Sounds of SAND

Recorded live at a SAND Community Gathering (Feb 2026) Dr. Samah Jabr, a Palestinian psychiatrist and author of Radiance in Pain and Resilience, joins Dr. Mays Imad (with questions from the audience chat) for a conversation about what it means to stay human when the structures meant to protect people are the ones doing the harm. Drawing on decades of clinical work inside the occupation, Dr. Jabr moves past the “sanitized” versions of trauma to speak directly to the heart of colonial harm in Palestine. Central to this dialogue is an exploration of the deep ontological differences between Western psychiatric models and Palestinian lived experience. While Western frameworks often pathologize the individual through the lens of PTSD, Dr. Jabr introduces the concept of iptila—viewing tribulations through a framework of agency, faith, and collective endurance. She challenges the frequent romanticization of sumud (steadfastness), reframing it not as a poetic trope, but as a grueling relational practice and an ethical refusal to disappear when everything conspires toward Palestinian erasure. In a reality where the harm never ends, memory becomes a battlefield, grief a form of testimony, bearing witness an active refusal to normalize the unacceptable, and storytelling a vital survival infrastructure against the assassination of memory. Topics 00:00 Welcome & Why We Need a New Framework for Trauma and Justice02:15 “If I Must Die”: Carrying Memory, Refusing Normalization03:13 Introducing Dr. Samah Jabr’s Work: Pain, Power, and a Counter-Narrative07:55 A Childhood Lesson in Naming: Robinson Crusoe and Colonial Language10:10 Clinic Stories: When Political Reality Shapes Symptoms14:14 Beyond Western Psychiatry: Language, Resilience, and Context as the ‘Pathology’17:19 The ‘Fear of Dogs’ Case: History, Colonial Violence, and Clinical Meaning20:40 When Systems Collapse: Gaza’s Crushed Mental-Health Response & Organic Community Care25:04 Collective Healing & the Kite Intervention: Building Agency and Connection29:31 From Mobilization to Organization: Global Solidarity and Liberation34:31 How to Keep Working: Hope, Spirituality, and Protecting Health Workers41:58 Meaning-Making in Crisis: The Palm Tree Story and Spiritual Grounding45:22 Spirituality as Resilience: Listening for What Helps Each Person47:13 Scaling Mental Health Support in Palestine: Training Community Helpers49:00 Creating “Healing Spaces”: Group Support for Journalists, Youth & Displaced Women53:22 Reporting Gaza From Afar: Citizen Journalism, Narrative Control & Ethical Witnessing59:44 How to Support Palestine Sustainably: Remote Mental Health, Publishing & Advocacy01:05:37 Colonialism, Patriarchy & Horizontal Violence: When Trauma Damages the Social Fabric01:10:03 Meaning-Making Under Protracted Trauma: Tila, Agency & Shattered Belief Systems01:15:16 Diaspora Palestinians: From Helping Family to Leading Global Political Solidarity01:21:55 Closing Charge: Being Human After Mass Violence + Upcoming Webinars & Films Resources Dr. Samah Jabr’s book Art by Fernando Martí and Jess X. Snow, inspired by Huda Suboh’s quote: “In the heart of Gaza, where the echoes of war reverberate through the streets… each day, glimmers of hope that dance across the sky—kites.” — Rafah, 2024 Support this conversation by donating to Sumud Network for Mental Health and Healing for Gaza Where Olive Trees Weep (Film by SAND on Palestine (2024) with more Resources and a course on Palestine)

What if language was not a tool for naming things, but a vibration of relationship? What if intelligence wasn’t a human asset, but an ecological rhythm? What if consciousness is not what happens in our heads—but what happens between us, through us, with the land, with water, with wind? Come gather for a conversation with Tiokasin Ghosthorse, Cheyenne River Lakota elder, host of First Voices Radio, master musician, and steward of relational ways of knowing. Rooted in the vibrational teachings of the old Lakota language, a language shaped by Earth and used to speak with, not about, Tiokasin invites us to unlearn the dominance of human-centered thought and listen again to Earth as consciousness. First Voices Indigenous Radio Butterfly Against the Wind Topics 00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:48 Introducing Tiokasin Ghosthorse01:28 Tiokasin's Background and Philosophy04:36 The Concept of Land Acknowledgement05:59 Relational Values and Indigenous Wisdom08:02 Language and Consciousness16:09 Mystery and Present Consciousness27:54 Environmentalism and Connection to Earth35:04 Understanding WIA and Innocence36:34 The Role of Elders and Wisdom37:58 Relational Intelligence vs. Western Education39:14 Cultural Trauma and Language Suppression45:41 Earth Consciousness and Modern Anxiety50:04 The Illusion of Control and AI58:38 Ceremony and Earth Cycles01:03:32 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Connect with more with Tiokasin and dozens of other speakers and elders in the SAND film Series The Eternal Song Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

In this conversation, Ellen Emmet reflects on her path into Jungian analysis and how the teachings of Carl Jung continue to shape her inner life, clinical work, and spiritual inquiry. Together, we explore what it means to hold depth psychology and nondual realization in the same field—without collapsing one into the other. The dialogue moves through questions of decolonizing therapy, the subtle dynamics of spiritual bypass, and the kind of deep listening required when working with the unconscious—both personal and collective. Ellen speaks to the body as a threshold into the psyche’s wilderness, and to the necessity of staying in relationship with what is unresolved, uncomfortable, and unfinished. Threaded throughout is a concern for the wider world: how collective trauma, ancestral memory, and the current socio-political moment ask to be included in spiritual and therapeutic work—not bypassed. This is a conversation about remembrance, embodiment, and the slow work of integration in times of upheaval. Ellen offers meetings and retreats through The Awakening Body, an experiential exploration rooted in nondual inquiry, Authentic Movement, and direct listening to lived experience. She also maintains a private psychotherapy practice and facilitates Authentic Movement groups. EllenEmmet.com Topics 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:05 Reflecting on Past Conversations01:41 Journey into Jungian Analysis02:50 Exploring Carl Jung's Theories05:31 The Process of Individuation13:17 Decolonizing Therapy16:40 Spiritual Bypassing and Social Issues20:48 Facing the Darkness: Confronting Fear and Avoidance22:17 The Deadly Silence: Censorship in Spiritual Spaces23:19 Heartbreak as a Spiritual Connection26:09 The Power of Collective Healing28:03 Listening with Reverence and Reverie36:09 The Wildness of the Body: Embracing Natural Movement39:39 Concluding Thoughts and Future Connections Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

From a SAND Community Gathering (December 2025), Francis Weller joins SAND co-founders Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo for a wide-ranging conversation on grief, initiation, and the sacred thresholds of a changing world. They speak of rough passages and necessary descents—of what must burn away, and what endures. With Francis’s steady guidance, sorrow, longing, beauty, and vulnerability are reclaimed not as weaknesses, but as profound sources of strength, orientation, and soul knowledge. Rooted in the soulcraft teachings of his book In the Absence of the Ordinary, the dialogue unfolds in a spirit of reverence and remembrance. Together, they explore the unraveling of the familiar as an invitation into deeper belonging—grief as a living portal, and beauty as a practice of staying close to what is sacred, even in times of descent. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements01:09 Guest Introduction: Francis Weller02:02 Opening Reflections on Soul and Rhythm03:17 The Modern Frenzy vs. Soul's Rhythm05:32 Therapy and the Soul's Healing Process12:09 The Role of Wounds in Soul Work16:35 Confession and Community Healing23:17 Collective Psyche and Modern Challenges28:39 Historical Roots of Disconnection31:25 Grief and Ancestral Memory33:47 Understanding Grief in a Shallow Culture35:06 The Three Layers of Experience35:18 The Role of Ritual in Processing Grief36:00 Fear and Control in Grief Expression36:22 The Importance of Containment Fields36:48 Cultural Rituals and Their Significance40:21 Creating Personal Rituals50:32 The Long Dark: Embracing Uncertainty56:13 The Sacred in Everyday Life59:13 The Role of Elders in a Fragmented World01:03:12 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Blackfoot scholar Dr. Leroy Little Bear shares foundational Indigenous ways of knowing—revealing a worldview built on energy, motion, and relationship rather than matter, time, and separation.In this conversation, Little Bear illuminates how Blackfoot philosophy understands reality through "interpretive templates"—cultural lenses shaped by language, land, and cosmology. Where Western thought centers singularity and fixed answers, Blackfoot ways embrace flux, transformation, and "all my relations." Dr. Leroy Little Bear is a Blackfoot legal scholar, professor emeritus, and prominent Indigenous rights advocate from the Blood Tribe. He is a founding member of the Native American Studies Department at the University of Lethbridge, served as the director of the Harvard University Native American Program, and played a crucial role in shaping Canadian constitutional law to recognize Indigenous rights, including contributing to Section 35 of the Constitution Act. His work extends to international advocacy, advising the United Nations on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and he has received numerous honors, such as the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:45 Guest Introduction: Dr. Leroy Little Bear01:42 Blackfoot Tradition and Identity02:59 Western vs. Blackfoot Worldview10:15 Energy Forces and Relationships27:39 Impact of Colonization34:26 Language and Interpretive Templates54:38 Closing Remarks and Gratitude Explore more in Indigenous Worldviews in the SAND film Series The Eternal Song Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

This episode was recorded live at The Eternal Song Film Gathering in 2025. Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo welcome Dr. (Uncle) Paul Gordon and Joe Williams, featured in the upcoming SAND Film In the Circle of Life premiering January 20, 2026. In this conversation they discuss the profound importance of connection to the land, cultural heritage, and traditional practices in achieving wellness. The conversation reveals how Indigenous wisdom can address modern societal woes and highlights the importance of respecting and maintaining a deep relationship with the natural world. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:47 Meet Uncle Paul Gordon01:59 Language and Cultural Connections03:01 Introducing Joe Williams16:26 Joe Williams' Journey and Spiritual Awakening22:07 Aboriginal Perspectives on Wellbeing and Grief26:23 Understanding Time and Connection to Country29:40 Ancient Knowledge and Star Stories30:50 Connection to Country and Ancestral Wisdom44:25 The Role of Ceremony and Responsibility52:22 Healing Through Connection to Nature57:55 Final Thoughts and Resources Resources In the Circle of LifeThe Living Country Community Recorded live at The Eternal Song Seven Day Film Premiere summit with Indigenous voices Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

From a recent SAND Community Gathering (December 2025). This urgent conversation, facilitated by Ashira Darwish and rooted in Haidar Eid’s new book Banging on the Walls of the Tank, moves through the fractured present of Gaza, bringing forth a chorus of resistance, mourning, refusal, and clarity. This is a dispatch from within the rubble, the classroom, the lull between airstrikes. Together. Eid and Darwish hold the line inside the unbearable: the grief of ongoing genocide and the insistence on liberation; the impossibility of hope and the necessity of imagining otherwise. Their conversation refuses erasure, insists on dignity, and carries the clarity of those living under siege with purpose and memory intact. This conversation carries the vibration of Gaza’s resistance outward, inviting listeners not just to witness, but to respond. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:58 Context of the Gaza Genocide02:23 Introducing Haidar Eid and Ashira Darwish02:32 Haidar Eid's Background and Experience03:19 Ashira Darwish's Introduction and Role05:42 Haidar Eid's Personal Account of the Genocide07:17 The Impact of the Genocide on Haidar's Life09:51 Tribute to Fallen Colleagues and Students11:55 The Importance of Palestinian Narratives14:57 Historical Context and Ongoing Genocide27:34 The Human Cost and Personal Stories29:00 Protecting Stories and Dignity29:40 Understanding Israeli Society and Zionism32:33 The Role of International Support34:08 The BDS Movement and Palestinian Civil Society35:47 The Call for Global Solidarity43:18 Banging on the Walls of the Tank53:12 A Shift in the Global Narrative58:17 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Resources Project Hope PalestineCatharsis Holistic Healing PalestineBDS MovementAshira Darwish’s Website Where Olive Trees Weep Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

This final episode of 2025 reflects on a year of transitions and healing, focusing on themes of intergenerational trauma, collective grief, and social justice, especially in the context of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Through diverse voices including Dr. Gabor Maté, Naomi Klein, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Ashira Darwish, Omid Safi, Kazu Haga, and others, the episode delves into personal and collective fields of healing. It emphasizes the importance of remembering, ritualizing healing, community action, indigenous knowledge, and a para-politics of grief and relationship. The episode also highlights the significance of interconnectedness, resilience, and the continuous effort towards justice and transformation. Topics and Speakers 00:00 Introduction and Year in Review02:03 Minds Under Siege: Dr. Gabor Mate and Naomi Klein17:38 We Will Not Look Away: Vigil for Gaza with Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Ashira Darwish and Omid Safi37:33 Fierce Vulnerability: Kazu Haga46:16 Belonging Without Othering: john a. powell50:51 The Limits of Solution-Driven Thinking: Bayo Akomolafe55:47 Complexity and Phase Transitions: Jeremy Lent01:02:03 Intergenerational Trauma and Healing: Jungwon Kim and Linda Thai 01:18:40 Generational Trauma and Community Healing: Dr. Thema Bryant01:23:16 Decolonizing Therapy and Ancestral Healing: Dr. Jennifer Mullan01:26:30 Indigenous Perspectives on Colonization and Wellbeing: Dr. Diana Kopua, Tina Ngata and Mark Kopua01:40:30 Plant Medicine and Connection to Nature: Donna Kerridge01:53:07 Grief, Ritual, and Communal Healing: Orland Bishop and Francis Weller02:02:39 Presence and Receptive Awareness: John J. Prendergast02:09:26 Conclusion and Membership Invitation Links Naomi KleinDr. Gabor MatéRabbi Lynn GottliebOmid SafiKazu Hagajohn a. PowellBayo AkomolafeJeremy LentJungwon KimLinda ThaiDr. Thema BryantDr. Jennifer MullanTe Kurahuna (Mark and Dr. Diana Kopua)Tina NgataFrancis WellerOrland BishopJohn PrendergastWhere Olive Trees Weep The Eternal Song (Film series and course) Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

In this episode of The Sounds of SAND podcast, host Michael Reiley speaks with Father Adam Bucko about his journey and the integration of Christian contemplative spirituality with social justice activism. Father Adam shares his formative experiences growing up in Poland during the resistance against totalitarian government, his work with marginalized youth in the United States and India, and his philosophy of engaged contemplation. He discusses the importance of heartbreak as a spiritual guide, the responsibility of acknowledging historical injustices perpetrated by the Christian church, and the practice of staying grounded through monastic rhythms of life. The episode highlights the need for a balanced approach to spirituality that embraces both love and grief, and explores reconciliation with the world's suffering through active, mindful presence. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:37 Father Adam Bucko's Early Life and Inspirations04:50 Journey to the United States and Spiritual Exploration08:13 Contemplative Practices and Activism20:58 Challenges and Reflections on Modern Christianity29:48 Navigating Institutional Harm and New Monasticism32:16 Engaged Spirituality and Personal Practices46:36 Final Thoughts and Ways to Connect Resources: FatherAdamBucko.comThe Center for Spiritual Imagination"Let Heartbreak Be Your Guide" Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

A Decolonial Invitation to Remember, Relearn, and Resist From a live SAND Community Gathering (November 2025) a live conversation with Dr. Jennifer Mullan & Iya Affo. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of ancestral wisdom, collective healing, and the decolonization of therapeutic practices. Dr. Mullan shares her personal journey of reconciling traditional healing methods with modern therapy and explores the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma. The conversation also highlights the significance of land, lineage, and community in the healing process, and addresses the ways in which therapy can be transformed to be more inclusive and effective for diverse populations. Dr. Mullan shares from her journey of calling therapists into a politicized practice—one rooted in responsibility, reverence, and collective liberation. The conversation challenges clinicians to confront their training, interrogate their privilege, and participate in the sacred labor of relearning. Topics 00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:30 Honoring Ancestral Wisdom01:54 Introducing Iya Affo04:23 Meet Dr. Jennifer Mullan05:22 The Non-Neutrality of Therapy10:39 Decolonizing Therapy: A Deep Dive14:33 Therapy and Boundaries27:42 The Historical Impact on Therapy31:24 Shining a Light on Hidden History31:55 Finding Safe Spaces for Vulnerability32:21 Therapeutic Contexts and Trauma33:45 Bridging and Reciprocity in Healing37:04 Colonial Soul Wound and Historical Trauma39:39 Reclaiming Ancestral Pathways42:25 Decolonizing Therapy for All45:43 Healing Across Layered Dimensions54:50 Embracing Sacred Rage and Grief58:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

This episode, recorded live at The Eternal Song live gathering (June 2025), brings together a distinguished panel featuring Patricia June Vickers, Judy Atkinson, Dr. Diana Kopua, and Donald “Del” Lavedure, moderated by Dr. Gabor Maté. The discussion explores the integration of ancestral wisdom and modern therapeutic methods to address and heal trauma within Indigenous communities. The group share their personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the connection between land, ancestry, and healing. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling, cultural practices, and the role of spirituality in fostering collective and individual healing, while addressing how individuals outside Indigenous cultures can support this crucial work. Topics: 00:00 Introduction of the Guests02:14 Acknowledging Indigenous Lands and Realities03:24 Exploring the Concept of Health and Ancestry05:06 Understanding Ancestral Healing08:08 Judy Atkinson on Ancestry and Healing19:15 Patricia Vickers on Ancestry and Protection21:23 Diana on Indigenous Knowledge and Connection26:51 Defining Trauma and Its Impacts32:23 Del Lavedure on Community-Based Healing38:09 Judy Atkinson on the Power of Story in Healing42:47 A Heartfelt Introduction43:21 Exploring Trauma and Healing Modalities44:32 Indigenous Perspectives on Trauma48:17 Personal Stories of Healing49:17 Concepts of Healing and Wholeness53:23 Addressing Historical and Ongoing Trauma57:23 The Role of Collective Memory in Healing01:10:54 Connecting to Ancestral Practices01:18:53 Final Reflections and Personal Insights Resources: Dr Gabor Maté The Wisdom of Trauma (a SAND film) Professor Judy Atkinson (We Al-li)Patricia June Vickers, PhDDiana Kopua (Mahi a Atua) Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member Recorded live at The Eternal Song Seven Day Film Premiere summit with Indigenous voices.

Dr. Cara Judea Alhadeff discusses her work and the profound ideas in her book Zazu Dreams: Between the Scarab and the Dung Beetle, A Cautionary Fable for the Anthropocene Era. She explores themes of dream consciousness, cultural and ecological extinction, radical symbiosis, and the concept of apocalyptic parenting as a strategy for social justice and ecological ethics, an antidote to petroleum parenting. The discussion digs into the interdisciplinary ties found in her stories, her collaborative projects, and the communal effort in creating sustainable futures. Dr. Alhadeff also shares her real-life experiences of living for almost a decade in a reclaimed school bus, 'The Love Bus', exemplifying the principles of radical mothering, reuse, collective creativity, and joy amidst systemic challenges. Dr. Cara Judea Alhadeff is a professor and author of dozens of books and articles on art, philosophy, sexuality, climate justice, life-passion activism, and "petroleum parenting," including the critically-acclaimed Zazu Dreams: Between the Scarab and the Dung Beetle, A Cautionary Fable for the Anthropocene Era, and Viscous Expectations: Justice, Vulnerability, The Ob-scene. Alhadeff’s forthcoming book, Unlearning What We Think We Know (Vernon Press), will be performed during the World Affairs Conference. Her photographs/ performance videos are in private and public collection,s including San Francisco MoMA, MoMA Salzburg, Austria, the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, and include collaborations with international choreographers, composers, poets, sculptors, architects, and scientists. She has been interviewed by The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Pacifica Radio, NPR, and the New Art Examiner. Alongside Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Vandana Shiva, Alhadeff received the Random Kindness Community Resilience Leadership Award, 2020. In 2022, Alhadeff was nominated for a MacArthur Fellowship. Her theoretical and visual work is the subject of documentaries for international public television/ radio. A former professor of Critical Pedagogy & Performance at UC Santa Cruz and Founder of Radical Art in Action, Alhadeff teaches, performs, and parents a creative-zero-waste life. She and her family live and perform in their eco-art installation, a repurposed school bus. www.carajudeaalhadeff.com Topics 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Cara Judea Alhadeff01:35 Exploring 'Zazu Dreams'04:01 Dreams and Cultural Extinction06:08 Fractal Democracy and Radical Art08:39 Sensory Consciousness and Neuroaesthetics14:50 Interconnected Oppressions and Emancipation28:05 Ancestral Lineage and Multiculturalism34:00 Exploring Automatic Behaviors and Consciousness34:50 Interbeing and Consumer Decisions36:35 The Impact of Privilege and Capitalist Norms38:06 Radical Symbiosis and Cultural Conditioning39:21 Eco-Spirituality and Political Awareness41:18 Apocalyptic Parenting and Deep Noticing48:01 The Love Bus: A Journey of Reuse and Respect54:40 Adapting to Change and Collective Creativity57:55 Conclusion: Embracing Art and Language Resources: Dr. Cara Judea Alhadeff’s WebsiteZAZU DREAMS: Between the Scarab and the Dung Beetle, A Cautionary Fable for the Anthropocene Era by Dr. Cara Judea AlhadeffZazu Dreams book-to-film animation adaptationFractal Flourishing: Jeremy Lent (Sounds of SAND Podcast)Arab Jewish Mysticism: Hadar Cohen (Sounds of SAND Podcast)Quantum Listening: IONE (Sounds of SAND Podcast)Deep Listening: Pauline Oliveros5Rhythms DanceRural Studio: Samuel Mockbee and an architecture of decencyThrutopian Dreams: Manda Scott (Sounds of SAND Podcast)An Ecotopian Lexicon edited by Schneider-Mayerson and BellamyChallenging Petroleum ParentingDecolonizing MotherhoodEmpire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism by Robert ChapmanViscous Expectations: Justice, Vulnerability, The Ob-scene by cara judea AlhadeffThe Love Bus: Beauty & Waste In the Face of Climate CrisisFacing Apocalyspe by Catherine KellerBenjamin Lay: The first...

What does it mean to stay tender in times of unraveling? In this live SAND Community Gathering (November 2025), SAND co-founders, Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo spend the hour with activist and author Kazu Haga. This conversation invites us into a collective inquiry about healing, justice, and the radical courage of vulnerability. Drawing from his work on restorative justice and Kingian nonviolence, Haga explores how compassion can live alongside grief, anger, and collapse—not as escape or appeasement, but as a disciplined, relational practice of staying with the pain of the world. Topics: 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks 00:44 Introducing Kazu and His Work 04:08 Understanding Fierce Vulnerability 06:43 The Great Turning and Collective Healing 10:50 Non-Violence and Social Movements 17:13 Spiritual Practice and Activism 24:22 Anger, Rage, and Non-Violence 26:40 Personal Stories and Reflections 28:57 Sowing Seeds of Change 29:56 The Power of Vulnerability 31:33 Healing Through Non-Violence 38:55 The Concept of Negative Peace 47:48 Living in Community 49:45 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Resources: Kazu Haga's Website Fierce Vulnerability Canticle Farm The Eternal Song (film series by SAND) Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Recorded live at The Eternal Song Seven Day Film Premiere Gathering. In this episode, hosts Maurizio and Zaya engage in deep conversation with Yoruba philosopher and post-humanist thinker Bayo Akomolafe. In this episode, Bayo shares a Yoruba creation myth involving the Orishas, highlighting the importance of flow and memory. He reflects on his journey as a psychologist in Nigeria and critiques the political dimensions of healing. The dialogue also touches on the limits of modernity, the significance of wounds in creating new worlds, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Bayo’s insights invite listeners to reconsider traditional notions of clarity, identity, and safety, promoting a deeper, more fluid understanding of existence as it weaves into narratives of The Eternal Song. Watch this full conversation and 40+ more The Eternal Song film series and All-Access Pass with from our 7-day gathering with Elders and knowledge keepers Topics 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:46 Introducing Bayo Akomolafe 02:13 A Yoruba Creation Story 06:50 Reflections on Healing 12:49 Decolonization and Human Ecology 20:32 The Complexity of Solutions 22:25 Chaos and Order: The Eternal Dance 22:41 The Illusion of Solutions 22:50 Climate Chaos and Moralities 23:34 The Exhaustion of Traditional Moralities 24:10 Para Politics: A New Approach 26:30 The Role of the Trickster in History 28:45 The Power of Wounds and Cracks 31:31 The Fluidity of Identity 36:52 The Origins and Evolution of Language 40:15 Christianity and Indigenous Faiths 44:15 Final Reflections and Gratitude Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Hosted by SAND’s Lisa Breschi Almond, this poignant discussion entitled 'War's Long Shadow Part Two: The Medicine of Story' was recorded live as a recent SAND Gathering. The show features two heartfelt stories of their first-hand accounts of post-war trauma shared by Linda Thai and Jungwon Kim. The conversation explores personal narratives of war trauma and generational grief, focusing on the Vietnam War and Korean War, respectively. Linda recounts her family’s harrowing escape from Vietnam and their struggle to resettle in Australia, while Jungwon explores her parents’ experiences and the enduring impact of the Korean War. Emphasizing the importance of storytelling, the session highlights the collective healing and emotional sobriety brought through sharing and listening to these deeply moving stories Topics 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:55 Land and Settler Acknowledgement 02:13 Introducing the Presenters 04:16 Linda's Story: A Journey of Survival 39:31 Jungwon's Story: Generational War Trauma 01:02:30 Reflections and Closing Remarks Resources War’s Long Shadow, Part 1 (the first part of this conversation from early 2025) Jung Won Kim’s Website Linda Thai’s Website Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

In this episode, SAND co-founders and hosts Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo welcome Dr. Thema Bryant, a tenured professor of psychology and former President of the American Psychological Association, to discuss holistic healing, ancestral wisdom, and collective liberation. Dr. Bryant emphasizes the importance of recognizing both individual and collective trauma, the power of storytelling, and the need for interdisciplinary approaches to wellness. The conversation explores the emotional and spiritual aspects of healing, the role of joy and grief, and the importance of community in fostering resilience and thriving. Dr. Bryant also provides practical advice on deepening relationships, finding like-minded communities, and maintaining emotional balance in the face of ongoing trauma. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:53 Introducing Dr. Thema Bryant 01:20 Dr. Bryant's Background and Philosophy 03:11 Grounding Practice and Body Sovereignty 08:32 The Importance of Compassion and Presence 11:52 Intergenerational Trauma and Healing 17:15 Decolonizing and Indigenizing Healing Practices 27:00 Balancing Activism and Self-Care 34:15 Grief and Collective Healing 36:44 Cultural Differences in Grieving 37:59 The Interplay of Grief and Joy 38:28 Toxic Positivity and Spiritual Bypassing 41:07 Constructive vs. Destructive Anger 44:53 The Importance of Emotional Expression 47:03 Creating and Deepening Community Connections 51:00 Collective Healing and Liberation 01:03:13 Balancing Self-Care and Collective Care 01:11:14 Final Thoughts and Resources Resources Dr. Thema Bryant Dr. Thema Bryant is the author of the recently released book Matters of the Heart and the host of The Homecoming Podcast. Jaiya John Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Recorded live at The Eternal Song Seven Day Film Premiere summit with Indigenous voices. Donna Kerridge, a Rongoā Māori practitioner from Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand, shares insights into her journey bridging Māori traditional medicine and the Western healthcare system. Kerridge discusses the challenges and beauty of indigenous healing practices, emphasizing the significance of connection to nature, ancestral knowledge, and the balance between the physical and spiritual realms. She reflects on her experience watching the film Eternal Song and the necessity of truth in storytelling. Through her work and this conversation, Kerridge elucidates the importance of understanding one's place in nature and the universe to achieve true wellbeing. Hosted by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo. Topics 00:00 Introduction to Donna Kerridge 00:58 Reflecting on the Film's Impact 03:45 Understanding Rongoā Māori 06:10 The Concept of Wellbeing in Rongoā Māori 10:55 Healing Practices and Patterns of Disease 20:19 The Importance of Ancestry and Connection 22:37 Ancient Knowledge and Modern Science 29:47 Challenges of Being a Healer in Modern Times 32:18 Exploring the Pillars of Ru Māori 33:42 Connecting with the Spiritual Realm 36:30 Healing Through Nature 43:28 Respect and Indigenous Knowledge 45:41 Bridging Western and Indigenous Medicine 52:28 The Role of Ancestral Knowledge 56:25 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Find out more about The Eternal Song film series and All-Access Pass and the SAND film Mauri which features all three guests from today’s show. Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

In this panel from the The Eternal Song 7-Day Global Gathering Schedule, Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo speak with Dr. Diana Kopua, a Māori psychiatrist, Mark Kopua, a cultural leader and master carver, and Tina Ngata, an advocate for indigenous and environmental rights. The conversation explores the significance of revitalizing indigenous knowledge, ancestral connections, and reindigenization. They explore the effects of colonialism, the doctrine of Christian discovery, and the urgency of collective wellbeing practices. The conversations weaves reconnection with ancestral stories, the environment, and indigenizing oneself as crucial steps towards collective healing and resilience. Find out more about The Eternal Song film series and All-Access Pass and the SAND film Mauri which features all three guests from today’s show. Topics 00:00 Introduction of Extraordinary Voices 01:50 Personal Introductions and Backgrounds 07:09 Current Issues in New Zealand 12:24 Colonial Impact on Māori Wellbeing 18:42 Traditional Māori Wellbeing and Ancestral Connections 33:29 Healing Through Ancestral Stories 34:56 Impact of Colonization on Indigenous Mindset 37:04 Reconnecting with Ancestral Wisdom 40:55 Understanding Racism and Education 44:26 The Role of Christianity and Wealth 52:51 Indigenizing vs. Decolonizing 53:35 Practical Steps to Re-Indigenize 56:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Ancestral Bone Mapping & Healing: Reweaving the Soul Through Bone, Beauty, and Ancestral Nourishment with Iya Affo Through rhythms of beauty, grief, and intergenerational wisdom, this presentation and conversation explored healing through the languages of somatic ritual, trauma-informed neurobiology, and ancestral remembering. Iya Affo is a Culturalist and Historical Trauma consultant. She earned Western certification as a Trauma Specialist and is a descendant of a long line of traditional healers from Bénin, West Africa. Iya serves as an Executive Board Member for the Arizona ACEs Consortium, is an Adjunct Faculty member at the Arizona Trauma Institute, and is the founder of Heal Historical Trauma Culture & Indigenous Wellness Academy. She has visited more than 30 countries; living in Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Native American, and Yoruba communities, embracing aspects from each culture for personal evolution. She strives to transcend tolerance through cultivating love and respect in hopes of facilitating the decolonization and subsequent healing of indigenous people from all over the world. Iya advocates for the harmonization of Traditional Medicine and Western Medicine for true holistic healing. ALTÆR is a sacred invitation into ancestral medicine, where the body is honored as shrine, and the bones are read as living scrolls. Culturalist and Historical Trauma Consultant Iya Affo brings her deep-rooted knowledge and ceremonial practice to this space. As a featured presence in The Eternal Song film and founder of the Heal Historical Trauma Culture & Indigenous Wellness Academy, Iya carries experience across many Indigenous communities and advocates for the harmonization of Traditional and Western medicine as a path to collective wholeness. ALTÆR: The Bones Remember – Eight week course with Iya Affo Topics: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:42 Introducing Iya Affo 01:44 Acknowledging Ancestral Lands and Ancestors 04:25 The Importance of Ancestral Healing 09:38 Understanding Coherence and Healing Practices 18:06 Exploring Bone Mapping 28:11 Personal Story: Ancestral Memory and Birth 32:45 A Difficult Labor and Ancestral Memory 34:33 The Impact of Historical Trauma on Black Women 38:47 Bone Mapping and Spiritual Genetics 43:57 Roles of Men and Women in Ancestral Healing 49:53 Healing Practices and Rituals 57:31 Integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Western Therapy 01:03:20 Closing Reflections and Future Courses Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Please join us along with Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Ashira Darwish, Rae Abileah, Shahd Abusalama, Omid Safi, Reverend Michael Yoshii, and Iyas Sartawari for a reckoning. A collective refusal. A gathering of those who cannot stay silent while genocide is livestreamed. We do not come together to be informed. We come because we already know. We come because we refuse to normalize atrocity. We come to grieve every stolen Palestinian life—every child starved, every family erased. We come to grieve the collapse of our shared humanity—and to ignite what remains. This grief is not weakness. It is fire. It is clarity. It is a declaration: we will not look away. Topics 00:00 Opening Remarks and Introductions 01:24 Shahd Abusalama's Testimony 07:46 Raif Ziada's Poem Recitation 19:53 Rabbi Lynn's Address 28:30 Omid Safi's Prayer and Reflections 40:03 Introduction and Greetings 40:07 Reverend Joshi's Reflections 42:10 Prayers and Songs for the Martyrs 46:09 Ashira's Call to Action 51:28 Rae Abileah's Contributions 52:12 Small Group Discussions 56:21 Project Hope Overview 01:03:59 Final Reflections and Call to Action 01:08:39 Closing Remarks Support Together, we call for the return of UNRWA and the shutting down of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Funds from the gathering will go to Project Hope, providing aid to Gaza. Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member