What If the Things We Throw Away Are Worth More Than We Think? | Kira Hartley

The Thought Atlas Podcast · Aug 30, 2026 · 37m

What happens when you learn to see value in the things everyone else overlooks?

Today’s guest is Kira Hartley, an entrepreneur, writer, collector, public speaker, and buyer and seller of unusual and overlooked objects. She describes herself as being somewhat like an American picker, buying and selling items for profit.

After turning 40 and needing to build a business that would allow her to remain present for her daughter, Kira began buying and selling things she could acquire inexpensively. Over time, that curiosity expanded into fabric and textiles, writing, public speaking, podcasting, and…