The Nikki & Brie Show

Episode: Leah Thomas: Heal Ourselves, Heal the Planet
Release Date: February 16, 2026
Host: Brie Garcia (Nikki is traveling)
Guest: Leah Thomas (Environmental activist, author, and founder of Intersectional Environmentalist)
Platform: SiriusXM

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the vital link between personal healing, community care, and environmental action. Brie welcomes environmentalist and author Leah Thomas for an uplifting, honest, and practical conversation about “intersectional environmentalism.” Together, they explore accessible ways to protect the planet and ourselves, discuss the stress of environmental news cycles, and offer hope for a more caring, sustainable future—grounded in kindness, inclusivity, and community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Leah’s Environmental Awakening & Philosophy

• Leah’s Start in Environmentalism

  • Leah’s early love for animals evolved during college into a passion for environmental science, stemming from both academic interest and a search for healing during difficult times.
  • “I walked into my classrooms and I was learning about traditional environmentalism of mostly men… then I realized I felt that exact same way even when I was going for a walk around my neighborhood. And just earth felt so healing to me, especially as I was to process all of the unrest that was going on in the world.” (Leah, 04:01)

• Expanding the Focus Beyond Nature

  • Leah emphasizes that environmentalism must also center on people, especially marginalized communities lacking access to clean water, air, or healthy environments.
  • “How can we talk about the carbon in the atmosphere… when people down here on Earth don’t have their basic human environmental needs met? … I didn’t want to be a part of any movement that didn’t prioritize people.” (Leah, 06:05)

2. Generational Shifts & “Climate Apathy”

• Generational Divide in Environmental Attitudes
  • Brie observes that millennials had little climate information growing up, whereas younger generations face climate anxiety and apathy.
  • Leah references a Futera study showing Gen Z/Alpha aren’t just pessimistic but apathetic—feeling an overwhelming sense of futility concerning climate change.
  • “They had to create an entirely new category on the scale… not even pessimism, it’s just climate apathy. Like they feel there’s nothing we can do.” (Leah, 09:38)

3. Accessibility, Privilege & Practical Solutions

• Both agree that not everyone can afford “green” solutions, and environmental privilege is a significant issue.
• Brie shares her own experience: “We had to spend all this money to get a filter in our house. I am very blessed I was able to afford that… How many people don’t?” (Brie, 18:02)
• Leah's book and work focus on practical, inclusive steps, reminding listeners that change starts locally: with your own home, street, or neighborhood.

4. Leah’s Book: Intersectional Environmentalist

• Motivation to Write
  • Leah wanted to write the book she wished for in school: “You can’t be an environmentalist if you do not care about people in addition to animals.” (Leah, 16:08)
  • The environmental movement is for everyone—not just “a man with a beard… summiting a mountain.” (Leah, 20:02)
  • The book emphasizes environmentalism that’s rooted in taking care of your neighbors and community—not escapist fantasies of saving distant rainforests.

5. Upcoming Book: Earth as Mother

• Leah previews her next book, Earth as Mother, which will delve into cultural and societal parallels between how we treat the Earth and how we treat women and mothers.
• “We as a society treat the earth similarly to how we treat women and mothers—in good ways and not so great ways… We expect the Earth to nurture us, but we see the Earth right now telling us that's not the case…” (Leah, 23:12)

6. Practical Sustainability & Fashion

• Fast Fashion
  • Leah encourages system-level changes alongside small, individual actions.
  • “I like to remind people it’s the systems, not the individuals… But the first step is to use what you already have, remix and repair it if you can.” (Leah, 32:15)
  • Tips include thrift shopping, clothing swaps, or, if buying new, selecting natural fibers and keeping items longer.

7. Eco-Friendly Crafts for Families

• Leah shares a favorite easy, kid-friendly craft: making sun prints with turmeric or other kitchen ingredients.
• “You can use turmeric… mix it with a little bit of alcohol… put some plants on top of it, leave it in the sun… and you get a little image. Kids love it.” (Leah, 35:49)

8. Self-Care & Managing Climate Anxiety

• Discussion on the mental toll of environmentalism and the importance of self-care.
• Leah swears by Pilates and crafts to decompress, avoiding burnout.
• Both swap tips—like mindful breathing and learning to surrender stress.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Environmental Justice

  • “This planet will be okay with or without us. We are guests here, and I think we need to learn how to coexist with the planet in a way that’s deeply rooted in respect.” —Leah Thomas [07:37]

• On Why Intersectionality Matters

  • “The environment is not elsewhere in a rainforest… it’s also right here, right in front of us. Do you have enough trees in your neighborhood that provide shade for people and help clean up the pollution?” —Leah Thomas [16:37]

• On the Power of Surrender

  • “What will be, will be. Que sera, sera. And I think that allows me to surrender a lot and just understand that, you know, things are going to work out as they should and to just do the best that I can.” —Leah Thomas [38:51]

• On Earth and Mothers

  • “We expect the Earth to nurture us in return. But we see the Earth right now telling us that's not the case… there are wildfires, floods… I think with moms in society, we also need to respect them a bit more.” —Leah Thomas [23:16]

• Brie on Being a Mom & Letting Go

  • “Now when I stepped into my 40s, I actually realized like, no, I did it wrong. Being a mom’s the greatest gig you can ever get and it’s the hardest one.” —Brie [25:27]

Timestamps of Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Introduction & Guest Welcome | 00:35 | | Leah’s Early Environmental Passion & Education | 03:32 | | The Importance of Intersectionality in Environmentalism | 04:57 | | Generational Differences, “Climate Apathy,” and Impact on Gen Z/Alpha | 09:20 | | Leah’s Experiences as a Park Ranger | 13:58 | | Writing “Intersectional Environmentalist” and Main Message | 15:45 | | Water Quality, Pesticides, and Environmental Privilege | 18:00 | | Environmentalism as Community—featuring diverse activists & groups | 19:47 | | How World Religions Embrace Caring for the Earth | 21:12 | | Preview of Next Book “Earth as Mother” | 23:00 | | The Societal Parallels Between Care for Earth and Women | 23:16 | | Self-Care Tips: Pilates, Crafting, Mindful Movement & Breathing | 27:37 | | Sustainable Fashion: Fast Fashion Concerns & Thrift Tips | 31:41 | | Accessible Eco-Friendly Crafts for Kids (Sun Prints with Turmeric, Bundle Dyeing) | 35:42 | | Closing Thoughts, Affirmation & Leah’s Motto “Que Sera Sera” | 38:51 | | Where to Find Leah & Her Book | 40:26 |

Resources & Social Links

• Leah Thomas:

  • Instagram: @greengirlleah
  • TikTok: @greengirlsworld
  • Book: The Intersectional Environmentalist (Available via indie bookstores)

• Nikki & Brie Show:

  • YouTube: Nikki & Brie Show
  • Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @nikkiandbrieshow
  • Listener questions: Call 833-GARCIA2

Tone & Vibe

The conversation is upbeat, candid, and full of humor and empathy. Brie’s casual warmth and Leah’s gentle but passionate approach make complex topics approachable and inspiring. The exchange is inviting for listeners new to environmentalism, parents juggling daily pressures, or anyone feeling climate anxiety.

Summary Takeaways

• True environmentalism is inseparable from social justice: healing communities means healing the planet.
• Begin where you are—your household, block, or local area—and prioritize care for people as much as the planet.
• Take heart: honesty, small changes, and connection matter more than perfection.
• Surrendering to “what will be, will be” can help in a world that feels overwhelming.

“No, we are fighting… yes, for us people, so that we could live. We just want to live in, like, a healthy environment. And I feel like people forget that message.”
—Brie, 06:45

“You cannot separate saving people from saving the planet.”
—Leah, 21:03