The power of a simple question can change everything.
When a man named Isaac approached our cleanup team in Ewaso Ngiro, Kenya, and asked, “Can you give me the tools to clean up my side of town?”—none of us could have predicted what would follow. That single question launched Project PickUp (phase 2), a community-led movement that’s now reshaping how waste is handled in rural Kenya.
In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Justin Imamura and TJ Lauters of The Trash Punx and Therese Hjelm of Sabore’s Well to reflect on their recent return to Kenya—two years after their first trip—to help open an Upcycling Center that’s now in local hands.
From hilarious travel stories (beware “the rat”—aka complete exhaustion—and Nairobi traffic!) to powerful moments with changemakers like Violet, who makes reusable diapers in Kibera, and the welder whose life changed simply by being next door to the Upcycling Center—this episode is packed with laughter, heart, and global perspective.
At its core, it’s about what happens when environmental solutions are community-led. The Upcycling Center doesn’t just reduce waste—it creates jobs, replaces tree-cutting with recycled plastic fence posts, and models conservation that doesn’t leave people behind.
Join us for this raw, joy-filled conversation about listening first, staying curious, and trusting what can unfold when we say yes to the messy, beautiful work of creating change—together.
🌍 Want to support this work? Check out the links to the people and projects mentioned.
The Trash Punx
Sabore's Well
Violet Ochieng'
Ocean Sole
Interview with: Therese Hjelm, TJ Lauters & Justin Imamura
Things that make you say "Wow"!
For more episodes and additional information visit the Two Chicks and a Hoe website and our Facebook page.
Big thanks to our Producer, Casey Kennedy.
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