
How Stories Happen
What does it take to resonate? On How Stories Happen, experts, entrepreneurs, and business leaders dissect their signature stories piece by piece. We explore how they found and developed their ideas, how they might improve even still, and how they use a story to show up with greater impact and influence. Hosted by Jay Acunzo.
Latest episodes

Jan 22, 2025 • 36min
Is Eating Plant-Based *Actually* More Expensive?
We know eating more plant-based dishes is a healthy and sustainable choice, but the assumption is that it’s also an expensive one. This week, we're resharing an important past episode where we bust that myth with Toni Okamoto, founder of Plant-Based on a Budget. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/is-plant-based-diet-more-expensive.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 15, 2025 • 35min
Small Changes That Can Help Shrink Your Family's Carbon Footprint
In an era where planet Earth could use a little extra TLC, many parents are setting out to raise their little ones with a side of sustainability. The good news? You don't have to be an eco-warrior to make a difference. This week, Jen Panaro, the founder and editor-in-chief of Honestly Modern, shares small changes in your daily routine that can wield a super-sized impact on shrinking your family's carbon footprint. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/sustainable-parenting-habits.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 8, 2025 • 30min
Balancing Sustainability Goals and Financial Realities in the New Year
Current economic circumstances are putting a lot of pressure on everyone right now. As we enter 2025, our mission is to equip you with all the tools you'll need to balance your sustainability goals with financial realities—from cost-cutting grocery shopping tips to ways to utilize your community before buying new. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/sustainability-goals-vs-financial-realities.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 18, 2024 • 30min
Ocean Acidification and Its Detrimental Impact on Marine Life with Dr. Jessica Cross
We talk a lot about greenhouse gas emissions and what they’re doing to our atmosphere. But what about our oceans? That’s a question best posed to Dr. Jessica Cross, a research oceanographer with the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Seattle, WA. This week, we’re resharing an important past episode where you’ll learn everything there is to know about ocean acidification and the effect it has on the planet. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/ocean-acidification.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 11, 2024 • 29min
Turn Secondhand Treasures Into Unforgettable Gifts With Thrifty Gifting
The notion of wrapping up a pre-owned item as a gift was traditionally met with raised eyebrows. However, in recent times, the narrative surrounding secondhand gifting has undergone a notable transformation as more and more people embrace the idea of sustainable and eco-friendly gift-giving. This week, Bre Eggert, the founder of Average But Inspired, is sharing all the tips and tricks you need to ensure your thrifting endeavors result in thoughtful and memorable presents. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/secondhand-gifting-tips.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 4, 2024 • 39min
Your Guide to Sustainable Christmas Celebrations with Sarah Robertson-Barnes
Between the gift shopping, endless rolls of wrapping paper, and glittery decor, staying sustainable over the holidays can be a challenge. This week, Sarah Robertson-Barnes, a low-waste living expert and the founder of Sustainable in the Suburbs, is back to discuss everything you need to know to make your holiday season more eco-friendly, no matter how you’re celebrating. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/how-to-have-an-eco-friendly-christmas.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 28, 2024 • 37min
How Overconsumption Impacts the Planet and the Key to Beating It for Good
With everything we want just a click away, we bring new things into our homes every day… just to toss them out. This excessive consumption has led to an alarming statistic: The average American produces 4.5 pounds of trash each day. For a family of four, that’s 6,570 pounds of trash generated per year. As we approach some of the biggest shopping holidays of the year, we're resharing an important past episode where we dive into our major “stuff” problem with Nick Huzar, the co-founder and board director at OfferUp and the founder of StuffTV. For more information, visit https://brightly.eco/americas-stuff-problem.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 20, 2024 • 35min
Lower-Waste Everyday Recipes with Grace Elkus
If you think finding new, delicious, and planet-friendly recipes is hard, you're not alone. This week, Laura is joined by Grace Elkus, a food writer and editor, recipe developer, and content creator, to chat about which meals have been on repeat in her home and ways to cut down on waste.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 13, 2024 • 30min
How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Sustainably with Sarah Robertson-Barnes
Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to celebrate everything we're thankful for. What you may not realize, though, is between the food waste and holiday travel emissions, it's one of the least sustainable holidays. The good news is you don't have to sacrifice your holiday fun. This week, Sarah Robertson-Barnes, a low-waste living expert and the founder of Sustainable in the Suburbs, is here to help make your Thanksgiving more eco-friendly. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/eco-friendly-thanksgiving.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 6, 2024 • 34min
Are Ocean Waves the Answer to Our Sustainable Energy Needs?
We get energy from wind and the sun, but have you ever looked toward the vast, untapped energy potential of our oceans? Yep, that's right—with more than 70% of the earth's surface covered by water, wave energy has the potential to become a key contributor to our global energy needs. The topic is something this week’s guest, Jan Skjoldhammer, the founder and CEO of the wave energy developer Novige AB, definitely knows a thing or two about. So could wave energy be the next big thing in sustainable energy? For more information, visit https://brightly.eco/wave-energy.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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