My Mission Is...

This week’s My Mission Is… podcast guest is Daniel Lismore, an artist, fashion designer, and LGBTQ+ activist who uses his body as his canvas and lives in extravagant ensembles. His outfits consist of an eclectic mix of upcycled fabrics, clothes, and items: from trash to centuries-old jewelry. Described as tapestries of his life, his ensembles are often exhibited in museums worldwide, such as Savannah College of Art and Design and the V&A in London. His signature traveling exhibit, titled “Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Already Taken,” made him a fixture in the art and fashion worlds. Still, his otherworldly appearance has also made him a target of hate and homophobia in public. This doesn’t stop him but compels him to campaign for LGBTQ+ rights and advocate for authenticity.

In this week’s episode, Lismore talks with Mission’s founder and editor-in-chief Karina Givargisoff about trans rights, “stealth” activism in the form of persuading influential people through calm discourse, and unexpected reactions to his exhibitions. 

This week’s My Mission Is… podcast guest is Annabelle Delir. Following the passing of her brother, Annabelle turned to health and holistic living. With a degree in psychology along with certifications in fitness, Annabelle has found success in practices that integrate modern scientific findings with traditional wisdom. After studying naturopathy, Annabelle created Umoya Botanics, a cruelty-free skincare line that employs the healing properties of plants. She utilizes her social media channels as platforms for publishing healthy recipes and workout tips to teach others the simplicity of a healthy lifestyle, and the long lasting impacts for both the body and mind. She is continuously exploring creative approaches to healthy living, and expanding what it means to live holistically

This week, Annabelle talks with Mission founder and editor-in-chief Karina Givargisoff about Annabelle’s path towards holistic living, her brand Umoya Botanics and Umoya Wellness, and the benefits of herbal medicine.

FIND ANNABELLE

This week’s My Mission Is… podcast guest is Norma Kamali. As a powerhouse designer and healthy lifestyle advocate, Norma has channeled innovation into every look throughout her more than 50 years in the fashion industry. In 1970, she debuted her key invention of the Sleeping Bag Coat as part of her Parachute Collection, which has since resided in notable museums like New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Norma has also helped to usher athleisure into fashion's vocabulary, and was the first designer to have a store on eBay. As Norma continues to expand on her eponymous line, she has recently launched gender-fluid apparel. In 2016 Norma received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA, the Women's Entrepreneurship Day Pioneer Award at the United Nations, and an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Fashion Institute of Technology.

This week, Norma talks with Mission founder and editor-in-chief Karina Givargisoff athleisure and how COVID has impacted fashion, healthy lifestyle tips, as well as her brand’s transition to gender-fluidity.

FIND NORMA

This week’s My Mission Is… podcast guest is John Bartlett. Both an animal right's activist and acclaimed designer, John currently leads the fashion program at Marist College. Having worked in the fashion industry for more than 30 years, John has made a name for himself with his rugged take on classic American style. A graduate of Harvard University and the Fashion Institute of Technology, he has served as a designer for the likes of Will Smith and Ronaldus Shamask. In 1991, he launched his eponymous collection, which has led to him earning multiple CFDA awards, including the Swarovski Best Newcomer Award and Best Menswear Designer of the Year in 1997. In 2011, the designer launched the Tiny Tim collection to help raise funds for his nonprofit animal-rescue organization, The Tiny Tim Rescue Fund, which helps to support independent rescue groups across the country.

This week, John talks with Mission founder and editor-in-chief Karina Givargisoff about fashion's fight towards sustainability, the future for young designers, as well as animal advocacy.

FIND JOHN

This week’s My Mission Is… podcast guest is Arsham Parsi, an Iranian human rights activist. As a gay teenager who lost lost a transgender friend to suicide, Arsham felt compelled to create an underground digital LGBTQ network in the country. Due to the strict laws against homosexuality in Iran, Arsham was then forced to flee to Canada. Since escaping persecution, he has dedicated his life to educating and helping others who face a similar fate. In 2008 he founded The International Railroad for Queer Refugees, which provides information, aid, and training to refugees awaiting emigration. He is also a founding member and CEO of the Marjan Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Toronto that educates people on HIV/AIDS and other STIs, and supports LGBTQ refugees with their newfound freedoms in Canada. He helped raise more than $1 million CAD in 18 months, all while working as a law clerk to support himself and his continuing passion for activism.

This week, Arsham talks with Mission founder and editor-in-chief Karina Givargisoff about the persecution of LGBTQ refugees around the world, the challenges facing non-profit organizations, as well as the personal struggles he encounters in directing the International Railroad for Queer Refugees and the Marjan Foundation.

FIND ARSHAM

This week's My Mission Is... podcast guest is Talk To Coco, the mental health advocate who is using her platform to break down stigma and foster open conversations around mental health. Coco was diagnosed three years ago with a brain tumor, which has taken a toll on her both physically and mentally. But she found a welcoming community online when she began to speak out about her condition and its impact on her life. The activist, who identifies as gender non-corfing, has now transformed her Instagram into a platform to discuss invisible disabilities, LGBTQ+ identity, and more. She has since worked with outlets like the BBC and companies such as Wagamama.

In this episode, Coco talks to Mission’s Editor-in-Chief Karina Givargisoff about how the lockdown has impacted her, how she has dealt with suicidal thoughts, and found structure in her life while coping with ADHD.

FIND COCO

This week's My Mission Is... podcast guest is Sean Ellis. The British fashion photographer and film director took the world by storm with his youthful and imaginative artistic works throughout the 2010s. After getting his start assisting famed fashion photographer Nick Knight, Sean quickly established himself as a rare talent in the world of film and photography. He is the writer and director behind Academy Award-nominated short Cashback and British Independent Film Award recipient Metro Manila. He continues to make his mark on the film industry, screening his most recent film, the horror period piece Eight for Silver, at Sundance in January.

This week, Sean Ellis chats with Mission founder and editor-in-chief Karina Givargisoff and musician Sharleen Spiteri about the state of film during the pandemic, Sean’s own writing process and how to answer the question, “What’s next?”

FIND SEAN

This week’s My Mission Is… podcast guest is Sharleen Spiteri. Mission’s usual co-host sits on the other side of the mic for this episode, as she and her band Texas celebrate 30 years together with the release of a new album in 2021. The band already released a new single for the album last December, “Hi,” featuring hip-hop royalty and their long-time collaborators Wu-Tang Clan. With over 40 million records sold, three albums to have gone number one in the U.K, Texas and Sharleen’s journey continues to wow listeners around the world.

In this episode, Sharleen talks to Mission’s Editor-in-Chief Karina Givargisoff about the tumultuous past year and what it’s like to write during lockdown. The Texas frontwoman also delves into her past, discussing everything from her experience with bullies in high school to her 30 years of experience working in the music industry.

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This week's My Mission Is... podcast guest is Annette Richardson, global philanthropist, senior strategist, and execution expert. She is the founder and manager of Richardson Partners LLC, a consultancy firm that advises global leaders on design, curation, and implementation of pro-social campaigns. Prior to launching her firm, Richardson worked on cross-cultural projects and was a Senior Advisor to the UN Office for Partnerships. The strategic executive focuses on sustainability, purpose, and social impact to bring about change at scale through the Global Goals.

In this episode, Annette talks to Mission’s Editor-in-Chief Karina Givargisoff and singer-songwriter Sharleen Spiteri about her career as a global  business leader with a focus on social impact. She delves into her personal journey of finding her talent as a philanthropist, her experience working with the United Nations, and how she navigated her identity as a Black woman in global leadership. She opens up about the power of knowing her value in a competitive workforce, how she dealt with nay-sayers, and her ability to stay true to her passion for making the world a better place.

FIND ANNETTE

This week's My Mission Is... podcast guest is Tobias Peggs, the CEO of Square Roots, an indoor farming company that aims to connect people to local food in their area. Square Roots has created new technology to allow for indoor urban farming, and has established farms in shipping containers in Brooklyn and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company’s goal is to grow and distribute fresh food with love and care, while opening new pathways for more young people to enter the urban agriculture industry.

In this episode, Tobias talks to Mission’s Editor-in-Chief Karina Givargisoff about the Square Roots ethos, their growth and farming process, and the future of farming in America.

FIND TOBIAS

This week's My Mission Is... podcast guest is founder and executive producer of the wildly successful public relations agency ID, Kelly Bush Novak. Established in 1993, ID and their team of 100 strategists represents the most influential artists, thought leaders, brands, philanthropic organizations, athletes, musicians, studios, networks, films and filmmakers, content creators and technology leaders on the planet. Kelly personally represents exceptional talent including John Legend, Cynthia Erivo, Alfonso Cuarón, Lena Dunham, Hannah Gadsby, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Madonna, Janelle Monáe, Joey Soloway, and Serena Williams. She manages actor, filmmaker and activist Elliot Page through her management arm, VIE Entertainment.

In this episode, Novak talks to Mission’s Editor-in-Chief Karina Givargisoff about how she steered her team through the coronavirus pandemic, the secret to a healthy work/life balance, and what drove her to start ID 28 years ago. The pair also get candid about the importance of not going back to pre-coronavirus ways, maximizing collaboration, and cultivating a positive workplace environment.

FIND ID

Burak Cakmak has been a frontrunner in the responsible fashion scene for a number of years now. Burak has held several high-ranking positions focused around sustainability and responsibility, including working at the Swarovski Group as the company’s first Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, where he established global programs fostering corporate stewardship. With his expertise in the field of sustainable design, he guided the academic programs at Parsons School of Design into a new era during his time as dean, “where an emphasis on socially conscious and transformational design formulates the educational approach and training of the next generation of creators.” Lastly, he is the founder of Thean Co., a strategic brand consultancy providing end-to-end support to brands, retailers, and other organizations operating in luxury fashion and beauty. 

In this episode, Burak tells Mission about how he believes lockdown has impacted the creative fields, preparing tomorrow’s students for what’s to come, and what sustainable design truly entails.

FIND BURAK

Alexi Lubormirski is among one of the most accomplished names in fashion photography. Since being taken under the wing of notable photographers like Katie Grand, Lubormirski, who is also of noble descent, has contributed to many publications, including Harper’s Bazaar US, Harpers Bazaar UK, Vogue Mexico, Vogue Germany, Vogue Russia, Vogue Spain, Vogue Korea, Vogue China, Vogue Nippon, Men’s Vogue China, Numero Tokyo, W Korea, GQ USA, and Allure.

Beyond just his creative work, Alexi also uses his platform to enact social change. Creatives 4 Change is Alexi’s initiative to make the fashion and entertainment industry more compassionate, ethical, and moral by asking creatives to abstain from using animal materials, including fur, feathers, and exotic skins in their projects and jobs. As the program’s manifesto states, “The simple fact is, that this job and the enjoyment that comes with it, should not come at the expense of others; whether it is people, animals or the environment.”

Tune in as Alexi tells Mission about his first steps into the world of fashion photography, where he looks for inspiration, and how he challenges the landscape of the industry by encouraging creators to be more compassionate and ethical in their work.

FIND ALEXI

Tina Lutz Morris arguably has one of the most impressive CVs in fashion today, having collaborated with nearly every big name in the industry: Issey Miyake shortly after graduating from Paris’ ESMOD then Calvin Klein and Barneys, among others. Deciding to take matters into her own hands, Lutz founded women’s ready-to-wear brand Lutz & Patmos, for which she served as creative and branding director for 10 years. During that time, she not only saw through high-profile celebrity collaboration with the brand but also oversaw a number of philanthropic and socially-conscious initiatives using the brand’s platform. In 2017, Lutz launched LUTZ MORRIS, a collection of conscious luxury handbags dedicated to artisanship, responsible production, and altruism, and has since been awarded Fashion Group International’s Sustainability Award presented by Maison de Mode for the brand’s support of local artisans and family businesses, sourcing every component as closely as possible to its factories to lower carbon footprint – including German-tanned calf leather that is gold rated and ECO2L certified, utilizing the world’s first auditing method calculating the energy efficiency and CO2 emission of a tannery. In addition, $10 from every bag sold is donated to Every Mother Counts, a non-profit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere. Lutz’ creative approach to design, one that is as sensitive to sustainability and creativity as it is to maintaining a distinctive aesthetic, has helped redefine the role of a modern fashion designer.

In this episode, Tina tells Mission about her first steps into the heart of the fashion industry, what led her to founding her own companies, and how she makes the fashion industry work for her.

FIND TINA

In this week's episode we talk to Libby Haan, designer, musician, and fashion PR veteran. Several years after a breast cancer diagnosis and various related surgeries, Haan was having a hard time finding comfortable shirts and undergarments. So she decided to create her own. In 2018, Haan launched Who Shirt Company, a label of soft, wearable shirts with built-in shelf bras. Haan utilized her 20-year career in fashion PR to build the label, and her personal experience with cancer gave it a cause. The shirts are made in America, all production waste is recycled, and $5 of every Who shirt purchase goes right to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

During this episode, Libby tells Mission about breaking into the fashion industry, her stories from the not-always glamorous fashion world, and her candid accounts of life with breast cancer.

FIND LIBBY

Joining Mission today is our favorite women-in-tech advocate, Rosario Casas. A longtime friend of Mission and an all around tech savant, Rosario uses her extensive experience in the tech field to offer fine-tuned expertise to every project she approaches. Her accomplishments in the tech world include co-founding tech companies such as BCPartners Tech, XR Americas, and Dreamers and Doers, as well as making time for her family and personal accomplishments.In this episode, Rosario tells Mission about her illustrious career in tech, how she got where she is today, and why it's important to seize every opportunity you can.

Today, Mission is joined by Hassan Pierre, the co-founder of Maison De Mode, a hybrid ethical fashion retailer that curates a selection of the best luxury sustainable fashion for their online boutique and brick and mortar pop-up shops. Hassan co-founded the company in 2015 alongside Amanda Hearst. The Parsons alum is now also a board member of ‘Well Beings Charity,' an organization that elevates and unites animal welfare and environmental protection. 

In this episode, Hassan tells Mission about the true definition of sustainability, creating a platform for emerging designers, and how to throw the most glamorously sustainable event of the season.

Joining Mission today is John Grauwiler, teacher and founder of activism group Gays Against Guns. Before forming GAG, Grauwiler was an English teacher in New York City who was rocked by the news of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting, prompting him to form a coalition that is “committed to nonviolently breaking the gun industry’s chain of death.” Also a member of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, or ACT UP, Grauwiler is a tried and true activist and community leader who continues to stand up for what he believes. Following his feature in Mission’s fourth issue, Grauwiler sits down with Mission to talk about the effect gun violence has had on his life, what motivates him in his day to day, and educating the public on the need for gun regulation.

Today, Mission is joined by author and New York pioneer Owen Levy. From growing up in Brooklyn to being mentored by poetry vanguard Marianne Moore and working a variety of jobs in the arts, Levy’s life is full of stories, some of which he shares with us today. His first novel, A Brother’s Touch, which came out in 1982, was a smash-hit, detailing his life as a young Black African-American male in New York post-Stonewall. It became the first mass-market, best-selling gay novel after a favorable review by the New York Times and still lives on as a literary favorite, among his other work.

Tune in as Owen Levy talks to us about publishing a novel about the gay experience in the midst of the HIV crisis and his experience with receiving reviews from different audiences. The author also talks to us about his relationship with his mentor Marianne Moore while growing up in Brooklyn. Levy additionally delves into his experience moving to Germany and living both the European and American experience.

Like what you heard? Help us spread the word by rating and reviewing in iTunes to help others find us or share about the show on social media.

Joining us this week is musical artist and all round innovator Dr. Kate Stone. From her time exploring Australia to her college success stories to her sensational electronic performances, Kate Stone has used optimism and a thirst for new ideas to fuel her adventures. Among her accomplishments is her 2018 TED Talk, “The press trampled on my privacy: Here’s how I took back my story” which now has over 1.4 million views. She heads electronic gadget company Novalia, spreading appreciation for and the sensation of electronic music to music lovers everywhere.

Tune in as Dr. Stone takes us on a tour of her life, telling us about her love-hate relationship with higher education, the importance of travel, and the DIY-essence of online entertainment.

FIND KATE

In this week’s podcast, Mission sits down with ‘model mogul’ and president of IMG Models Ivan Bart. Bart’s illustrious career has seen placements at talent powerhouses such as Ice, Wilhelmina, and Ford Models, before finally settling at IMG. In his time with the agency, Bart has overseen the management of a fleet of A-List models, including Gigi and Bella Hadid, Joan Smalls, and Hailey Bieber, as well as signing new talent, including the likes of Ashley Graham and Millie Bobby Brown.

In his discussion with Mission, Bart explains the ins and outs of model management, from supporting models through hard times to his favorite city to visit on the job.

Like what you heard? Help us spread the word by rating and reviewing in iTunes to help others find us or share about the show on social media.

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For this week’s Mission podcast we got the chance to virtually chat with Anita Bitton, casting director extraordinaire who has worked on campaigns and runway shows for big-name fashion brands like Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu. Born and raised in London, Bitton first interned for stylist Edward Enninful at i-D magazine before landing a job at Next Model Management in New York. She later went on to work at Ford Model Management and then had a quick stint as a fashion-show producer for Kevin Krier. In 2001 she decided to go freelance. With over 25 years of experience, the casting director now resides in Brooklyn where she works as the founder and creative director of her own New York-based agency, Establishment Casting Inc.

Tune in to hear about Anita's years in an ever-changing industry, from her early days in modeling to the satisfactions and challenges of her current casting work.

Like what you heard? Help us spread the word by rating and reviewing in iTunes to help others find us or share about the show on social media.

FIND ANITA BITTON

Trailblazer Christina Adane exists at the forefront of England’s youth climate movement. The 16-year-old is co-chairwoman of the Bite Back 2030 organization which aims to “achieve a world where all young people have the opportunity to be healthy,” by urging the government to feed vulnerable children. In addition, Adane is a creative and speaker, writing poems pertaining to the Black Lives Matter movement and sitting on the panel at numerous events, including The First London Children’s Food Summit, and Mission’s very own Youth Climate Change round table at Soho Works, London.

In this edition of My Mission Is, Christina talks to Karina and Sharleen about finding her voice as a young activist for racial and social equity, from her childhood activism to her current position in the London #BLM Movement.

FIND CHRISTINA

In this episode, hosts Sharleen Spiteri and Karina Givargisoff sit down with LA-based makeup artist Kate Lee. Throughout her illustrious and evolving career, Lee has garnered A-List clientele, working with the likes of Dakota Johnston, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain. Her work regularly appears in publications such as Vogue, ELLE, and Vanity Fair, as well as in campaigns for industry giants including Givenchy, Gucci, and Calvin Klein. In addition to said accolades, Kate recently assumed a role as Chanel Celebrity Makeup Artist.

Episode 17 sees Kate get candid about the modern-day beauty industry, where she feels the business heading post-pandemic, her love-hate relationship with Instagram, and why she wouldn't trade her current path for anything.

In episode 16, hosts Sharleen Spiteri and Karina Givargisoff talk with Glasgow-born Faye McLeod, the Visual Image Director at LVMH. With a degree in fashion design from Glasgow Clyde College, McLeod started her career working in both window and set design for the likes of Selfridges and Topshop. In 2009 she became the Creative Director of Visual Merchandising for Louis Vuitton and later advanced to her current role in 2012. Her job includes dreaming up striking window displays for Louis Vuitton’s global storefronts.

Tune in for a discussion on creative freedom, cultural diversity, and childhood influences, as Faye tells us about her maximalist tendencies, her dream collaboration with NASA, and the significance of the shop window as a democratic, underappreciated art space.

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FIND FAYE MCLEOD

Daughter of Paul and Linda McCartney, Mary McCartney is an accomplished photographer and filmmaker. When she’s not taking portraits she’s advocating for the environment and a vegetarian lifestyle. Alongside her father Paul and sister Stella, the three launched Meat Free Mondays, a non-profit organization which aims to raise awareness about the environmental determinants of animal agriculture and industrial fishing. Mary is also an ambassador and global advisor for Green Monday.

Hosts Sharleen Spiteri and Karina Givargisoff got the chance to (virtually) sit down and have a chat with Mary about family life and her creative process. The photographer talks to us about everything from horseback riding as a kid in Scotland to how she is finding meaning during this time in isolation. We also got to hear about the various photography and cook books she’s published over the years. Tune in for inspiring words about food, art and friendship from innovator Mary McCartney.

In our 14th episode, Sharleen and Karina speak to social activist and founder and CEO, Fereshteh Forough. Fereshteh moved from Afghanistan to Germany in childhood and eventually settling in the United States. She has a degree in computer science and a Masters from the Berlin Technical University. In 2013, Fereshteh presented a TED Talk on digital literacy. In 2015, she founded Code to Inspire, an organization that empowers women in Afghanistan by teaching them how to code. Code to Inspire has taught 200 female students to date. An advocate for gender equality, Forough works tirelessly to empower women through digital literacy, education, and financial independence.

In this edition of #mymissionis, we chat with Fereshteh about her childhood as an immigrant, how Afghanistan is more than a war zone, and her mission to build Afghanistan 2.0, “hopefully we will have a generation that will code for peace rather than war," she remarks.

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FIND FERESHTEH

Phillip Lim is a world renowned fashion designer born in Thailand and of Chinese descent. He and his business partner, Wen Zhou, debuted their label 3.1 Phillip Lim in 2005 at New York Fashion Week and have been creating stunning designs for the global modern citizen ever since. Since the brand’s inception, 3.1 Phillip Lim has gone on to receive numerous accolades for their work, including 3 CFDA Awards for Womenswear, Menswear, and Accessories. The brand currently has six stores in New York, Tokyo, London, Los Angeles, and Miami.

In this episode, Karina Givargisoff and Sharleen Spiteri chat with Phillip about growing up watching MTV, the perfect pair of trousers, and the ugly and beautiful sides of the industry. We also get to hear about the designer’s collaborative work with One x One: The Conscious Design Initiative where he had the opportunity to partner with researcher Charlotte McCurdy to promote scientific innovation in fashion design.

Like what you heard? Help us spread the word by rating and reviewing in iTunes to help others find us or share about the show on social media.

FIND PHILLIP LIM

This week we sat down with Olga Iserlis, founder and CEO of Adagio Events. Iserlis has 20 years of experience in business and event planning and the high-profile client list to match: she’s worked with Prada, Ferrari, American Express, and many more, and is regularly featured on the Tatler 300 list of Singapore's Most Powerful Elite. In 2016, she released Save the Date, a coffee table book that goes behind the scenes of the event-planning industry and documents her creative process.

In this episode, Karina Givargisoff and Sharleen Spiteri speak to Olga about her work as Singapore’s go-to event planner, the country’s cultural depth and how philanthropic events, although earnest in intent, should always be memorable.

FIND OLGA ISERLIS

This week, Mission Founder Karina Givargisoff and Texas lead singer Sharleen Spiteri are joined by London-based fashion designer Nick Wakeman. In 2010, Wakeman used her experience as a menswear designer to launch her own brand, Studio Nicholson, for which she designs clothes for both men and women, creating garments that focus on softness, tailoring and craftsmanship.

This episode sees Nick discuss her start at Chelsea School of Art, working for Diesel in the brand’s early days and how she learned to design clothes; on the computer, in Italian.

FIND NICK

This week we talk to environmental power couple Philippe & Ashlan Cousteau who are working hard to save the planet. You may know them from their Travel Channel series Caribbean Pirate Treasure or as co-hosts on documentary shows like Nuclear Sharks and Treasures of the Terai. Philippe is a multi Emmy-Nominated TV host and producer as well as an author, speaker, and social entrepreneur. Ashlan is a journalist, explorer and speaker. She is known for her past work as a leading correspondent and co-host for Emmy-award-winning entertainment shows E! News and Entertainment Tonight.

We sat down with them this week to chat about their world expeditions and passion for the planet. And how Philippe’s efforts are honoring his family’s conservation legacy. They talk about pirates and sharks and how resilient Mother Earth is...if we ever need her to defend herself it is now.

This podcast episode sheds light on the political power of young people and how at any age, everyone can get involved in the environmental movement.

Tune in for a delightful and educational conversation on environmental advocacy.

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FIND PHILIPPE AND ASHLAN

This week we speak with UK based Professor Mike Barnes to discuss the medicinal benefits of cannabis. In recent years the medical legalization of marijuana has become a hot topic in mainstream political debate. As such, it’s now more important than ever to be armed with factual information on the subject.

In this educational episode, Sharleen and Karina get all of their marijuana-related questions answered by Professor Barnes, a cannabis expert, neurologist, and rehabilitation physician working toward cannabis awareness, education and clinical excellence in the field.

An insightful installment, the three discuss everything from the stigma associated with cannabis to governmental regulation. Mike touches on where he thinks CBD is heading next and advocates for better education on the benefits of cannabis and cannabinoids. He even gives advice on how to find quality CBD products made with good manufacturing practices.

Tune in for expertise on all things cannabis.

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FIND MIKE BARNES

This week we speak to Noel Fitzpatrick, otherwise commonly known as Supervet from his TV show by the same name. The show follows him and his team while they work to implement progressive surgical techniques to cure animal maladies. He is a leading orthopedic-neuro veterinary surgeon, who over the past ten years has been developing custom implants for hip replacements in animals, which allow his practice to deal with the most complex situations. He made his commitment to animals and life mission to save them at the age of 11.

In this episode, Noel and Sharleen discuss Noel’s innovative work along with his dedication to a more compassionate and kinder society through his Humanimal Trust, a charity that works towards the convergence of human-animal healthcare to benefit both parties. Listen for a thought-provoking discussion around animal rights.

“I strongly believe that animals do so much more for us than we do for them - through their companionship, love and selflessness. I dedicate my life to trying to give a little back to them by showing compassion and providing hope and options through medicine.”

Like what you heard? Help us spread the word by rating and reviewing in iTunes to help others find us or share about the show on social media.

FIND NOEL

This week we share the Mission x COS panel, recorded last week at the COS 5th Avenue store to launch the Restore collection, created in partnership with The Renewal Workshop, who helps provide circular solutions for apparel and textile brands. Moderated by Mission’s EIC Karina Givargisoff, the panel featured Nopor Stuart, Head of Sustainability at COS, Abrima Erwiah, Co-Founder and President of Studio One Eighty Nine, and Marie Geneviève Cyr, Assistant Professor of Fashion Design, Parsons School of Design + International Speaker & Creative Consultant.This panel discusses various stakeholders' responsibility in doing their part to change the fashion industry for the better, and their role in moving towards circular and renewable fashion. Humanizing the process by decoupling the layers and understanding the story of the supply chain was an overarching theme, as well as the importance and sacredness of craftsmanship.It also sheds light on the partnership between COS x the  Renewal Workshop. As part of the brand’s commitment to longevity and product care, COS wanted to re-imagine the lifecycle of damaged garments by investing in the restoration of COS pieces, sourced from their own supply-chain or returned by customers. Tune in to hear more about the launch of the trial as well as from experts in the sustainability field and what they believe is the most important thing in driving the industry forward. 

FIND NOPOR

Our sixth episode, which was our first live recording of “My Mission is…” is a conversation between Fisher Stevens, director of award-winning climate change documentary Before the Flood (co-produced with Leonardo DiCaprio for Nat Geo) and Ethan Novek, chemical engineering student at Yale who made the Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2018 and holds 12 patents for CO2 technologies. Both cynical and optimistic, this engaging and thought-provoking discussion between two generations, offers some insight into how the fighting spirit of individual action needs to be supported by the synergy of businesses, technological innovation, and policy all working together if we want to solve climate change. Is it possible? Who knows...but have a listen now and see for yourselves. This fascinating panel, moderated by Mission founder, Karina Givargisoff was open to the public and features a Q&A. Hosted by Public Hotels.

Like what you heard? Help us spread the word by rating and reviewing in iTunes to help others find us or share about the show on social media. 

FIND FISHER

This week we speak with Dylan Jones, editor-in-chief of British GQ and the chair of London Fashion Week Men’s who is often credited for being integral to its success.  In this raw, humorous and multi-dimensional conversation you’ll hear about the nostalgia of growing up in the late 70 early 80s, as Dylan fondly remembers being obsessed with pop culture and drawn to London as the nucleus for self-expression and the ability to reinvent yourself.  We discuss everything from the sounds of his youth, his perspective on fashion and history, his connection to writing as a force for good, and how the desire of self-expansion is embedded in human nature. Let’s not forget to mention when he tells us about the time in 1984 when his ex-girlfriend chopped up five bags of his designer clothes!Dylan’s career began in I-D magazine in 1983, following other notable positions at Arena, The Face,The Observer Magazine and The Sunday Times. With all conversationalists engaged with writing as part of their career, Dylan sheds light on the fact that writing, like anything, is a learned skill, which when harnessed is incredibly powerful. This is a conversation you want to tune into and end by feeling inspired. Like what you heard? Help us spread the word by rating and reviewing in iTunes to help others find us or share about the show on social media. 

FIND DYLAN

This week’s guest of “My Mission is…” features Francisco Costa, founder of Costa Brazil; a lifestyle brand with a mission to innovate in sustainability and reinterpret what beauty is all about. Costa first entered the fashion industry 30 years ago when he left Brazil at the age of 19 not knowing any English. Surrounded by fashion from an early age, with his mother owning a children’s wear factory, he is renowned for working with some of the most prominent fashion brands including Oscar de la Renta, Tom Ford, Gucci and his iconic 13 year stint as creative director at Calvin Klien.

Tune in to hear his inspiring story where Costa dives deep into his personal mission of protecting Mother Earth through the spirit of beauty, as well as his journey of reconnecting with his Brazilan roots in the Amazon. Like what you heard? Help us spread the word by rating and reviewing in iTunes to help others find us or share about the show on social media. 

Photo credit: Weston Wells

FIND FRANCISCO 

This week, we speak to Mission’s first supporters, Lauren Bush Lauren. Former model and actress, Lauren is a social entrepreneur, hunger activist, Earth lover and mama of two young boys. She founded the bag company, FEED in 2007, which creates products that make a tangible impact on the life of a child. Through their on the ground partner, the World Food Programme, FEED has provided over 107 million meals to children and families globally to date. Lauren is mission-driven, ambitious, and focused on doing good in all her endeavors. She talks to us about the inception of FEED, her travels to Africa as a student, the power of community, and the FEED Supper program. She also gives us insight into her upcoming projects, inspired by her Father in Law, Ralph Lauren. Like what you heard? Help us spread the word by rating and reviewing in iTunes to help others find us or share about the show on social media. 

FIND LAUREN

In this episode, we speak to respected explorer, eco-warrior and entrepreneur, David de Rothschild, who puts nature at the forefront of everything he does. From working professionally with horses as a teenager (an experience he believes began his partnership with nature) to graduating from computer science, owning and selling a successful merchandising company by the time he was 20, and, becoming the youngest Briton to reach both geographical poles. He also sailed around the world in The Plastiki, a custom-built 60-foot catamaran built from a recyclable material Seretex, and 12,500 recycled bottles for buoyancy. He founded The Lost Explorer in 2015, a lifestyle brand “owned by nature” where everything is built to last, in small batches and engages sustainable initiatives. Despite this impressive list of ventures, David is humble, insightful, smart, and down to earth. His love for nature shines through this conversation and it was an absolute pleasure having him on the show. Tune in, be inspired, find your mission. Like what you heard? Help us spread the word by rating and reviewing in iTunes to help others find us or share about the show on social media. 

Photo credit: James Wright 

FIND DAVID