Branching Out: Rethinking Our Diets with Elspeth Hay

In her new book, Feed Us with Trees, author, food writer, and environmental advocate Elspeth Hay invites readers to rediscover the nourishing relationship between people and the trees that sustain us. Blending lyrical storytelling with practical wisdom, Hay explores how tree-based foods and traditional ecological knowledge can guide us toward a more resilient and regenerative future. We sat down with her to discuss the inspiration behind the book, the role of trees in our food systems, and how reconnecting with these ancient sources of nourishment can change the way we eat—and live.

Articles, zIssue 57.4Kylie MurphyAugust 14, 2025Healthy, healthy eating, Food, Nutrition, Nut based diet, diet, trees, tree nuts, indigenous, writer, author, historyComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Anndrea Young, Minneapolis City Council Ward 5

The Minneapolis City Council races are heating up! We’ve already featured one other race for the council, and today we are featuring another election in a different ward. Anndrea Young (she/her) is a millennial mom of two who is passionate about her district. She says, “I love the smell of Broadway early in the morning when Cub Foods is baking doughnuts, but I don't really eat doughnuts.”

Leveling the Playing Field: How to Support Women Athletes and Traditionally Female Sports

Despite undeniable talent, dedication, and success, women athletes and sports traditionally associated with women, like gymnastics, figure skating, and softball, continue to receive significantly less financial backing and media exposure than their male counterparts. This impedance not only affects the livelihoods and opportunities of women in sports, but it also impacts how young girls view their potential in athletic spaces. To create a more equitable sporting world, systematic support and cultural change are essential. Here are several actionable ways we can all help support women athletes and elevate traditionally female sports:

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57.4Angelina DeSalvoAugust 13, 2025womens sports, athlete, female athlete, female sports, talent, gender equalityComment

Roots and Resonance: Ant Thomaz on Fatherhood, Fusion, and Finding Purpose

Some artists follow trends; others follow truth. In a world that often demands instant output and polished perfection, Ant Thomaz chooses presence, patience, and purpose. From morning meditations with his daughter to the chilled edges of the Irish Sea, his creative process is as deeply personal as it is universal. Rooted in Scotland but echoing with Louisiana soul, Ant’s story unfolds like a song—layered, honest, and impossible to ignore. Want to know what fuels the man behind the music? Read below to find out more.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.4Angelina DeSalvoAugust 12, 2025artists, music, fatherhood, father, songs, singer song writer, album, funk, jazz, soul, stage, performanceComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Seattle City Council Position 8

Today we are profiling Alexis Mercedes Rinck (she/her), a queer Latina millennial who was elected councilwoman for Position 8 on the Seattle City Council who is running for re-election on the Democratic ticket. She won a special election last year by running to the left of the appointed councilmember. Born to two teenage gang members, Alexis’s father spent her whole childhood incarcerated and went on to face chronic homelessness and substance abuse disorder, while her mother ended up losing custody in the throes of the juvenile detention system, so Alexis was raised by her grandparents. Alexis is passionate about housing reform, fighting climate change, and protecting immigrant communities from ICE.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.3Andrew FAugust 12, 2025latina, latinx, queer, #queer, housing, housing crisis, homelessness, homeless crisis, election, #election, #SeattleComment

Jackie Dallas on Acting and Advocacy

After rediscovering her love for acting during medical residency, actress Jackie Dallas made a bold decision to swap career paths and pursue her passion. Now she finds herself celebrating her latest role in Netflix’s new drama filled series “The Hunting Wives”. Still a fierce advocate for women’s health, Dallas shares women’s pelvic health advice and chats about the importance of diversity and representation within the industry. To learn more about Jackie Dallas, her acting process, and her advocacy, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Aurin Chowdhury, Minneapolis City Council Ward 12

Today we are profiling Aurin Chowdhury (she/they), a Gen Z daughter of working-class Bengali immigrants who was elected councilwoman for Ward 12 on the Minneapolis City Council who is running for re-election on the Democratic-Farmer-Labor ticket. This former community organizer’s platform includes addressing homelessness humanely and with dignity, shaping public safety with community, standing strong on police accountability, and building a just and equitable climate resilient city.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Nicole Zelen, West Deer Township, Pennsylvania Supervisor, District 1

It is now three months away from the 2025 elections and more candidates are running for November races! Today we are profiling Nicole Zelen (she/her), a millennial who is passionate about transparent governance, community collaboration, sustainability, environmental preservation, and evidence-based policymaking. Nicole and her husband both ride vintage Honda motorcycles (photo below) and have two cats.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.3Andrew FAugust 8, 2025millenial, election, elections, #election, politics, Local, political, Politics, #politics, get politicalComment

Crafted with Care, Worn with Soul: The Earth Sole Journey

In this interview, we explore the inspiring journey behind Earth Sole, a handcrafted barefoot shoe brand rooted in sustainability, creativity, and a deep connection to nature. What started as a personal solution to the discomfort of modern footwear evolved into a purpose-driven business that honors the earth, embraces minimalism, and supports conscious living. From working with repurposed leather to building a small, intentional team in Cape Town, the founder shares the unexpected twists, challenges, and rewarding moments that shaped the brand’s path. What drives someone to build a shoe company with no prior experience—and how does living barefoot in nature lead to an internationally growing business? Keep reading to find out.

SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 57.3Angelina DeSalvoAugust 8, 2025soul, sustainability, leather, shoes, footwear, creativity, natureComment

Hillary Lewis is Chasing Cupid!

Co-creator, writer, and actress for the drama filled web series Chasing Cupid, Hillary Lewis, created a series for the girls! Based on their own real dating experiences, Lewis and her co-creator, Lauren Davidi, explore the ups and downs of dating, heartbreak, and girlhood in the digital age throughout the series. Beyond the show, Lewis has volunteered for United in Harmony, aiming to support underprivileged children with opportunities to learn and grow. Read on to learn more about Hillary Lewis and Chasing Cupids.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.3Eva Elisa WellsAugust 7, 2025TV, TV Series, #tvseries, YouTube, youtube, dating, love, acting, Acting, Directing, Actor, actress, Actress, female actressComment

Ageless Naturally: Clean Vegan Solutions to Keep You Looking Young

In a world increasingly driven by artificial ingredients and synthetic beauty quick-fixes, more people are turning to nature for their skincare and anti-aging solutions. The clean, vegan beauty movement has gained traction not just for its ethical values, but for its impressive results. Staying youthful doesn’t have to involve harsh chemical, invasive procedures, or animal derived ingredients. With the right clean, plant based regimen it’s possible to nurture your skin, body, and overall health in a way that promotes longevity and radiance from the inside out. Here’s how to maintain a youthful appearance using natural, vegan, and clean beauty practices:

Hillary Reynolds' Soothing Songwriting

Singer-songwriter, Hillary Reynolds, debuts her first solo album, “Changing Seasons” on August 8th. The first single off of the album, “Can’t Turn Off My Mind”, sets the tone for the albums refreshing lyrical honesty, bright sounds, and soothing melodies. Beyond the music, Reynolds helps run her mother’s breast cancer foundation, The Trina Fund. To learn more about Hillary Reynolds and her upcoming album, read on.

Attacking Public Press: Trump’s Media Censorship Campaign

President Trump has been very vocal about dismissing any criticism directed at him and his choices throughout the short time he has so far served as president this term. His rejection of criticism has led him to make efforts in censoring public media and journalism. Whether it be suing news outlets for defamation of character, restricting journalism, defunding public broadcasting, or writing posts on his social media platform Truth Social to criticize those who speak out against him, Trump has made one of his main presidential focuses: censorship.

Rachael Sage & Kristen Ford: Joy=Resistance

Coming together to perform on the “Joy=Resistance” tour are two queer musicians who aren’t afraid of speaking up. Singer-songwriters Rachel Sage and Kristen Ford see music as a universal language that creates community and connection, which is exactly what they hope to bring to each city on their tour. Sage’s latest single and upcoming album, “Canopy”, keeps inclusivity and acceptance at the forefront while Ford’s new single “Wild Heart” and album “Pinto” aim to fight back against oppression. Donating a portion of the proceeds from their tour to The Trevor Project, the two musicians fight even further to create safe spaces and provide solace for those in need. To learn more about Rachel Sage, Kristen Ford, and their Joy=Resistance tour, read on.

Where Visibility Meets Vibrancy: The Queer Art Hub Revolution

Born from an Instagram page resharing queer artists' work during the pandemic, Queer Art Hub has grown into a dynamic, global platform spotlighting LGBTQI+ creatives across 17 countries—and counting. Built on the mission to democratize art sharing and confront the challenges queer artists face on mainstream platforms, it now serves as a digital sanctuary for expression, connection, and visibility. From community classifieds to artist portfolios and collaborations with cultural spaces like St Martins Lane London, this is more than a website—it’s a movement. Curious how a grassroots idea turned into a worldwide art revolution? Read below to discover the full story.

Art, zIssue 57.3Angelina DeSalvoAugust 5, 2025queer, activism, LGBTQ+, artists, art, revolution, nyc, community, show, art show, representation, communication, globalComment

Workspaces to Living Places: Giving Empty Offices a Second Life

New York City has an abundance of empty office buildings and a shortage of affordable housing options. The fix? Turn those ghost-town workplaces into apartments people can afford. It’s a creative idea that sounds simple—but making it work is a whole different story. Let’s dive into how NYC is trying to turn old office space into new beginnings.

SCAD Heart Disease: The Hidden Heart Threat You Should Know About

When we think about heart disease, we often picture blocked arteries caused by years of plaque buildup, a condition primarily linked to lifestyle and age. But there’s a lesser-known, often misunderstood heart condition that doesn’t follow those rules: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). SCAD strikes suddenly, often in healthy individuals, and it doesn’t always come with warning signs. It predominantly affects women, particularly those under 50, and can occur even in people without any prior heart issues. For many, the first sign is a heart attack. That’s why understanding SCAD is not just important, it could be lifesaving.

Articles, zIssue 57.3Angelina DeSalvoAugust 4, 2025health, Awareness, heart, womens health, pregnant, educationComment

The Importance of Saving Public Broadcasting

Federal funding has helped keep public broadcasting stations like NPR, PBS, and several other stations on air for decades. Just recently, the Senate and the House passed a “Recission Act” that will greatly affect this funding. This act is a measure that has the ability to take away money that has already been budgeted by Congress and includes over a billion dollars in funding for public media. With these advances expected to be signed into law very soon by Trump, public broadcasting stations all over the country will take crucial funding hits and, for some, lose the ability to stay on air altogether.

The Ultimate Guide to Barefoot Sandals: Style, Comfort, and Benefits

Why not wear slides or flip-flops? Well, they’re pretty accurately named because they slide and flop as you walk. There’s nothing to keep them secure on your foot, causing you to grip your toes or walk funny to keep the shoe on.

Darwin Del Fabro and Her One-Woman Play that Honors and Celebrates

Performer Darwin Del Fabro lets her journey navigating the world as a trans woman and immigrant shine in her upcoming one woman play “LILI/DARWIN”. From honoring Lili Elbe to celebrating her own artistic and personal growth, “LILI/DARWIN” is a deeply candor exploration of the strength found in connection, identity, and vulnerability. Join us as Darwin Del Fabro talks inspiration, identity, the entertainment industry, and trans rights.