Beautiful World with Kathryn Nelson

Kathryn Nelson, The Plastic Free Mermaid
  • 4.7 (10)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Bimonthly

The world has problems. It also has brilliant people solving them — and this channel finds them for you. Beautiful World with Kathryn Nelson (aka @plasticfreemermaid) is for busy parents and thoughtful humans who care about their family's health, their home, and the planet — but don't have time to fall down research rabbit holes (or doomscrolling ones). Expect real conversations on low-tox living, sustainable choices, conscious parenting, food and wellness, clean energy, regenerative agriculture, and the quiet revolutionaries making the future worth showing up for. Less overwhelm, more clarity, and actual hope. New episodes and conversations regularly. Subscribe and join a community that believes the world is beautiful — and worth protecting.

  1. 1d ago

    Are Your Clothes Toxic? Plastic Fabrics, Chemical Dyes & What to Wear Instead | Deanna Mansell

    What are our clothes actually made of — and what happens before they reach our skin? In this episode of Beautiful World, Kathryn sits down with Deanna Mansell, founder and designer of New Zealand clothing brand DEA, whose journey into natural clothing began with her own experience of severe eczema and topical steroid withdrawal. After discovering how sensitive her skin was to conventional fabrics, dyes and textile treatments, Deanna spent years experimenting with organic cotton, plant dyes and traditional textile processes — eventually taking those experiments from her kitchen stove in New Zealand to large-scale manufacturing in India. Together, Kathryn and Deanna explore the hidden side of the fashion industry: chemical dyes and fabric treatments, synthetic fibres and microplastics, garment-worker exposure, greenwashing, organic cotton, natural dyes and the true human and environmental cost of cheap clothing. They also explore a more beautiful possibility: clothing made in deeper relationship with plants, soil, craftsmanship and the people who make it. In this episode: Deanna's experience with eczema and topical steroid withdrawal Why clothing became part of her healing journey The hidden processing behind conventional textiles Why "natural" doesn't necessarily mean non-toxic Organic cotton, bleaching, dyes and fabric finishes The environmental and human cost of textile dyeing Plastic clothing and microplastic pollution Greenwashing in sustainable and activewear fashion What to look for when buying healthier clothing Deanna's journey from kitchen-stove experiments to manufacturing in India The ancient art and beauty of botanical dyes Eucalyptus, madder, annatto and other plant pigments Clothing, colour, plants and Rudolf Steiner's ideas Why your underwear may be the best place to start Deanna's message is refreshingly achievable: you don't need to throw out your wardrobe or become perfect overnight. Start by reading your labels, understanding what sits closest to your skin and making more conscious choices as things need replacing. Because what we wear connects us to a much bigger ecosystem — from soil, to fibre, to maker, to body, and eventually back to the earth. Connect with Deanna Mansell Website: www.dealoves.co.nz Instagram: www.instagram.com/dea_lovesethical Connect with Plastic Free Mermaid Instagram: www.instagram.com/plasticfreemermaid Subscribe to Beautiful World for conversations exploring environmental problems — and, more importantly, the people creating beautiful solutions. Every subscription helps more people discover practical environmental solutions. ABOUT BEAUTIFUL WORLD Beautiful World explores practical solutions for a healthier planet and healthier people. Hosted by environmental advocate Kathryn Nelson, each episode features scientists, innovators, farmers, entrepreneurs and changemakers working to restore our ecosystems while improving human wellbeing. From regenerative agriculture and clean energy to healthy homes, biodiversity and community resilience, these conversations focus on what is actually working—and how we can all be part of creating a more beautiful world.

  2. Aug 15

    Inside the Fight Against Climate Disinformation with Senator Peter Whish-Wilson

    What if the biggest threat to our oceans isn't just plastic, but the lies designed to keep us confused about it? In this eye-opening episode of the Beautiful World podcast, Kathryn Nelson sits down with Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, Australian Greens Senator for Tasmania since 2012 and lifelong ocean advocate known as "the Surfing Senator," for a candid conversation recorded in his final weeks in the Australian Senate. Senator Peter  explores his fight to pass Australia's Extended Producer Responsibility bill, the disinformation campaigns funded by fossil fuel interests to delay climate action, and why the Woodside Browse gas project could accelerate coral reef collapse. He unpacked the difference between misinformation and disinformation, how bot armies manufacture fake grassroots movements, and why carbon offsets and carbon capture are being used to greenwash new fossil fuel projects. If you've ever wondered why it feels harder than ever to know what's true online, or what it actually takes to stop a fossil fuel project before it starts, this episode is for you. In this episode we get into: Senator Peter  Whish-Wilson's 14 years fighting for ocean protection in the Australian Senate The Extended Producer Responsibility bill and why it keeps stalling How container deposit schemes changed Australia's relationship with plastic The difference between misinformation and disinformation How fossil fuel companies fund the "denial machine" through PR firms and think tanks Bot armies, astroturfing groups, and fake grassroots movements The 12 "discourses of delay" used to slow climate action Why the Woodside Browse gas project threatens the Great Barrier Reef Carbon offsets, carbon capture, and the greenwashing behind "net zero" How to vote and organize around one clear standard: no new fossil fuel projects If you care about ocean conservation, plastic pollution, climate policy, environmental activism, sustainability, marine life, or how to spot disinformation online, this episode is for you. Connect with Senator Peter Whish-Wilson Facebook | www.facebook.com/senatorsurfer LinkedIn| https://au.linkedin.com/in/Peter -whish-wilson-28032829 Support Beautiful World: If you enjoy these conversations, please consider: ✓ Subscribe ✓ Like this episode ✓ Leave a comment ✓ Share with a friend Every subscription helps more people discover practical environmental solutions. ABOUT BEAUTIFUL WORLD Beautiful World explores practical solutions for a healthier planet and healthier people. Hosted by environmental advocate Kathryn Nelson, each episode features scientists, innovators, farmers, entrepreneurs and changemakers working to restore our ecosystems while improving human wellbeing. From regenerative agriculture and clean energy to healthy homes, biodiversity and community resilience, these conversations focus on what is actually working—and how we can all be part of creating a more beautiful world.

  3. Jun 30

    Homesteading, Natural Building & the Anti-Trad Wife | Arielle Crawford of the Realness Preserve

    What if the future isn't about inventing something new—but remembering what already worked? In this episode of Beautiful World, I sit down with Arielle Crawford of the Realness Preserve and Texas Cob Company to explore natural building, healthier homes, regenerative living, and the practical skills that create resilient communities. We discuss cob homes, lime plaster, mould-free construction, homesteading, purpose, partnership, and why traditional knowledge is becoming increasingly relevant in the modern world. We also dive into the "tradwife" conversation, exploring how women can reclaim traditional skills while remaining independent, empowered, and true to themselves. Whether you're interested in sustainable living, healthy homes, regenerative design, or simply creating a more beautiful world, I think you'll enjoy this conversation. In this episode • Natural building and cob homes • Lime plaster and mould-free homes • Regenerative living • Homesteading • Traditional knowledge for modern life • Community resilience • Partnership and independence • The "Anti-Trad Wife" perspective About Arielle Arielle Crawford is an educator, natural builder, and co-founder of the Realness Preserve and Texas Cob Company, where she teaches natural building, regenerative living, and resilient community design. Resources Realness Preserve : https://www.therealnesspreserve.com/ www.instagram.com/therealnesspreserve Texas Cob Company : https://texascob.com/ Sponsor This episode is supported by Dr Planet. Their Australian-made Castile Soap replaces multiple cleaning and personal care products with one simple, multi-purpose product. Use code MERMAID for 10% off. Connect Instagram @plasticfreemermaid #NaturalBuilding #SustainableLiving #HealthyHomes #Homesteading #RegenerativeLiving #EcoHome #BeautifulWorldPodcast ABOUT BEAUTIFUL WORLD Beautiful World explores practical solutions for a healthier planet and healthier people. Hosted by environmental advocate Kathryn Nelson, each episode features scientists, innovators, farmers, entrepreneurs and changemakers working to restore our ecosystems while improving human wellbeing. From regenerative agriculture and clean energy to healthy homes, biodiversity and community resilience, these conversations focus on what is actually working—and how we can all be part of creating a more beautiful world.

  4. May 13

    What's Really in our Food? | Glyphosate, Soil Health, & The Future of Food with Blair Beattie

    What if feeling better starts with looking a little closer at the food we eat every day? In this eye-opening episode of the Beautiful World podcast, Kathryn Nelson sits down with Blair Beattie, Executive Director of Farmers Footprint Australia, for an enlightening conversation about food, health, farming, and our connection to the natural world. Together, they explore the impact of glyphosate (the world's most widely used pesticide) on our food systems, why so many people are struggling with chronic health issues, and how reconnecting with real food, healthy soil, and local communities may be part of the path forward. This conversation is honest, empowering, and full of hope. It's not about fear. It's about awareness, making better choices where we can, and remembering that small changes matter. If you've ever wondered why modern life can feel so disconnected, and what it might look like to come back to health in a more natural, grounded way, this episode is for you. Awareness precedes change. And it starts here. In this episode we get into: -What glyphosate is and why it is everywhere -How industrial agriculture changed the food system -The connection between soil health and human health -Why processed foods dominate modern diets -Gut health, chronic illness, and environmental toxins -Monsanto, corporate influence, and public trust -Why regenerative farming matters now more than ever -How to reduce toxic exposure in everyday life -Supporting local farmers and healthier food systems -Practical hope for families who want change If you care about healthy living, clean food, regenerative agriculture, organic food, wellness, toxins, family health, farming, sustainability, or conscious living, this episode is for you. Connect with Blair Visit The Invisible Ingredient Podcast www.theinvisibleingredient.org to learn more about glyphosate Download the Glyphosate Resource Guide here https://theinvisibleingredient.org/about/ www.earthdharma.au www.farmersfootprint.org.au/ www.farmersfootprint.us/en Subscribe to Beautiful World for more conversations on health, sustainability, parenting, wellness, and meaningful living.

  5. 11/17/2021

    The Truth Behind Shark Culling with Andre Borrell

    In the 1930s, Australia's Government Shark Control Program planted baited drum lines and shark nets around its beaches to protect swimmers and surfers. But what if the true killer isn't sharks but the very same program that claims to protect us?     In this episode, I'm joined by Andre Borrell, director of Envoy: Shark Cull; a documentary that exposes the ugly truth behind Australia's shark control program. Partnered with experts, it debunks the program's effectiveness and highlights sharks' undeserved reputation of being dangerous killers and their important role in sustaining the marine ecosystem. This documentary calls us to be the voice for sharks and all other marine life to defend them and their homes. Together, we can facilitate change from our government and help stop the cull.    In This Episode, We Discuss: Shark culling in Australia Society's irrational fear of sharks Shark fatality statistics Why sharks are essential to the ecosystem The political climate around shark culling How we can put pressure on our politicians Scientific findings behind shark control program Alternatives to shark nets Ways we can contribute to the cause How Andre manages to stay inspired   Follow Andre Borrell here: Envoy: Shark Cull | Website @EnvoyFilm | Twitter @envoyfilm | Instagram @envoyfilm | TikTok Andre Borrell | LinkedIn Act Now: 3 ways you can help --- Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.   Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

  6. 11/10/2021

    Our Soil Situation with Ryland Engelhart, producer of Netflix's Kiss the Ground

    When we begin our move into a more sustainable life, we can be so quickly reeled into the idea that consuming animal products and byproducts are bad; that we should be into much more plant-based food, but what if that isn't the big picture? In this episode, I have Ryland Engelhart, producer of Netflix's Kiss the Ground, which is a documentary that focuses on our soil health situation. He shares with us what we need to do to keep our soils diverse, and how we can contribute as soil advocates. Being earth-conscious is more than just consuming plant-based choices, it's contributing and supporting industries and farmers that work in the most sustainable and natural ways to keep our soil healthy and rich.   In This Episode, We Discuss: The Process of Photosynthesis The Soil Sphere and the Carbon Cycle Why our Soil is Sick Soil versus Dirt Veganism, and true sustainability Become a Soil Advocate   Follow Ryland Engelhart here: Kiss the Ground | Website Kiss the Ground Documentary | Netflix Ryland Engelhart | Instagram Ryland Engelhart | Linktree --- Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.   Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

  7. 03/24/2021

    Claiming Your Aboriginality and Paying Homage to Your Ancestry with Ella Noah Bancroft

    As a mixed fair-skinned Bundjalung native born in Australia, Ella Noah Bancroft always felt like she was challenged about just how pure she was as an indigenous person. With growing up to words and notions like that, Ella knew she needed to pay homage to her lineage and respect to the stolen generation by continuing their culture and bringing it to the modern era. Ella is now the founder and pioneer of The Decolonisation Movement, and had dedicated her life to the rise of female energy as the way for us to reconnect and release ourselves from the bounds of personal, social, and ecological constraints. In this episode we talk about the impact of colonisation and how we can respect the fine line between cultural appropriation and appreciation. I definitely recommend that you hear her out on the impact we have on our earth and shared future!   In This Episode, We Discuss: Claiming your aboriginality Ella's mission to pay homage to her lineage The stigma around being mixed-race and the Stolen Generation Colonisation and its impact on natives The fine line between cultural appropriation and appreciation Navigating sustainability these days How we can contribute to change these days The connection between indigenous cultures and environmentalism Ella's work with young women and storytelling Ella's last words for us to reconnect with the earth   Follow Ella Noah Bancroft here: Ella Noah Bancroft | Website @ellanoahbancroft_ | Instagram @ellanoahbancroft_ | Linktree   --- Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time. Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

  8. 03/17/2021

    Fighting Plastic and Light Pollution for our Turtles with Ranger Lauren Engledow

    Plastic pollution is a problem that affects so many animals, habitats, and people. Turtles have come into the spotlight in recent years though, thanks to the rise in social media awareness for their protection and preservation; with a big factor to that being the viral video of the straw stuck up in a poor turtle's nose. This video hit the world hard, but we cannot stop at feeling bad for what is happening when we can make conscious efforts now to save more than just the turtles. Today I'm joined by Lauren Engledow, a turtle ranger dedicated to protecting what is left of the species and rebuilding its future here on the beaches of Mon Repos. You'll hear us talk about this modern-day threat called light pollution and how its strayed hatchlings from where they rightfully belong. Be informed, be aware, and make conscious efforts against plastic waste for our shared future.   In This Episode, We Discuss: Types of turtles left in the world How plastic pollution affects turtles and surrounding marine life Light pollution and how it stray turtles almost as soon as they're born Other threats to turtles The imbalance in male and female turtles What we can do to help   Follow Lauren and the Mon Repos Turtles here: Southern Great Barrier Reef (bundabergregion.org) --- Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.   Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

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4.7
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The world has problems. It also has brilliant people solving them — and this channel finds them for you. Beautiful World with Kathryn Nelson (aka @plasticfreemermaid) is for busy parents and thoughtful humans who care about their family's health, their home, and the planet — but don't have time to fall down research rabbit holes (or doomscrolling ones). Expect real conversations on low-tox living, sustainable choices, conscious parenting, food and wellness, clean energy, regenerative agriculture, and the quiet revolutionaries making the future worth showing up for. Less overwhelm, more clarity, and actual hope. New episodes and conversations regularly. Subscribe and join a community that believes the world is beautiful — and worth protecting.

Information

  • Creator
    Kathryn Nelson, The Plastic Free Mermaid
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kathryn Nelson Copyright 2026
  • Show Website
    Beautiful World with Kathryn Nelson

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