re not, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.colleenpatrickgoudreau.com/subscribe"><strong>please consider becoming one</strong></a>. None of the companies below sponsored this episode. They’re simply brands I personally use, love, and trust—which is why I agreed to be an affiliate.</p><p>If you make a purchase using the links below, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you—and <strong>you’ll receive exclusive discounts</strong> using the codes provided!</p><p>* <strong>Complement Supplements</strong>Everything you need, nothing you don’t. Complement makes targeted supplements for plant-based eaters, including B12, D3, DHA, and more—all from clean, trusted sources. (Discount includes Omega-3 Index tests!)🔗 <a target="_blank" href="https://lovecomplement.com/?aff=152&#38;utm_source=joyfulvegan">lovecomplement.com</a> | Code: <strong>JOYFULVEGAN for 15% off all products!</strong></p><p>* <strong>Plaine Products</strong>Refillable, non-toxic, plastic-free personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body wash. Gentle on you, gentle on the planet.🔗 <a target="_blank" href="https://plaineproducts.com/?sca_ref=8406043.B58YiG01SFroXMu">plaineproducts.com</a> | Code: <strong>JOYFULVEGAN for 20% off all products!</strong></p><p>* <strong>Nama Juicer</strong>My favorite cold-press juicer—quiet, powerful, and easy to clean. It’s become an essential part of my kitchen.🔗 <a target="_blank" href="https://namawell.com/?ref=joyfulvegan">namawell.com</a> | Code: <strong>COLLEEN10 for 10% off all products!</strong></p><p><strong>Additional Resources</strong></p><p>👉 <a target="_blank" href="https://store.colleenpatrickgoudreau.com/products/1-1-coaching"><strong>Connect with me 1:1</strong></a> – Get personalized guidance whatever you are looking for. </p><p>👉 Read <a target="_blank" href="https://colleenpatrickgoudreau.substack.com/p/my-books-be2"><strong><em>A Year of Compassion</em></strong></a> – Daily inspiration to help you live with intention, kindness, and clarity.</p><p>👉 <a target="_blank" href="https://colleenpatrickgoudreau.substack.com/p/vegan-travel"><strong>Travel with me</strong></a>! I host animal-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive vegan trips around the world, specifically curated to ensure high-quality, high-touch premium experiences. Check out our upcoming trips, and let me know if you have any questions.</p><p>👉 Check out my <a target="_blank" href="https://store.colleenpatrickgoudreau.com/collections/recipe-ebooks"><strong>Recipe E-Books</strong></a> and my library of <a target="_blank" href="https://store.colleenpatrickgoudreau.com/collections/on-demand-vegan-cooking-classes"><strong>On-Demand Cooking Classes</strong></a> for recipes.</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.colleenpatrickgoudreau.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.colleenpatrickgoudreau.com/subscribe</a>