Heather Chelan - Bite-Sized Activism & Doing What You Can
Do you want to make a difference in the world, but get hung up over the size of the impact or the thought of being the only one, when there’s so much to be done? The guest on this episode talks about how we can start with doing and encouraging the little things, even when they can feel like only a drop in the bucket. It could be as simple as treating everyone we meet with kindness, using less plastic, or channeling our unique essence to impact others… which is exactly what this episode's guest does in spades.
Heather Chelan joins me on the show to chat about what she is doing to make her corner of the world a better place, and how she keeps going even when the rest of the world is seemingly over it. Cue her catchy song The Pandemic Isn't Over Just Because You're Over It...
Heather lives in East London, creating original music as a songwriter. She also makes bad ass harmony enriched PSA videos under the pseudonym HEB On The Web. Heather’s music possesses both her love for present and past music influences, including Allen stone, India.Arie, and Mac Ayres. She writes from such an honest, simple, lyrical perspective that finds likeness in all the little day-to-day things that I think we can all relate to, as well as the things that spark the big conversations that we need to be having.
Without a doubt, Heather cares a lot. Listen in as Heather shares her awesomeness with us.
Key Talking Points of the Episode:
Meet Heather
Heather’s PSA songs / videos
Heather’s experience with TikTok
Mindset!
Pitfalls for people who give a fuck, according to Heather
Who Heather admires
Heather’s advice to people who care a lot
Taking the leap and moving to another country
Key Milestones of the Episode:
[05:35] Meet Heather Chelan: Getting to know Heather
[05:59] Why Rocky (her dog) so important to her
[08:48] Why Heather gives a fuck
[11:57] When Heather realized her work was making an impact
[13:06] TikTok: Heather’s experience on TikTok and why she hates it
[16:07] Heather’s PSA videos: some favorites
[24:32] Black lives still matter
[27:16] What it’s like to watch everything that’s happening in the US from a distance
[29:31] What mindset does Heather think helps people who care a lot?
[35:54] Heather’s thoughts on common traps for people who care a lot
[37:21] Someone who has had an impact on Heather’s life
[40:22] Heather’s advice
[44:29] Heather’s move from the US to London
[47:51] One thing that Heather hasn’t tried but would like to
[53:10] An organization that Heather cares about
[54:29] Heather’s advice to people who care a lot
Standout Quotes from the Episode:
“Maybe putting anything in song form already lightens it up a little bit no matter what it is.”
“If we recognize the small things we can do, we can make changes to be better in our daily lives.”
“Treat people like humans acknowledge that they exist.”
“Look up from your phone every once in a while, and look at the world around you.”
“Push the boundaries a little bit, test yourself out, and try out new things.”
“Keep going. People are going to disagree with you. Save your energy for the good debates. You can’t take on everybody. Just be ready for some pushback, but keep caring.”
“Giving a fuck isn’t 100% all or nothing.”
Mentioned in the Episode:
The Pandemic Isn't Over Just Because You're Over It
Connect with Heather:
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Photo of Heather by: Luis Arellanes (@arellanes.luis)
“You Care Too Much”: @youcaretoomuchpod
Created, Produced, Hosted & Edited by: Randi Johns
Music by: Tefty & Meems
