The Sustainable Act with Smiely Khurana

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 ...

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 aga...

The holidays are a time for joy, love, and togetherness—but what if they could also be a time for sustainability? In this episode of The Sustainable Act, Smiely shares easy, creative ways to keep the holiday magic alive while being kinder to the planet.

From thoughtful gift-giving to eco-friendly décor and greener gatherings, we’re talking all about how to make the season meaningful without the excess waste. Whether you’re looking...

In this inspiring episode of The Sustainable Act Podcast, Smiely sits down with Miranda Jackson, a passionate environmentalist navigating the dynamic intersection of sustainability and the entertainment industry. From her journey moving from Florida to Los Angeles to her transition into corporate sustainability, Miranda shares insights on fostering sustainable practices in film production, building communities, and balancing enviro...

In this engaging episode, dancer, sustainability advocate, and community leader Jackson Xia shares his inspiring journey from environmentalism on film sets to founding Soulful Sundays, a dance initiative for mental well-being, and his newest initiative Soulful Movement. Through candid stories, Jackson discusses the power of movement in addressing climate anxiety, the connection between mental health and sustainability, and his miss...

Join host Smiely Khurana as she sits down with environmental artist and filmmaker Tehya Jennett to explore the powerful intersection of climate storytelling and art. From documentaries like Gen Z Mental Health Climate Stories to the experimental film Dreamland, and her latest project Healing Lahaina, Tehya shares her journey, the role of community resilience, and the challenges of conveying climate hope amidst environmental crises....

In this episode of The Sustainable Act podcast, host Smiely Khurana welcomes the multifaceted artist Yasmine Ross for an inspiring conversation on creativity, vulnerability, and social change. Yasmine, who grew up in Beijing and graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Film Production, shares her incredible journey from environmental studies to the world of cinematography.

Now a dynamic actress, musician,...

Join host Smiely Khurana as she sits down with two inspiring voices from the BIPOC Credits Podcast team, Andy Wong and Nightingale, for an enlightening and dynamic conversation. Andy Wong, a seasoned filmmaker and assistant director, and Nightingale, a multidisciplinary artist and mental health advocate, share their journeys and insights into the evolving landscape of the film industry.]

Why You Should Listen:

This episode dives de...

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking episode as we sit down with Ursula Galvao, the brilliant mind behind the page Zero Waste Cult. Dive into Ursula's personal journey toward a zero-waste lifestyle, where she shares her unique challenges and triumphs along the way. From her early days in the film industry to becoming a leading voice in the sustainability movement, Ursula's story is one of passion, dedication, and ...

Join host Smiely Khurana in a candid solo episode as she introduces 'Journal Entries,' a new sub-series on The Sustainable Act podcast. In this intimate facetime-style chat, Smiely opens up about her life updates, diving deep into the pivotal decision to leave her corporate job and pursue her passions. Explore the systemic barriers and age identity challenges she faced, shedding light on the journey towards meaningful chang...

In this captivating episode, join us as we delve into the heart of the COP28 Entertainment & Culture Pavilion, a dynamic space where creativity meets climate action. We're thrilled to have Samuel Rubin, the Co-Founder and Partnerships and Impact Director of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion, as our featured guest.

About the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion:

As a non-profit initiative, we are committed to cultivating...

Join us for a special Earth Day episode with Impact Producer Laurel Tamayo! In this episode, Laurel shares her inspiring journey towards a sustainability career, and offers valuable insights on how to make a meaningful impact. We also discuss the importance of vulnerability in facing climate anxiety and prioritizing mental wellbeing. Laurel and Smiely also get into discussing tips on setting boundaries to help balance your personal...

* This interview was recorded early 2021. *

On this episode of The Sustainable Act, I sit down with Emellie O'Brien, founder and CEO of Earth Angel. After her sustainability leadership on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and it being acclaimed as “the most eco-friendly blockbuster in Sony Pictures’ history,” EOB founded Earth Angel in 2013 to expand her expertise and impact. Learn how this industry trailblazer started her journey in sustai...

"One man's garbage is another man's gold." 

On this episode, I chat with musician, songwriter and actor Paul Snider who tells me how he has taken this quote and belief and sparked a beautiful revolution on stage. "The Music of Junk" is an original musical composed by Paul himself, featuring the performance of original music on instruments crafted from junk and recycled materials, and have played in theatres and venues around B...

The Earth Group exists entirely to provide school meals to children globally, while minimizing our impact on the planet wherever possible. I chat with co-founder Kori Chilibeck on how his company is on a mission to changing the narrative, with profits of the products purchased going directly to the UN World Food Programme. We discuss the infamous 100% aluminum water bottles that I got to use on film sets with the return of single u...

Fashion is one of the largest industries in the world, so it's both expected and apparent that there is a lot of time, energy and labour that goes into the market. However, due to the rapid increase in fast fashion, it has quickly become one of the largest polluting industries in the world.

On this episode, I sit down with Celine Kabaker, owner and creator of ALMOST THERE, a sustainable fashion line focused on creating ethical and ...

This week, I sit down with Kelsey Evans from Keep it Green Recycling to answer YOUR questions about waste, recycling, composting and more! We discuss residential curbside recycling verse commercial recycling, WHY we should be recycling and composting, where to take your recyclable items, PPE (personal protective equipment) and managing waste during covid, some of the challenges of sorting your waste, and how Keep it Green helps bus...

This week for the season 1 finale, I (Smiely) take the mic solo and chat all about The Sustainable Act. Tune in as I recap the past 6 months, share what inspired the show's name, a little about me and my personal journey thus far, my best advice, and what to expect for Season 2. I hope this episode invites you to learn more about me and the show! 

Stick to the end for some exciting news as well! 

Thank YOU for listen...

This week I got to catch up with returning guest, Jennifer Sandoval, who is a sustainability expert and consultant at Green Spark Group to discuss the motion picture industry, challenges, importance of diversity, sustainable action and how to adapt towards a new and better future. We also chat about the Sustainable Production Forum, an annual conference that brings together filmmakers around the globe to lead discussions for system...