Heather Davis

Heather Davis and Mark Simpson discuss the urgent need for new communication strategies regarding plastic pollution. They explore the complexities of plastics, the limitations of recycling, and the emotional complexities of activism and scholarly work. The conversation also delves into the concept of 'low hanging data fruit' in activism and the importance of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.

Heather Davis, a passionate baker turned entrepreneur, shares her journey from teaching to opening Chic Sweets Fine Desserts in Houston. She discusses the challenges of running a brick-and-mortar bakery and strategies for boosting customer engagement, such as strategic promotions. The conversation dives into the importance of authentic communication in marketing and how effective storytelling can create lasting connections with customers. Heather also reflects on balancing personal joy with business aspirations, offering inspiration to fellow entrepreneurs.

Heather Davis, an Assistant Professor of Culture and Media at the New School and author of Plastic Matter, dives into the pervasive influence of plastic in our lives. She discusses the industrial motives behind plastic proliferation and the colonial legacies of pollution. Davis brilliantly connects queerness to ecological thinking and critiques societal narratives around children as symbols of future hope. She exposes how plastics’ paradoxical nature perpetuates harm across generations and highlights the racial injustices tied to plastic production.