On acting, activism, and taking action: A conversation with Alysia Reiner

On acting, activism, and taking action: A conversation with Alysia Reiner

Cool Mom Picks

Considering we’re pretty passionate about activism and binge watching, it’s probably no surprise that we’re a big fan of Alysia Reiner, known best for her role as Natalie “Fig” Figueroa in Orange is the New Black, a show that might have been the first use-case for the phrase “binge watching.” Along with her work on screen and stage, Alysia is a mom, as well as an award-winning activist and changemaker, with a passion for causes like immigration, gender equality, and the environment, just to name a few.

Alysia, with OITNB castmate Lea DeLaria 
Photo via @AlysiaReiner on Instagram

On this episode of Spawned, we chat with Alysia about acting, activism, and taking action — in particular the ways we can take small steps to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, and truly make a positive impact on our environment. And as always we close out our show with our cool picks of the week.

You can listen now! Just click that button above in the player. Or even better, subscribe to our podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. (If you have a second and can leave a 5-star review, we’d appreciate that). And if you want more of Alysia Reiner, you can find her on Instagram (her social network of choice), as well as her website. Be sure to check out her amazing waste-free eco-friendly fashion line, Livari.

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Kristen’s kids have been playing with this cool STEM toy for weeks now, and there’s no sign of them stopping. A cool marble run and construction set, GraviTrax features over 100 pieces and 18 unique action parts that encourage kids to use STEM skills in hands-on play.

Kids can create their own tracks, or follow the directions for the ones provided. Perfect for kids 8-99, GraviTrax will keep your kids (and kids at heart) busy for hours and hours. And, there’s no screen required for play. Just creative minds and busy hands to create super cool tracks.

You can add to your Starter Set with their expansion sets and cool accessories, making it a fantastic holiday gift idea that kids and parents will love. Find GraviTrax at Target and Target.com.

Cool Picks of the Week

Alysia: Parasite, a Korean film that she can’t stop thinking about.

Kristen: This heated eyelash curler. It’s a gamechanger!

Liz: The new book from our friend Jane Mosbacher Morris: Buy the Change You Want to See

Cool Mom Picks is a reward style affiliate. Top Photo by lucia on Unsplash

Cool Mom Staff