22 Feb The System Failed Us—What Really Happens After the LA Fires Disaster
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What happens when everything you’ve built is wiped out overnight?
In this powerful episode of Super Life, Darin Olien sits down with Sheila Morovati, environmental advocate and founder of Habits of Waste, to discuss the devastating impact of wildfires, the emotional and physical toll of rebuilding, and the urgent need for systemic environmental change.
Sheila shares her firsthand experience of losing her home and community overnight, how climate change is making natural disasters more frequent and severe, and why she refuses to let tragedy silence her fight for sustainability.
They explore the psychological aftermath of disaster, why government systems are failing, and how everyday choices—like single-use plastic, construction materials, and policy changes—can shape a more resilient future.
BREAKDOWN
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
(00:00:00) Introduction – The devastating impact of losing a home overnight.
(00:02:30) The Emotional Toll of Natural Disasters – How loss affects mental and physical health.
(00:06:10) Why Disaster Preparedness Must Be a Priority – The gaps in our system and how to fix them.
(00:09:15) Climate Change & Wildfires – The undeniable connection we can’t ignore.
(00:12:40) The Power of Community in Times of Crisis – Rebuilding together after catastrophe.
(00:15:50) The Hidden Costs of Toxic Building Materials – How what we rebuild with matters.
(00:19:30) The Role of Policy & Corporate Influence in Climate Disasters – Who’s responsible, and who’s avoiding accountability?
(00:23:00) How Social Movements Drive Real Change – The power of collective action.
(00:26:45) The Fight for Sustainable Living – Why imperfect environmentalism is the key to change.
(00:31:10) Rethinking Waste in a Consumer-Driven World – Why the small things (like cutlery bans) matter.
(00:36:05) The Psychological Impact of Climate Grief – How to process loss while fighting for change.
(00:40:15) The Unseen Dangers of Everyday Plastics – What’s really in the products we use?
(00:44:25) The Future of Sustainable Cities – How we can rebuild smarter, not just faster.
(00:49:30) How to Take Action Now – Steps to make a real impact in your own community.
LINKS
Find more from Darin:
Website: https://darinolien.com/
Instagram: @Darinolien
Book: darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/
Down to Earth: darinolien.com/down-to-earth/
Find More From Sheila Morovati & Habits of Waste:
Website: habitsofwaste.org
Instagram: @habitsofwaste
Book: Imperfect Environmentalist – Available now!
Don’t forget…
You can order now by heading to darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon.
SPONSORS
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off
Fatal Conveniences Book: Everything you think is safe—your food, home, and daily habits—could be slowly killing you. Fatal Conveniences exposes the hidden dangers in everyday life and shows you how to reclaim your health. Pick up a copy by visiting the link for Fatal Conveniences.
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DAVID GINGELESKIE
Posted at 05:34h, 27 FebruaryShe mentioned the Santa Ana winds have never reached 100mph and that was a sign of climate change. That is completely false. They are over 100 almost once every 5years. 2005 they reached 167mph.