Brilliant or B******t

Soleil Rain

Brilliant or B******t helps curious people see the hidden systems shaping their world. We'll leave each episode feeling smarter and more connected than we did before. And at the end of every episode, we land on the question that matters: is this system brilliant… or BS?

  1. 2025-12-03

    Sustainable Tourism: BS Marketing or Real Solution?

    Is “sustainable tourism” a real path forward or just the travel industry’s favorite greenwashed buzzword?In this episode, Soleil sits down with sustainable tourism researcher and consultant Annie Combs, co-founder of ECPC Travel, to unpack what’s actually happening behind the marketing. Fresh off part one with Palauan climate advocate Ivory Vogt, we zoom out from island life to the global tourism system: who’s benefiting, who’s losing out, and how travelers can tell the difference between real sustainability and clever branding. You’ll learn:– What “sustainable tourism” should mean (vs. what companies say it means)– Why certifications often fail—and how they can work when done right– How to spot greenwashing in hotels, tours, and travel platforms– What local communities actually need from tourism– How your travel spending shapes destinations (for better or worse) By the end, we answer the big question:Is sustainable tourism brilliant… or b******t? If you enjoyed this episode please leave a rating, review, and subscribe where you get your podcasts so you can continue to see the world a little clearer than you did before. Links: ECPC Travel: https://www.ecpctravel.com/ Annie's Instagram for Sustainable Travel Tips: https://www.instagram.com/sustainabletravelgirl/ Annie's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainabletravelgirl Siona Nation: https://amazonfrontlines.org/partners/siona/ Napo Wildlife Center: https://napowildlifecenter.com/ Brilliant or BS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brilliantorbullshit

    53 min
  2. 2025-11-19

    The Truth About Tourism: An Inside Look with Ivory Vogt

    In this powerful episode, climate and sustainable-travel expert Ivory Vogt takes us inside the real story of tourism in coastal and island communities like Palau. From the rising cost of living to water shortages, climate impacts, and cultural loss, Ivory breaks down how the global tourism economy can uplift and undermine local communities at the same time. We explore why places like Hawaiʻi, Mexico City, Barcelona, and Palau are seeing pushback against overtourism; how tourism leakage drains money away from local economies; and why Indigenous knowledge, languages, and cultural systems are essential to the planet’s future. Ivory also reveals how small island nations are fighting back—through ocean conservation, climate action, and community-led tourism strategies that put people first. You’ll learn: How tourism impacts coastal ecosystems, island economies, and local culture Why global travelers rarely see where their money actually goes The real stakes of overtourism, foreign-owned development, and climate pressure How island nations like Palau are reshaping tourism to protect nature and community What responsible, ethical, sustainable travel actually looks like Practical steps travelers can take to support the places they visit Whether you’re a frequent traveler, sustainability nerd, or someone trying to understand the complex relationship between paradise and prosperity, this episode will change how you see tourism forever. 🌊 Explore the Palau Sustainable Travel Guide and learn more about 'An Ocean Inheritance':https://www.seastoria.com/palau 🌴 Learn more about Ivory’s work:https://www.emeraldreamspalau.com/

    50 min
  3. How neuroscience can help you build better habits and relationships with Dr. Paul Zak

    2025-07-09

    How neuroscience can help you build better habits and relationships with Dr. Paul Zak

    Download descript today: https://get.descript.com/9jqo5ow0d5cn Join the exclusive Sweat, Strategy, and Success newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/soleilrain/p/redefining-peak-performance-fatherhood?r=jcm5w&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Learn more about The SIX App: https://your6.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadm-Xo1mc-vdVhOknqHQs_WcCx-MYzCNQRZF9U2eDfZbXQXSNQOV62NqNRftg_aem_VXUumBFyHinMJ55cGvHd4w Why do we trust total strangers? How does oxytocin actually shape our behavior? And what does it really mean to thrive? In this episode, neuroscientist and entrepreneur Dr. Paul Zak — best known as the "father of neuroeconomics" and the pioneer behind the “moral molecule” — breaks down 20+ years of research into trust, storytelling, connection, and emotional fitness. We talk about everything from blood draws in Papua New Guinea to why your daily “key moments” can predict happiness… and how your brain might know more about your well-being than you do. Dr. Zak also shares how his latest work, the Immersion platform and Six app, turns brain science into simple, actionable tools to help us live better, more connected lives. You’ll learn: How oxytocin impacts trust, empathy, and moralityWhat the science says about thriving in a high-stress worldWhy emotional fitness might be the missing link in your wellness journeyThe power of real connection (yes, even through FaceTime)Simple ways to create more joy, connection, and purpose in your day One thing’s for sure — you’ll never look at your daily interactions the same way again.

    1 hr
  4. How to build your dream career with Dr. Laura Beavin-Yates

    2025-06-25

    How to build your dream career with Dr. Laura Beavin-Yates

    Download descript today: https://get.descript.com/9jqo5ow0d5cn Join the exclusive Sweat, Strategy, and Success newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/soleilrain/p/redefining-peak-performance-fatherhood?r=jcm5w&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true What do dissecting a fetal pig, tracking eye movement, and oxytocin levels during a music festival have in common? For Dr. Laura Beavin-Yates, they’re all pieces of a winding (and wildly inspiring) path from behavioral neuroscience to marketing and mentorship. In this episode, Laura shares how her curiosity about human behavior led her from dissecting brains in school to measuring emotional connection in real time. We talk about finding clarity through aligned action, recognizing red flags in toxic work environments, and how your story—yes, yours—is your biggest asset. Whether you’re pivoting careers, navigating burnout, or wondering how to actually follow your gut, Laura’s insight is a masterclass in trusting the spark, taking the next step, and building a life that lights you up. Topics we cover: What neuroscience can teach us about storytelling and decision-makingWhy red flags at work are sometimes your biggest giftHow to overcome imposter syndrome and build confidence as a woman in businessPractical advice for career pivots, leadership, and emotional fitness ✨ This one’s packed with honesty, science, and so much wisdom. Don’t miss it. Learn more about SIX: The Emotional Wellness App - https://your6.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafTuM_RYHPZiRTdid6tbmMOydmyC4j9jKdS_wSL--Qjqm9F9-jdQGgtai29Yw_aem_gdtXRR92eB4th0yMZ_S6ZQ

    1h 4m

About

Brilliant or B******t helps curious people see the hidden systems shaping their world. We'll leave each episode feeling smarter and more connected than we did before. And at the end of every episode, we land on the question that matters: is this system brilliant… or BS?

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