We’re kicking off season 2 of Closet Philosophy with a conversation about overconsumption, emotional shopping, and the cultural forces that keep us chasing “more.”

Jennine shares a personal reckoning: years of daily thrifting, racks sagging with clothes, garbage bags stuffed into closets — all while telling her audience they didn’t need to shop. What started as reselling and “style experimentation” slowly revealed itself as something else: a way to soothe anxiety, regulate emotions, and chase an external version of identity.

Together, Kristen and Jennine unpack why this isn’t a personal failure — and why so many of us feel stuck in the same cycle.

We explore:

• Why thrift culture isn’t always sustainable

• The massive labor and environmental cost of donated clothing

• How only a fraction of clothing ever gets worn again

• Why dopamine feels like “style” — but isn’t

• How propaganda and psychology trained us to shop for identity

• The role of algorithms, influencers, and targeted desire

Jennine introduces her 40-piece wardrobe ecosystem, a turning point that helped her stop chasing trends and start wearing what she already owned. The restriction inherent in a 40-piece wardrobe led to clarity.

The conversation widens into belonging, people-pleasing, and the liberation that comes from choosing yourself — in your closet, your work, and your life. Kristen shares parallel experiences from teaching Pilates and learning to release the impossible task of being liked by everyone.

This episode isn’t about minimalism or moralizing consumption. It’s about understanding the systems we’re operating inside — and creating enough awareness to pause, choose differently, and reconnect with who we actually are.

Season 2 will continue exploring creativity, personal style, and how to step off the hamster wheel of trends — without giving up joy, expression, or beauty.

We’d love to hear from you: How has shopping shown up in your life? What have you learned on the other side of overconsumption?