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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
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Ever wonder who stands between a pile of cast-off clothes and a landfill? We sit down with Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs at SMART, to unpack how a reuse-first approach turns textiles into a second-life economy—and why the right rules can scale it globally. Jessica takes us inside the quiet infrastructure of circularity: collectors sourcing from charities and institutions, expert sorters finding the best next use, and recyclers turning what can’t be worn into insulation and padding. Along the way, we dig into Extended Producer Responsibility for textiles, and explore how reuse-first language can lock in real environmental gains. 👖
The policy stakes are high. UN conversations about what counts as “reusable” versus “waste” could reshape cross-border flows overnight, affecting both landfill diversion and livelihoods built around quality secondhand apparel. Jessica breaks down how SMART is advocating for definitions and standards that reflect operational reality, not just theory. We also touch on the Americas Act’s nod to textile reuse and recycling infrastructure, as well as ongoing U.S. efforts to open market access where demand for secondhand goods is strong. 👕
If you care about sustainability, supply chains, or the future of fashion, this conversation connects the dots from sorting floors to statehouses. You’ll learn how to prepare for data and reporting under textile EPR, what success should look like in measurable outcomes, and how individuals and companies can engage—whether by tracking state bills, submitting comments, or partnering with trade groups. ♻️
Chapters
1. Welcome And Guest Introduction (00:00:00)
2. What Is SMART Does And Why It Matters (00:01:08)
3. Jessica’s Role Translating Policy And Industry (00:03:27)
4. Personal Path And Purpose In Circularity (00:05:00)
5. The Facility Visit That Changed Everything (00:07:57)
6. Staying Motivated In Slow Policy Cycles (00:10:40)
7. Recent Wins: EPR And Trade Access (00:12:17)
8. The Americas Act And U.S. Competitiveness (00:15:06)
9. Getting Industry Voices Into The Room (00:17:14)
10. Reuse First And Building Circular Value Chains (00:19:01)
11. Preparing Members For Global Policy Shifts (00:21:04)
12. Emerging Global Policies And UN Definitions (00:23:08)
13. Operational Challenges Under Textile EPR (00:25:30)
14. Building Practical Tracking And Reporting (00:27:23)
15. Measuring Policy Success And Impact (00:29:04)
16. What’s Next: State EPR And Global Dialogue (00:30:24)
17. How Listeners And Industry Can Engage (00:33:05)
18. Final Resources And Closing (00:36:20)
14 episodes
