Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri

If you’ve ever tried to quit smoking or quit vaping and realized willpower alone is not enough, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Jessi Hartnett, a former smoker, author of Honor Your Heart and creator of the You Can Quit Smoking podcast, to break down a more sustainable way to overcome nicotine addiction - without spiraling into shame. In this conversation, we unpack the difference between the willpower route (White-knuckling cravings) and the mindset route (Changing the beliefs and needs that keep pulling you back). In this episode, we discuss:Why smoking/vaping is often a psychological dependency, not just a physical habit How media and marketing shape cravings and identity (from classic TV culture to social media)The hidden needs smoking can be meeting (stress relief, control, belonging) - and healthier replacements How perfectionism and hustle culture can turn quitting into a self-bullying loop A healthier way to handle relapse (as data and practice, not seeing it as failure)The identity shift phase: That weird liminal in-between when trying to quit and how to move through itTools and resources Jessi shares for cravings (including breathing and grounding practices)Whether you’re trying to quit cigarettes, quit e-cigs, or support someone you love, this is a real-world, compassionate roadmap.Note: This episode is educational and not medical advice.You can find Honor Your Heart on their website (honoryourheart.net) and on social media (@_honoryourheart on Instagram, @JessiHartnett on YouTube, and @honoryourheart on TikTok). Jessi's podcast is called You Can Quit Smoking and is available on all major platforms.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @⁠letstalkmediava.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri interviews Geraldine Carriere - an Indigenous serial entrepreneur, author, and recording artist.Coming from a small, isolated northern community, Geraldine shares her mission to help women and Indigenous youth find their authentic selves. Geraldine argues that entrepreneurship is women into their DNA. Key themes explored in this episode include:The Serviceberry Philosophy: Drawing from the book The Serviceberry, Geraldine contrasts the capitalist tendency to hoard resources with the Indigenous concept of reciprocity. She shares the parable of a hunter to explain that “true success is seeing it in the belly of your neighbor."The Seventh Generation Prophecy: She discusses the historical trauma where it was illegal to be Indigenous and how she views herself as part of the prophesied Seventh Generation - those destined to step forward, do the hard work of restoration, and heal their communities.Oral Tradition as Strategy: Geraldine explains that as an oral traditional people, storytelling is the most effective way to cut through the noise and reach the heart of the matter, a skill she utilizes in her music and writingPride, Presence, and Productivity: A look at her transformational coaching program and book, which helps people hold a mirror to themselves and have the crucial conversations necessary for self-mastery.Listeners can check out her book Wild Woman: Master the Art of Pride, Presence, & Productivity on Kindle and her music released under Ger Carriere. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @⁠letstalkmediava.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri sits down with the legendary Deborah Lindquist, a visionary designer and pioneer known as the “Green Queen” of the fashion world. With a career spanning over four decades, Deborah has redefined sustainable luxury through her unique process of upcycling, transforming recycled and organic materials into one-of-a-kind couture.Deborah shares the fascinating stories behind her high-profile collaborations with some of the biggest names in media and entertainment. We dive into her work with trailblazers such as Rihanna for her song "Unfaithful", Gwen Stefani, Beyoncé, Emma Watson, Alison Brie, Paris Hilton, Paula Abdul, P!nk, Lea Thompson, Michelle Williams, Christina Aguilera, and many others. She recounts the iconic moment she met Sharon Stone during a photo shoot and ended up giving the actress literally a shirt off her back - a skull sweater that became an overnight media sensation. We also explore her time as the wardrobe stylist for the Pussycat Dolls during their early burlesque days at the Roxy, and her studio's work with other mega-stars like PinkBeyond the glitz of the red carpet, Deborah provides a hard-hitting critique of fast fashion, labeling it a race to the bottom that harms both natural resources and human labor. Drawing on her childhood roots on a farm, she explains her core philosophy that everything matters - from the soil and water to the integrity of the creative process.Key highlights from our conversation include:The 1000-Pound Pivot: How Deborah survived being labeled a non-essential worker during COVID-19 by committing to 1000 pounds of denim to manufacture masks.Media Archaeology: The science behind her sonic fabric, an experimental material made from recycled audio cassette tapes that actually retains sound.Innovative Materials: Her use of military parachutes, vintage kimonos, and saris to create sustainable high fashion.The Green Quen Mission: Insights into her vegan fashion line and her educational series, "Creating Eco-Conscious Fashion," which helps the next generation of creators turn non-tangible ideas into physical art.Whether you are interested in celebrity lore or the ethics of the global garment industry, this episode is an insightful deep-dive into entrepreneurial resilience and creative transformation.Visit deborahlindquist.com to find her fashion line, educational courses, and her latest writing.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @⁠letstalkmediava⁠

In this episode, host Vedant Akhauri breaks down Primate, the new creature feature from director Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down, The Strangers: Prey at Night). He saw this film during a blind screening where the audience didn't know the movie's title or details beforehand, other than being a horror film.It stars Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur, Victoria Wyant as Kate, Gia Hunter as Erin, Benjamin Cheng as Nick, Charlie Mann as Drew, Tienne Simon as Phil, Miguel Torres Umba as Ben (practical stunts), Kae Alexander as Yoko, Amina Adbi as the 911 dispatcher, and Albert Magashi as Matt.Note: This is labelled as a Let's Talk Horror episode, which is my horror mini-series under the Let's Talk Media main podcast. However, I forgot to edit and narrate it as such. It slipped through my mind in the rush of a blind movie review. So, this is the 13th part in spirit.

In the Season 7 premiere of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri interviews Jordan Holman - known artistically as Kentucky - about his major career pivot from the lead guitarist of heavy rock bands to a solo indie folk artist. They discuss the literal meaning behind his album Second Chance Music, the liberating but lonely process of building a song entirely alone, and his profound philosophical take on why musicians must serve as oracles in the age of Generative AI.Kentucky records from his home studio, The Kentucky Bend, located in Almonte, Ontario. The studio was built under the guidance of the designer for the famous Canadian band The Tragically Hip.You can find his work by searching "I Am Kentucky" on social platforms.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to be notified of future episodes. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava.