The power of a simple question can change everything.
When a man named Isaac approached our cleanup team in Ewaso Ngiro, Kenya, and asked, “Can you give me the tools to clean up my side of town?”—none of us could have predicted what would follow. That single question launched Project PickUp (phase 2), a community-led movement that’s now reshaping how waste is handled in rural Kenya.

In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Justin Imamura and TJ Lauters of The Trash Punx and Therese Hjelm of Sabore’s Well to reflect on their recent return to Kenya—two years after their first trip—to help open an Upcycling Center that’s now in local hands.

From hilarious travel stories (beware “the rat”—aka complete exhaustion—and Nairobi traffic!) to powerful moments with changemakers like Violet, who makes reusable diapers in Kibera, and the welder whose life changed simply by being next door to the Upcycling Center—this episode is packed with laughter, heart, and global perspective.

At its core, it’s about what happens when environmental solutions are community-led. The Upcycling Center doesn’t just reduce waste—it creates jobs, replaces tree-cutting with recycled plastic fence posts, and models conservation that doesn’t leave people behind.

Join us for this raw, joy-filled conversation about listening first, staying curious, and trusting what can unfold when we say yes to the messy, beautiful work of creating change—together.

🌍 Want to support this work? Check out the links to the people and projects mentioned.

The Trash Punx
Sabore's Well
Violet Ochieng'
Ocean Sole

Interview with: Therese Hjelm, TJ Lauters & Justin Imamura

Things that make you say "Wow"!
For more episodes and additional information visit the Two Chicks and a Hoe website and our Facebook page.
Big thanks to our Producer, Casey Kennedy.

Think rats are pests? Think again. Meet the HeroRATs — a team of highly trained Giant African Pouched Rats saving lives around the world. Through the nonprofit APOPO, these intelligent rodents are sniffing out landmines, detecting tuberculosis, and even helping stop wildlife trafficking.

In this episode, we dig into how these whiskered heroes work with astonishing accuracy and speed—clearing minefields in places like Cambodia, Angola, and Azerbaijan, and screening up to 100 TB samples in just 20 minutes in Tanzania and Ethiopia (a job that would take a lab technician a week!) They're also being trained to help in disaster zones and uncover illegal smuggling routes.

Smarter than you'd think, lighter than dogs, and far less expensive, HeroRATs are flipping the script on what it means to be a lifesaving partner. And yes—they get monthly vet visits, retirement plans, and plenty of playtime.

This is the story of courage, compassion, and the unexpected allies changing the world one sniff at a time.

APOPO

Interview with: Erin Sackett
Thank you to APOPO for images

Things that make you say "Wow"!
For more episodes and additional information visit the Two Chicks and a Hoe website and our Facebook page.
Big thanks to our Producer, Casey Kennedy.

Horses have a unique ability to heal, inspire, and empower, and Bridle Up Hope harnesses this power to create life-changing experiences for women and girls. In this episode, we introduce you to Rosemarie Rubalcava-Stokes and Sally Ford, the visionary women behind Bridle Up Hope in San Jose. Joined by my dear friend and hiking companion, Vikki, we explore their transformative program that combines equestrian training with Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Born out of Rachel Covey's passion for horses, Bridle Up Hope has grown into a global movement dedicated to helping participants build confidence, manage emotions, and unlock their inner strength. Through a supportive 14-week course, women and girls from all walks of life find growth, community, and joy in equine-assisted learning.

This episode also dives into the inspiring personal journey of Rosemarie, a retired veteran who discovered a new calling with the help of this program. With activities like dance, art, and meaningful interactions with horses, Bridle Up Hope is proving that healing and empowerment can take many forms. Tune in to hear how horses and habits are changing lives, one stride at a time.

Bridle Up Hope

Interview with: Rosemarie Rubalcava-Stokes and Sally Ford
Thank you to RebeccasPictures for photo.

Things that make you say "Wow"!
For more episodes and additional information visit the Two Chicks and a Hoe website and our Facebook page.
Big thanks to our Producer, Casey Kennedy.