ZuLoo Poodcast

Darin Mangum, Jocelyn Gardner
  • 5.0 (11)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What if toilets, poop and sanitation are the hidden forces shaping global health, human dignity, and survival worldwide? ZuLoo Poodcast is a podcast about toilets, poop, and global sanitation, exploring how sanitation impacts public health, wellness, hygiene, and humanity through funny facts, real stories, and impactful conversations. 👉 Learn more about ZuLoo’s mission and global health sanitation work at https://zuloo.org Welcome to ZuLoo Poodcast, the podcast that talks openly about poop, toilets, global health and sanitation so the rest of the world doesn’t have to ignore why it matters. Each episode dives into sanitation news, global health conversations, public health insights, and quirky humor to uncover how toilets quietly influence daily life, health outcomes, and human dignity across the globe. From funny toilet facts and surprising poop trivia to serious discussions about sanitation access, toilet innovation, hygiene education, and public health systems, ZuLoo Poodcast shines a light on one of the most overlooked topics in the world. A topic that affects everyone, everywhere. Why Listen? Because sanitation affects everything. Health. Education. Gender equity. Environmental sustainability. Economic opportunity. If you care about public health, global sanitation, wellness, sustainable innovation, or simply love learning unexpected facts that actually matter, this podcast is for you. ZuLoo Poodcast makes complex sanitation issues easy to understand, surprisingly entertaining, and deeply human. You will laugh, learn, and start seeing toilets and sanitation in a completely new way. What You’ll Hear on ZuLoo Poodcast✅ Real conversations about global sanitation and public health✅ Funny, fascinating poop facts and toilet stories✅ Interviews with sanitation experts, innovators, and impact leaders✅ Stories showing how toilets impact health, wellness, and human dignity✅ Insight into the global sanitation crisis and real world solutions✅ How toilet technology and sanitation innovation are changing lives  This is an educational sanitation podcast that does not sound like a lecture. It is honest, curious, approachable, and grounded in real human stories. Meet the Hosts Jocelyn GardinerJocelyn Gardiner is a sanitation advocate and co-host of ZuLoo Poodcast with a passion for storytelling, education, and breaking down taboos around toilets, poop, and hygiene. She brings curiosity, humor, and heart to conversations about sanitation access, public health, and why talking about toilets can actually change lives. Darin MangumDarin Mangum is co-host of ZuLoo Poodcast and a leader in impact-driven conversations around sanitation, wellness, and global health. With a grounded and thoughtful approach, Darin connects real-world sanitation challenges to practical solutions, highlighting how access to safe toilets plays a critical role in improving quality of life worldwide. About ZuLoo ZuLoo is on a mission to help solve the global sanitation crisis by improving access to clean, safe toilets and hygiene education. ZuLoo Poodcast is one way the organization raises awareness, sparks conversation, and drives action around sanitation and public health.

  1. What’s Really in Our Oceans? Sewage Pollution & Wastewater Solutions with Ocean Sewage Alliance (#112)

    MAR 31

    What’s Really in Our Oceans? Sewage Pollution & Wastewater Solutions with Ocean Sewage Alliance (#112)

    Sewage pollution and ocean sewage are silently impacting marine ecosystems, public health, and climate resilience. We explore how wastewater treatment really works, why sewage infrastructure is failing even in developed countries, and how ocean sewage pollution contributes to dead zones, water pollution, and economic loss. Jasmine Fournier of the Ocean Sewage Alliance explains what happens after we flush, why sanitation systems matter, and how better wastewater treatment protects our oceans and communities. What You Will Learn ✅ How sewage pollution and ocean sewage affect marine ecosystems ✅ What wastewater treatment removes and what still enters waterways ✅ Why sewage infrastructure is essential for climate resilience ✅ How sanitation systems impact public health and ocean economies Like the Poodcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show! Timestamps (00:00) Why sewage pollution and ocean sewage matter (02:40) Meet Jasmine Fournier of the Ocean Sewage Alliance (06:20) Why sewage pollution is ignored until emergencies (10:15) What wastewater treatment removes and what it misses (15:10) Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and ocean sewage (20:35) How sewage pollution creates ocean dead zones (24:30) Climate resilience and modern sewage infrastructure (30:00) What individuals can do to protect water systems (37:25) The future of wastewater treatment and ocean health Key Takeaways 🔹 Sewage pollution still reaches oceans even after wastewater treatment 🔹 Aging sewage infrastructure threatens marine ecosystems and public health 🔹 Investing in sanitation systems improves climate resilience 🔹 Better wastewater treatment reduces water pollution and economic loss Guest Bio Jasmine Fournier is the Executive Director of the Ocean Sewage Alliance, where she leads global efforts to reduce sewage pollution, improve wastewater treatment, and protect marine ecosystems. With a background in public health, environmental health, microbiology, and epidemiology, she focuses on advancing sewage infrastructure solutions that strengthen climate resilience and safeguard ocean health worldwide. Website: https://www.oceansewagealliance.org/ Poo-News  Shop at the ZuLoo Marketplace today -- where a portion of each sale goes towards ZuLoo's global mission! 🌍🚽💚Donate here to help ZuLoo build toilets! Join our new Facebook Group: ZuLoo - Safe and Clean Toilets for All Humanity! Like the Pōōdcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show! Connect with Support the show Copyright (c) ZuLoo Media LLC.  All rights reserved. The Pōōdcast is the property of ZuLoo Media LLC (the “Publisher”).  The opinions expressed on the Pōōdcast are not necessarily that of the Publisher or of its parent company, ZuLoo, Inc.  (“ZuLoo”), or its affiliates.  References to third-parties, or links thereto, do not constitute an endorsement by such persons of the Pōōdcast, the Publisher, ZuLoo, or their affiliates, products, or services. ZuLoo Humanitarian is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity affiliated with ZuLoo. The ZuLoo Marketplace is owned and operated by ZuLoo Enterprises USA LLC, a ZuLoo-affiliated company. Questions may be directed to legal@zuloo.com.

    41 min
  2. Real Stories, Real Impact: How One Toilet Changes Lives (Toilet Recipient Stories Part 1) (#111)

    MAR 17

    Real Stories, Real Impact: How One Toilet Changes Lives (Toilet Recipient Stories Part 1) (#111)

    What happens after a toilet is built? On the ZuLoo Poodcast, we share powerful real-life stories from people whose lives were transformed after receiving access to safe sanitation. These are the voices behind the statistics. Hyderabad, India:  In this episode we meet the grateful families and recipients of ZuLoo Humanitarian's ongoing toilet building project in India. From safety and dignity to education and health, these stories reveal how something as simple as a toilet can change daily life for families and entire communities. Toilet Recipient Stories Part 1 highlights the human impact of sanitation and reminds us why access to safe toilets is one of the most important global challenges to solve. What You Will Learn ✅ How access to a toilet changes daily life for families ✅ Why sanitation improves safety, dignity, and health ✅ The connection between toilets and education ✅ How communities respond after receiving sanitation infrastructure ✅ Why real stories matter in global sanitation advocacy Like the Poodcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show! Timestamps 00:00 Real Stories, Real Impact: How One Toilet Changes Lives 02:00 Why toilet recipient stories matter 05:15 Daily challenges before safe sanitation access 10:30 Safety and dignity after receiving a toilet 15:45 How sanitation improves education and opportunity 20:20 Community impact and family health 25:10 Why sharing these stories drives change Key Takeaways 🔹 A toilet changes far more than convenience. It changes safety and dignity 🔹 Access to sanitation improves education and daily opportunity 🔹 Families experience immediate improvements in health and confidence 🔹 Real stories help people understand the urgency of sanitation access Community Spotlight This episode shares the voices of individuals and families whose lives were transformed through access to safe sanitation. Their stories highlight the real-world impact of toilet access and why organizations like ZuLoo continue working to bring safe sanitation to underserved communities. Poo-News: Shop at the ZuLoo Marketplace today -- where a portion of each sale goes towards ZuLoo's global mission! 🌍🚽💚Donate here to help ZuLoo build toilets! Join our new Facebook Group: ZuLoo - Safe and Clean Toilets for All Humanity! Like the Pōōdcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show!How do you ZuLoo?  Connect with ZuLoo on social media! Instagram: @zuloo__X / Twitter: @ZSupport the show Copyright (c) ZuLoo Media LLC.  All rights reserved. The Pōōdcast is the property of ZuLoo Media LLC (the “Publisher”).  The opinions expressed on the Pōōdcast are not necessarily that of the Publisher or of its parent company, ZuLoo, Inc.  (“ZuLoo”), or its affiliates.  References to third-parties, or links thereto, do not constitute an endorsement by such persons of the Pōōdcast, the Publisher, ZuLoo, or their affiliates, products, or services. ZuLoo Humanitarian is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity affiliated with ZuLoo. The ZuLoo Marketplace is owned and operated by ZuLoo Enterprises USA LLC, a ZuLoo-affiliated company. Questions may be directed to legal@zuloo.com.

    26 min
  3. From Corporate Success to Global Impact: Sanitation, Toilets, and Human Dignity with Christine Lee (#110)

    12/23/2025

    From Corporate Success to Global Impact: Sanitation, Toilets, and Human Dignity with Christine Lee (#110)

    Sanitation, toilets, and access to safe waste systems are at the heart of global health, dignity, and human impact. In this episode of the ZuLoo Poodcast, global impact leader Christine Lee shares her journey from corporate banking success to purpose-driven work focused on sanitation, toilets, and underserved communities. From Mongolia’s ger districts to global nonprofit leadership, this conversation explores why toilets matter, how sanitation shapes opportunity, and what it truly means to move from success to significance. What You Will Learn ✅ Why sanitation and toilets are foundational to human dignity ✅ How Christine Lee transitioned from corporate banking to global impact leadership ✅ What sanitation challenges look like in Mongolia’s ger districts ✅ Why access to toilets affects health, safety, and opportunity worldwide Like the Pōōdcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show! Timestamps: 00:00 From Corporate Success to Global Impact 02:05 Introducing Christine Lee and her global leadership journey 07:20 From corporate success to a search for purpose 12:30 Defining significance vs success in impact work 16:05 World Vision, microfinance, and community development 21:40 Sanitation realities in Mongolia’s ger districts 27:10 Toilets, safety, and dignity in underserved communities 32:30 Why sanitation access changes lives at scale 38:10 Final reflections on impact, purpose, and toilets Key Takeaways 🔹 Sanitation and toilets are essential to health, safety, and dignity 🔹 Impact leadership often begins far outside traditional career paths 🔹 Toilets are not a luxury, they are a foundation for opportunity 🔹 True significance comes from serving others at scale Guest Bio Christine Lee is a global impact leader, former senior banking executive, and nonprofit board member with decades of experience across finance, microfinance, and humanitarian work. After a successful corporate career, she shifted her focus toward purpose-driven leadership, working with organizations such as World Vision and serving on global boards addressing poverty, sanitation, and human dignity. Her work spans Asia, Australia, and developing regions worldwide, with a focus on creating meaningful, scalable impact. Poo-News and Show Notes: Is your poop painful? You may have an anal fissure! 😵✨💩 (Tyla)Shop at the ZuLoo Marketplace today -- where a portion of each sale goes towards ZuLoo's global mission! 🌍🚽💚Donate here to help ZuLoo build toilets! Join our new Facebook Group: ZuLoo - Safe and Clean Toilets for All Humanity! Like the Pōōdcast?  Support the show Copyright (c) ZuLoo Media LLC.  All rights reserved. The Pōōdcast is the property of ZuLoo Media LLC (the “Publisher”).  The opinions expressed on the Pōōdcast are not necessarily that of the Publisher or of its parent company, ZuLoo, Inc.  (“ZuLoo”), or its affiliates.  References to third-parties, or links thereto, do not constitute an endorsement by such persons of the Pōōdcast, the Publisher, ZuLoo, or their affiliates, products, or services. ZuLoo Humanitarian is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity affiliated with ZuLoo. The ZuLoo Marketplace is owned and operated by ZuLoo Enterprises USA LLC, a ZuLoo-affiliated company. Questions may be directed to legal@zuloo.com.

    47 min
  4. Pure Water, Safe Drinking Water, and Sanitation with Pure Water Northwest CEO Cydian Kaufman (#109)

    12/16/2025

    Pure Water, Safe Drinking Water, and Sanitation with Pure Water Northwest CEO Cydian Kaufman (#109)

    Pure water, safe drinking water, and sanitation are essential to public health, equity, and everyday life. In this episode of the ZuLoo Poodcast, Cydian Kaufman, CEO of Pure Water Northwest, explains how drinking water standards really work, the difference between legal and health-based water guidelines, and why water that looks or tastes fine is not always safe. From arsenic and chlorine byproducts to well water and municipal systems, this conversation unpacks what clean water actually means and how access to safe water shapes health, dignity, and gender equity. What You Will Learn ✅ The difference between legal water standards and health-based guidelines ✅ What contaminants can exist in drinking water even when it meets regulations ✅ How well water and municipal water systems differ ✅ Why access to clean water impacts sanitation, health, and gender equity Like the Poodcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show! Timestamps 00:00 Pure Water, Safe Drinking Water, and Sanitation 02:15 Meet Cydian Kaufman and Pure Water Northwest 07:40 Legal vs health standards for drinking water 13:30 Arsenic, chlorine byproducts, and hidden contaminants 19:00 Well water challenges and testing realities 24:45 Water access, sanitation, and gender equity 30:10 Why taste and smell are not reliable safety indicators 35:05 Why perfectly pure water can be harmful 41:30 The future of water treatment and desalination Key Takeaways 🔹 Drinking water can meet legal standards and still raise health concerns 🔹 Testing is the only way to truly understand water quality 🔹 Clean water and sanitation are deeply connected to equity and opportunity 🔹 Investing in water treatment protects long-term public health Guest Bio Cydian Kaufman is the CEO of Pure Water Northwest and a water treatment expert focused on improving drinking water quality for homes and businesses. With a background in mediation, property management, and water systems, Cydian helps individuals understand the difference between regulatory water standards and health-based guidelines. His work emphasizes education, testing, and practical solutions to ensure safe, clean water access Poo-News and Show Notes: Navajo Nation community in Utah finally gets running water! 💦🥳💦 (The Church Newsroom)Shop at the ZuLoo Marketplace today -- where a portion of each sale goes towards ZuLoo's global mission! 🌍🚽💚Donate here to help ZuLoo build toilets! Join our new Facebook Group: ZuLoo - Safe and Clean Toilets forSupport the show Copyright (c) ZuLoo Media LLC.  All rights reserved. The Pōōdcast is the property of ZuLoo Media LLC (the “Publisher”).  The opinions expressed on the Pōōdcast are not necessarily that of the Publisher or of its parent company, ZuLoo, Inc.  (“ZuLoo”), or its affiliates.  References to third-parties, or links thereto, do not constitute an endorsement by such persons of the Pōōdcast, the Publisher, ZuLoo, or their affiliates, products, or services. ZuLoo Humanitarian is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity affiliated with ZuLoo. The ZuLoo Marketplace is owned and operated by ZuLoo Enterprises USA LLC, a ZuLoo-affiliated company. Questions may be directed to legal@zuloo.com.

    51 min
  5. Sanitation Innovation, Twin Pit Toilets & Sustainable Sanitation with Dr. Nirod Baran Mazumdar (#108)

    12/09/2025

    Sanitation Innovation, Twin Pit Toilets & Sustainable Sanitation with Dr. Nirod Baran Mazumdar (#108)

    Sanitation innovation and sustainable sanitation solutions are essential to public health, climate resilience, and human dignity. In this episode of the ZuLoo Poodcast, sanitation expert Dr. Nirod Baran Mazumdar explains how twin pit toilets work, why affordable toilet technology matters, and how ecological sanitation systems can eliminate manual scavenging while saving water. Recorded on site in India, this conversation explores low-water toilets, fecal sludge management, biogas systems, and how simple sanitation infrastructure can create long-term environmental and social impact. What You Will Learn ✅ How twin pit toilets safely treat waste over time ✅ Why sustainable sanitation systems save water and protect health ✅ How sanitation innovation helps eliminate manual scavenging ✅ How waste can be reused through composting and biogas systems Like the Poodcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show! Timestamps 00:00 Why sanitation and toilet innovation matter globally 02:05 Meet Dr. Nirod Baran Mazumdar and the Sulabh sanitation system 05:20 How twin pit toilets work and why they are safe 08:30 Water-saving toilet design and low-flush systems 12:40 Eliminating manual scavenging through sanitation engineering 17:10 Composting waste into safe organic manure 22:45 Affordable toilets and locally sourced materials 28:40 Biogas toilets and wastewater reuse systems 34:10 The future of sustainable sanitation worldwide Key Takeaways 🔹 Twin pit toilets provide safe, affordable, and sustainable sanitation 🔹 Sanitation innovation can eliminate manual scavenging with dignity 🔹 Low-water toilets are critical for climate resilience 🔹 Waste can be safely reused through composting and biogas systems Guest Bio Dr. Nirod Baran Mazumdar is a sanitation engineer and global sanitation expert specializing in sustainable sanitation systems, twin pit toilet technology, and ecological sanitation. He serves as Chairman of the International Academy for Environmental Sanitation and Public Health and has spent decades advancing affordable toilet solutions that improve public health, save water, and eliminate manual scavenging. His work has helped deliver millions of low-cost, climate-resilient sanitation systems across India and beyond. Poo-News and Show Notes: Shop at the ZuLoo Marketplace today -- where a portion of each sale goes towards ZuLoo's global mission! 🌍🚽💚Donate here to help ZuLoo build toilets! Join our new Facebook Group: ZuLoo - Safe and Clean Toilets for All Humanity! Like the Pōōdcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show!How do you ZuLoo?  Support the show Copyright (c) ZuLoo Media LLC.  All rights reserved. The Pōōdcast is the property of ZuLoo Media LLC (the “Publisher”).  The opinions expressed on the Pōōdcast are not necessarily that of the Publisher or of its parent company, ZuLoo, Inc.  (“ZuLoo”), or its affiliates.  References to third-parties, or links thereto, do not constitute an endorsement by such persons of the Pōōdcast, the Publisher, ZuLoo, or their affiliates, products, or services. ZuLoo Humanitarian is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity affiliated with ZuLoo. The ZuLoo Marketplace is owned and operated by ZuLoo Enterprises USA LLC, a ZuLoo-affiliated company. Questions may be directed to legal@zuloo.com.

    37 min
  6. Reinventing the Toilet: Compo Closet, Van Life, & the Future of Composting Toilets (#107)

    12/02/2025

    Reinventing the Toilet: Compo Closet, Van Life, & the Future of Composting Toilets (#107)

    What if the toilet actually evolved? In this episode of the Zulu Pōōdcast, we sit down with Compo Closet co-founders Richard Peter and Erica Pugh to talk composting toilets, van life realities, and why sanitation innovation matters more than ever. From urine-diverting design to waterless, chemical-free systems, this conversation breaks down how modern composting toilets work, why they don’t smell, and how better design can unlock real change in off-grid living and global sanitation. This episode blends humor, real talk, and serious impact. Because toilets are not just toilets. They are health, dignity, sustainability, and opportunity. In This Episode, You Will Learn ✅ How composting toilets actually work and why separation matters ✅ Why most composting toilets fail in vans and how Compo Closet fixed it ✅ The role of urine diversion in odor control and hygiene ✅ What van lifers really struggle with when it comes to toilets ✅ How design, inclusivity, and community feedback shape better sanitation tools ✅ Why poop is only waste if you waste it Like the Pōōdcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show! Key Takeaways Composting toilets start the process. They do not finish itSeparating liquids and solids is the secret to low odor systemsGood sanitation design must work for different bodies and lifestylesWaterless toilets reduce environmental impact without sacrificing comfortInnovation in toilets can scale from van life to global sanitation solutions Guest Spotlight Richard Peter is a designer and innovator who started solving his own van-life problem and ended up co-founding Compo Closet. His focus is on compact design, ease of use, and sustainable sanitation systems that actually work in real life. Erica Pugh is a marketer and strategist based in Europe who helped shape Compo Closet through community-driven feedback and crowdfunding. She brings a global perspective on sanitation, sustainability, and inclusive design. Poo-News and Show Notes: What's the link between brain fog and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? 🧠😶‍🌫️💩 (Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology)Special guest co-host Charan Prabhakar returns to the show to give us an update on his real life upward-bound acting and filmmaking career! 🎥🕺🏾🍿⭐️Shop at the ZuLoo Marketplace today -- where a portion of each sale goes towards ZuLoo's global mission! 🌍🚽💚Donate here to help ZuLoo build toilets! Join our new Facebook Group: ZuLoo - Safe and Clean Toilets for All Humanity! Like the Pōōdcast?  Support the show Copyright (c) ZuLoo Media LLC.  All rights reserved. The Pōōdcast is the property of ZuLoo Media LLC (the “Publisher”).  The opinions expressed on the Pōōdcast are not necessarily that of the Publisher or of its parent company, ZuLoo, Inc.  (“ZuLoo”), or its affiliates.  References to third-parties, or links thereto, do not constitute an endorsement by such persons of the Pōōdcast, the Publisher, ZuLoo, or their affiliates, products, or services. ZuLoo Humanitarian is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity affiliated with ZuLoo. The ZuLoo Marketplace is owned and operated by ZuLoo Enterprises USA LLC, a ZuLoo-affiliated company. Questions may be directed to legal@zuloo.com.

    58 min
  7. Inside the World’s Most Fascinating Toilet Museum: Sanitation, History, and Human Dignity (#106)

    09/23/2025

    Inside the World’s Most Fascinating Toilet Museum: Sanitation, History, and Human Dignity (#106)

    What do ancient civilizations, royal thrones, composting toilets, and modern sanitation innovation all have in common? Toilets. In this episode of the Zuloo Poodcast, we travel to India for a guided tour of the International Toilet Museum with curator Narjis Ali. From 4,500-year-old sanitation systems to royal toilet thrones and futuristic composting and microwave toilets, this episode explores how sanitation has shaped human health, culture, and civilization. Toilets are not just infrastructure. They are dignity, safety, and survival. What You Will Learn ✅ How ancient civilizations managed sanitation over 4,000 years ago ✅ Why toilet design has always reflected power, culture, and hierarchy ✅ The science behind the P-trap and why it changed public health ✅ How composting and waterless toilets actually work ✅ Why sanitation education is key to solving the global sanitation crisis Like the Pōōdcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show! Timestamps 00:00  Welcome to the Zuloo Pōōdcast and sponsor message 01:24  Touring the International Toilet Museum in India 04:26  Sanitation systems from ancient civilizations 09:27  The invention of the flush toilet and the P-trap 13:36  How toilet design reduced disease and odor 17:51  Royal toilet thrones and sanitation history 25:47  Composting toilets and modern sanitation innovation 34:39  Why sanitation education matters for global health Key Takeaways 🔹 Sanitation systems existed thousands of years before modern plumbing 🔹 Toilet design directly impacts health, hygiene, and dignity 🔹 Waterless and composting toilets reduce environmental strain 🔹 Education is as important as infrastructure in sanitation solutions Guest Bio Narjis Ali is the curator of the International Toilet Museum in India and a global advocate for sanitation education. Through storytelling, history, and humor, she helps visitors understand how toilets have shaped civilization and why access to sanitation remains a critical human right. Poo-News and Show Notes: Shop at the ZuLoo Marketplace today -- where a portion of each sale goes towards ZuLoo's global mission! 🌍🚽💚Donate here to help ZuLoo build toilets! Join our new Facebook Group: ZuLoo - Safe and Clean Toilets for All Humanity! Like the Pōōdcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show!How do you ZuLoo?  Connect with ZuLoo on social media! Instagram: @zuloo__X / Twitter: @ZuLooIncFacebook: ZuLooYouTube: Support the show Copyright (c) ZuLoo Media LLC.  All rights reserved. The Pōōdcast is the property of ZuLoo Media LLC (the “Publisher”).  The opinions expressed on the Pōōdcast are not necessarily that of the Publisher or of its parent company, ZuLoo, Inc.  (“ZuLoo”), or its affiliates.  References to third-parties, or links thereto, do not constitute an endorsement by such persons of the Pōōdcast, the Publisher, ZuLoo, or their affiliates, products, or services. ZuLoo Humanitarian is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity affiliated with ZuLoo. The ZuLoo Marketplace is owned and operated by ZuLoo Enterprises USA LLC, a ZuLoo-affiliated company. Questions may be directed to legal@zuloo.com.

    37 min
  8. Turning Poop Culture Into Pop Culture: Filmmaker Lily Zepeda on Storytelling, Sanitation, and Mr. Toilet (#105)

    08/12/2025

    Turning Poop Culture Into Pop Culture: Filmmaker Lily Zepeda on Storytelling, Sanitation, and Mr. Toilet (#105)

    How do you make the global sanitation crisis impossible to ignore? You tell a story people can feel. In this episode of the ZuLoo Poodcast, we sit down with award-winning filmmaker Lily Zepeda, director of Mr. Toilet: The World’s Number Two Man. Lily shares how she followed curiosity all the way from a radio announcement to a five-year documentary journey alongside Jack Sim, founder of the World Toilet Organization. This conversation explores why humor breaks taboos, how storytelling drives social change, and why sanitation is about far more than toilets. It’s about dignity, education, health, and human connection. What You Will Learn ✅ How storytelling makes complex global issues relatable ✅ Why humor and playfulness cut through sanitation taboos ✅ How Mr. Toilet came to life over five years of filming ✅ Why sanitation access directly impacts education and gender equity ✅ How creativity fuels long-term social impact Like the Pōōdcast?  Click here to become a supporter of the show! Timestamps 00:00  Turning Poop Culture Into Pop Culture: Filmmaker Lily Zepeda on Storytelling, Sanitation, and Mr. Toilet 01:18  Why toilets still shock people in wealthy countries 11:06 Poo News: toilets on ships and why it’s called “the head” 16:40  Introducing filmmaker Lily Zepeda 19:52  How Mr. Toilet began and meeting Jack Sim 26:08  Sanitation, girls’ education, and human dignity 33:01  Playfulness, creativity, and social change storytelling 36:45  Why humor drives global impact Key Takeaways 🔹 Storytelling transforms sanitation from statistics into human experience 🔹 Humor opens doors where fear and shame shut them 🔹 Sanitation access shapes education, health, and opportunity 🔹 Playfulness is a serious tool for global change Guest Bio Lily Zepeda is an award-winning filmmaker, storyteller, and retreat facilitator. She directed Mr. Toilet: The World’s Number Two Man, following sanitation advocate Jack Sim over five years as he worked to bring global attention to the sanitation crisis. Lily’s work blends curiosity, humor, and humanity to spotlight stories that challenge norms and inspire action. Poo-News and Show Notes: How did sailors of old go to the loo in the Age of Sail? ⛵️💩Watch Lily's full movie here! 🎥💩Connect with Lily on Instagram! 🙋🏻‍♀️Shop at the ZuLoo Marketplace today -- where a portion of each sale goes towards ZuLoo's global mission! 🌍🚽💚Donate hereSupport the show Copyright (c) ZuLoo Media LLC.  All rights reserved. The Pōōdcast is the property of ZuLoo Media LLC (the “Publisher”).  The opinions expressed on the Pōōdcast are not necessarily that of the Publisher or of its parent company, ZuLoo, Inc.  (“ZuLoo”), or its affiliates.  References to third-parties, or links thereto, do not constitute an endorsement by such persons of the Pōōdcast, the Publisher, ZuLoo, or their affiliates, products, or services. ZuLoo Humanitarian is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity affiliated with ZuLoo. The ZuLoo Marketplace is owned and operated by ZuLoo Enterprises USA LLC, a ZuLoo-affiliated company. Questions may be directed to legal@zuloo.com.

    53 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

What if toilets, poop and sanitation are the hidden forces shaping global health, human dignity, and survival worldwide? ZuLoo Poodcast is a podcast about toilets, poop, and global sanitation, exploring how sanitation impacts public health, wellness, hygiene, and humanity through funny facts, real stories, and impactful conversations. 👉 Learn more about ZuLoo’s mission and global health sanitation work at https://zuloo.org Welcome to ZuLoo Poodcast, the podcast that talks openly about poop, toilets, global health and sanitation so the rest of the world doesn’t have to ignore why it matters. Each episode dives into sanitation news, global health conversations, public health insights, and quirky humor to uncover how toilets quietly influence daily life, health outcomes, and human dignity across the globe. From funny toilet facts and surprising poop trivia to serious discussions about sanitation access, toilet innovation, hygiene education, and public health systems, ZuLoo Poodcast shines a light on one of the most overlooked topics in the world. A topic that affects everyone, everywhere. Why Listen? Because sanitation affects everything. Health. Education. Gender equity. Environmental sustainability. Economic opportunity. If you care about public health, global sanitation, wellness, sustainable innovation, or simply love learning unexpected facts that actually matter, this podcast is for you. ZuLoo Poodcast makes complex sanitation issues easy to understand, surprisingly entertaining, and deeply human. You will laugh, learn, and start seeing toilets and sanitation in a completely new way. What You’ll Hear on ZuLoo Poodcast✅ Real conversations about global sanitation and public health✅ Funny, fascinating poop facts and toilet stories✅ Interviews with sanitation experts, innovators, and impact leaders✅ Stories showing how toilets impact health, wellness, and human dignity✅ Insight into the global sanitation crisis and real world solutions✅ How toilet technology and sanitation innovation are changing lives  This is an educational sanitation podcast that does not sound like a lecture. It is honest, curious, approachable, and grounded in real human stories. Meet the Hosts Jocelyn GardinerJocelyn Gardiner is a sanitation advocate and co-host of ZuLoo Poodcast with a passion for storytelling, education, and breaking down taboos around toilets, poop, and hygiene. She brings curiosity, humor, and heart to conversations about sanitation access, public health, and why talking about toilets can actually change lives. Darin MangumDarin Mangum is co-host of ZuLoo Poodcast and a leader in impact-driven conversations around sanitation, wellness, and global health. With a grounded and thoughtful approach, Darin connects real-world sanitation challenges to practical solutions, highlighting how access to safe toilets plays a critical role in improving quality of life worldwide. About ZuLoo ZuLoo is on a mission to help solve the global sanitation crisis by improving access to clean, safe toilets and hygiene education. ZuLoo Poodcast is one way the organization raises awareness, sparks conversation, and drives action around sanitation and public health.

Information

  • Creator
    Darin Mangum, Jocelyn Gardner
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Explicit
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    © 2026 ZuLoo Poodcast
  • Show Website
    ZuLoo Poodcast