Join Azzedine Downes, CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), as he shares his impactful journey in wildlife conservation. Learn how his leadership is protecting endangered species, preserving habitats, and fostering a global movement for environmental stewardship. Through compelling stories and insights, Azzedine reveals the vital connections between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and how they are essential to our planet's future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about conservation, wildlife protection, and creating a sustainable world.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Couscous Chronicles by Azzedine Downes

• International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) - www.ifaw.org

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Today, our search lands us in conversation with Sunaura Taylor, a professor, artist, writer, and activist whose scholarship explores the entanglement of disability and ecological thought.

Her work at the intersection of disability studies, environmental justice, multi-species studies, and art practice invites us to see beyond traditional environmental narratives to appreciate the vital contributions of all forms of life, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of our planet’s health and our species' future.

Her latest book, Disabled Ecologies: Lessons from a Wounded Desert, is a powerful analysis and call to action that reveals disability as one of the defining features of environmental devastation and resistance.

Through her art and scholarship, Sunaura reveals the overlooked parallels between disabled bodies and the Earth's landscapes—both bearing marks of history and resilience.

In this time of ecological uncertainty and social change, her insights compel us to question how we perceive health, harm, and harmony in the natural world. To challenge us to think differently about ecology and disability, to embrace a broader, more inclusive vision of environmentalism, and the rights of nature, and ultimately, what it means to be human.

Today, we accept Sunaura’s invitation to experience the environment and our place within it as deeply entangled—where the conditions of Earth reflect and influence the conditions of all living beings. And to propose a solidarity that spans species and systems, leading to a deeper understanding of resilience and regeneration, and teaching us new ways to live and heal together.

About Sunaura

Sunaura Taylor is a professor, artist, and writer. She is the author of “Beasts of Burden: Animal and Disability Liberation”, which received the 2018 American Book Award, and her latest book Disabled Ecologies, Lessons from a Wounded Desert. Taylor has written for a range of popular media outlets and her artworks have been exhibited widely both nationally and internationally. She works at the intersection of disability studies, environmental justice, multi-species studies, and art practice. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at the University of California, Berkeley.

Sunaura lives in the Bay Area with her daughter Leonora, husband David, and their two cats, Rosie and Pirate. You can find out more about Sunaura and her work by visiting:

www.sunaurataylor.net

In a world obsessed with progress and growth, John Stuart Heers offers a simple yet profound insight: Perhaps the most significant transformations occur not through what we gain, but through what we give and how we choose to engage with the world around us. John’s path takes us into a conversation that challenges the essence of our relationships in communities both near and far—a conversation about what it means to cultivate genuine understanding and care.

John is a pioneer in the world of humanitarian work, cultural immersion, and ethical leadership. His life’s work examines how personal sacrifice and attentive listening can dissolve barriers between diverse cultures, fostering a world rooted in empathy and solidarity.His formative years ignited a dedication to grassroots efforts that prioritize local wisdom and long-term impact. As the founder of First Things Foundation, he has championed a model of engagement that goes beyond aid, emphasizing models of partnership and co-creation with communities across the globe. Through projects in places like Guatemala, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, and the Republic of Georgia, John and his team embody a philosophy of humble service and transformative connection. Their work illustrates the profound changes that arise when we shift from giving solutions to facilitating empowerment, from acting as saviors to becoming allies.

Today, we explore the ripples of change that emanate from a commitment to deep, reciprocal care. We imagine a world where every gesture, every act, is imbued with the intention to not only help but to understand and grow together.

About John

John Stuart Heers is the founder of the First Things Foundation, an organization dedicated to deep, immersive community work and ethical leadership, and Greenville SC Keipi Restaurant, featuring Georgian-style cuisine and the community toastmaster or Tamada of the supra fest, toasting to the good and beautiful things in life so that we may experience ourselves in relation to our community at the table of love.

John's visionary approach emphasizes the importance of local wisdom and long-term partnership in fostering sustainable and meaningful change.

Growing up with a keen awareness of global disparities, John was inspired to create a model of engagement that goes beyond traditional aid. First Things Foundation has implemented projects in diverse locations such as Guatemala, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, and the Republic of Georgia, demonstrating the power of humble service and transformative connection.

John's work challenges us to reconsider our approach to humanitarian efforts, advocating for a shift from providing solutions to facilitating empowerment and from acting as saviors to becoming allies. Through over 20,000 hours of project consultation and 30+ active projects, John and his team have illustrated the profound impact of genuine, reciprocal care.

John Heers' dedication to fostering genuine understanding and mutual support has led to significant and lasting changes in the communities the First Things Foundation serves. His work encourages us to build trust, cultivate empathy, and engage deeply with the people and cultures we aim to support.

You can learn more about John and the impactful work of the First Things Foundation, by visiting their website at:

www.first-things.org.

And be sure to make a trip to Geenville SC to experience the Georgian feast and toast to life.

You can learn more about the restaurant at:

www.keipirestaurant.org

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Today, our search lands us in conversation with Dr. Rich Blundell, a scientist and cultural communicator who invites us to explore the profound wisdom of nature through the lens of his unique philosophy, Oika. Rich’s work challenges us to reimagine our relationship with the natural world, encouraging us to see ourselves as integral threads in a vast tapestry of life that has existed for over 13.8 billion years.

Rich's journies across the globe have shaped a worldview bridging scientific inquiry with the poetic wisdom of nature. Offering a pathway to personal and planetary healing, rooted in the deep continuities between humans and the environment.

In our increasingly fragmented world, Rich’s philosophy of Oika is a beacon of hope—representing a call to awaken to the beauty, the joy, and the resilience that nature offers, fostering a sense of interconnectedness that transcends conventional ecological and economic systems.

Rich’s insights are a reminder that by nurturing our relationship with the natural world, we can unlock a creative potential that is vital for our collective future.

Join us as we discover the power of curiosity, the beauty of ecological alignment, and the promise of a future grounded in the wisdom of nature.

Today, our search lands us in conversation with Phyllis E. Leavitt, a psychotherapist and author whose insights into the human condition challenge us to reflect on our own lives and the oh-so-moral fabric of our national well-being.

Phyllis lovingly explores the pitfalls and possibilities of the human condition. With a career spanning over three decades, she has been a quiet force in the field of psychology, focusing on the impact of family dysfunction and the transformative power of healing.In her latest book, "America In Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis," Phyllis extends the intimate lessons from the therapy room to the vast complexities of a nation in conflict. She invites us to consider how the healing of personal trauma and dysfunction within families could be a blueprint for national and collective recovery.

Through her narrative we are invited to reexamine the intertwined paths of personal and societal health. Phyllis argues that the decline in our collective mental health poses the greatest threat to our survival—as individuals and as a society. Her call to action is not just to heal but to transform how we understand our own roles within the broader human family.

Phyllis’ work is a clarion call to awaken to the cycles of pain and violence that ripple through our lives and across our country. She believes profoundly in the power of psychology not only to interpret the world but to change it—offering hope, fostering peace, and nurturing love in places we might have thought impossible. With her, we explore what it means to bring an entire country to therapy, to heal not just in private rooms but in public spaces and policies. Fellow searchers, today on the Infinite Search, we explore the heart of Phyllis’ message: a vision of America renewed through the healing principles of psychotherapy, inviting each of us to participate in reimagining and reconstructing the narrative of our nation.

In a time when the intersection of art and nature has never been more crucial, certain storytellers captivate our imaginations and inspire us to cherish the world around us with wit, wisdom, and a good dose of wonder. Bonnie Kelso is one such artist. Through her work she reveals the unseen lives beneath our ocean's surface, in our suburban forests, and along a path in life never walked alone—urging us towards conservation and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Her path is as layered as the ecosystems she loves. She is an alumna of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, a former Smithsonian exhibit designer, muralist, and award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. But at her core, she is an educator passionate about conservation through storytelling.

Today, Bonnie shares her journey from childhood memories of the beach to becoming a celebrated author and advocate. We'll explore how her work inspires a connection with nature in young minds and the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.

You can explore more of Bonnie’s work and her efforts in conservation at: Website: www.bonniekelso.com

About Episode

In a world enthralled by the new and the next, David Goyes invites us to pause and ponder a different question: What if true sustainability isn’t just about consuming less, but about deepening our care and commitment to each other?

David’s search brings us into a conversation that challenges the core of our modern consumer habits—a conversation about what it means to live in a more just, verdant, and peaceful world.

About Dr. David Goyes

Dr. David Goyes is a senior researcher at the University of Oslo and a respected voice in criminology and environmental justice. Goyes conducts research on a variety of topics including globalization and crime, environmental conflicts, colonization and imperialism, life-course criminology, and victimhood. They are the author or co-author of numerous books, including:

• Green Crime in the Global South: Essays on Southern Green Criminology
• Southern Green Criminology: A Science to End Ecological Discrimination
• Victimhood, Memory, and Consumerism: Profiting From Pablo

David is in search of a good life for every living being on earth, which he pursues through investigation and the application of his findings in everyday life practice.

You can learn more about David and his work catalyzing positive change at:

www.drgoyes.com

Find the transcript for this episode at:

www.theinfinitesearch.com

About Episode

In our season 2 kickoff of The Infinite Search, we journey with Layne through a landscape of profound transformation and deep self-realization. In "Bidding on Brighter Futures," Layne opens up about their evolution from a backdrop of cultural heritage and personal trials to becoming a beacon of change and authenticity.

Layne recounts the intricacies of growing up in a Latvian-Canadian household, grappling with identity amidst traditional norms, and the catalytic moments of clarity following personal loss and societal pressures. These stories offer narratives of struggle, of enlightenment, and of resilience gained through the lived experience.

With wisdom and sensitivity, Layne discusses the potency of acknowledging one's true self, the power held in community connections, and the impact of creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.

This episode is an exploration of how personal histories and vulnerabilities shape our ambitions, drive social change, and craft futures filled with hope.

Join us as we delve into Layne's life philosophy, where bidding is not just about auctions but a metaphor for advocating brighter futures through every action, every challenge, and every moment of vulnerability.

About Layne

The Auctionista, Layne, is renowned for revolutionizing the art of auctioneering with a blend of charisma, advocacy, and inclusivity. Born and raised in Canada as part of a Latvian immigrant family, The Auctionista's early life experiences with cultural and personal identity challenges forged a path toward advocacy and openness. Identifying as non-binary, The Auctionista uses their platform to catalyze change and champion LGBTQ+ rights while fostering inclusive environments. Known for their vibrant and engaging auction style, The Auctionista also leads workshops and speaks publicly on diversity, equity, and inclusion, helping organizations create spaces where everyone feels valued and recognized.

Connect with Layne

Website: www.theauctionista.com

Instagram: @TheAuctionista

Facebook: @TheAuctionistaLayne

Twitter (X): @the_auctionista

LinkedIn: @laynetheauctionista

For speaking engagements, auction services, or workshop inquiries, please use the contact form on The Auctionista's website or email directly for a prompt response.

Find the transcript for this show at www.theinfinitesearch.com