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Please join me for this uplifting and joyful conversation with Brazilian biologist and conservationist Juliana Fukuda that will inspire you to find the beauty of nature where ever you are. Juliana reminds us that we can connect in a meaningful way to the living world around us whether we're on an epic trip to an exotic location, walking through a bustling city or in our own backyard. Learn about her remarkable work in creating new nature areas throughout Brazil and collaborations with the indigenous peoples who live on and also care for these lands. About how the power of genuine conversation can spark ideas and understanding for mutual benefit as we navigate the balance of conservation and local socio-economical factors. Juliana's passion for our world is energizing and you'll find yourself reaching for your hiking boots and heading out the door!

To reach out to Juliana you can email her here:

juliana.fukuda@icmbio.gov.br

Laura's website: https://www.luxsanaamara.com/

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxsanaamara/

Intro music: For Her Chill Upbeat Summer Travel Vlog by Liderc

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I’d like to thank all of you for listening, and for sticking with me as I navigate the learning curve of podcasting. I'm enjoying it immensely and am ever inspired by the incredible people who have shared their time and their stories with me. And I'm very excited about this upcoming season!

In this episode I ponder the question of purpose. How does an evolving human have just one purpose? What does that mean exactly? And why is it necessary? Maybe what we’re really seeking is the sense that we love what we’re doing and that when we’re doing it we feel lit up and aligned with who we really are. Please join me as I consider the idea of purpose in our lives. I hope you'll join the conversation and write in with your thoughts!

To answer the question about unusual background noises, we here at the Meadow Mama Happy Hour have many furry family members and they tend to make unannounced cameos from time to time!

Laura's website: https://www.luxsanaamara.com/

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxsanaamara/

Intro music: For Her Chill Upbeat Summer Travel Vlog by Liderc

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In this heartfelt and perspective shifting episode Animal Communicator and Energy Healer Shawndra McWhorter asks us to open ourselves up to true connection and communication with animals. After a life changing experience with a special dog, Shawndra found her true path in animal communication and energy work, and has been helping to strengthen the bonds between humans and animals for over 25 years. Learn about her incredible work in animal rescue during disasters both here in the US and around the world, and how that work forever changed her. We talk about the poignant and thoughtful messages she's received from animals for us as individuals as well as a collective, and how it inspires hope and a sense of oneness. Her unique experiences like swimming with jellyfishes in Palau will spark joy in your heart and change the way you interact with all living beings!

Shawndra's website: https://www.sanskrithealing.com/

Shawndra's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawndramcwhorter/

Shawndra's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PJ28NWQ?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apan_dp_C864JKB2C296ZJ8FXA7J&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apan_dp_C864JKB2C296ZJ8FXA7J&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apan_dp_C864JKB2C296ZJ8FXA7J&bestFormat=true&titleSource=true

https://shawndramcwhorter.com/books/

Laura's website: https://www.luxsanaamara.com/

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxsanaamara/

Intro music: For Her Chill Upbeat Summer Travel Vlog by Liderc

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Please enjoy Part 2 of my inspiring conversation with Amy Porter, a Wildlife Behavioral Ecologist and Conservation Biologist who is the Director of Conservation with Wolf Haven International as well as a member of the Wolf Advisory Group for Washington State. Her passion for conservation and learning about animal behavior has lead her to unique and remarkable locations around the world. Learn how Amy's work bridging the gap between Gorillas and local communities in Africa changed the trajectory of her work and inspired her to affect positive long term change for wildlife through the power of conversation. It prepared her for her current work with wolves in Washington State, which has taught her the value of being comfortable with being uncomfortable. In this candid conversation we dig into the messy and often emotional gray area of wildlife and human conflict.

Amy realized that this challenging work called for a different approach. That in order to bring about real change it would take being truly open to listen, connect and be curious. And that despite opposing values and views, all parties need to be welcome to not only feel seen and heard, but to actually be part of the process. Amy's work transcends her work in Washington State, creating a framework for all of us on all levels of conflict, whether it's at the dinner table, a community meeting or the world stage.

When I asked Amy what one thing listeners could do to help wildlife she said, "To seek out opportunities to have conversations with people you would not normally have."

Please also tune in to Part 1 where we talk about her extraordinary experiences in the Amazon Rainforest and the Congo, as well as meeting the love of her life, a Congolese dog named Nayota!

Amy's work with wolves: https://wolfhaven.org

Amy's wolfwise program with wolves: https://wolfhaven.org/wolfwise/

Wolf Haven International Instagram: @wolfhavenint

Laura's website: https://www.luxsanaamara.com/

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxsanaamara/

Intro music: For Her Chill Upbeat Summer Travel Vlog by Liderc

Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

Please enjoy Part 1 of my inspiring conversation with Amy Porter, a Wildlife Behavioral Ecologist and Conservation Biologist who is the Director of Conservation with Wolf Haven International as well as a member of the Wolf Advisory Group for Washington State. Her extraordinary experiences in the Amazon Rainforest and the Congo will leave you awed! Learn about her field research from Giant River Otters to elusive Titi Monkeys to Grauer's Gorillas. Her passion for conservation and learning about animal behavior has lead her to unique and remarkable locations around the world, as well as to the love of her life, a Congolese dog named Nayota. You won't want to miss Nayota's story! Learn how Amy's work bridging the gap between Gorillas and local communities in Africa changed the trajectory of her work and inspired her to affect positive long term change for wildlife through the power of conversation. Please tune in to Part 2 where we talk about her dedicated work with wolves and communities in Washington State.

Amy's work with wolves: https://wolfhaven.org

Amy's wolfwise program with wolves: https://wolfhaven.org/wolfwise/

Wolf Haven International Instagram: @wolfhavenint

Laura's website: https://www.luxsanaamara.com/

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxsanaamara/

Intro music: For Her Chill Upbeat Summer Travel Vlog by Liderc

Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

In this episode I have the great pleasure of talking to Molly Condit, owner of Great Bear Media, an American photographer specializing in commercial photography, documentary work and animal photojournalism. Over the last decade, she has cemented a passion for documenting humans and especially animals, and the inextricable bonds between them. Molly’s work as has led to collaborations with domestic and international animal rescue organizations and sanctuaries as well as commissioned assignments abroad taking her from war zones to factory farms and beyond. From Poland and Ukraine to Africa to Arizona, she brings awareness to those unable to speak for themselves and tells their stories. You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation.

Molly's work and contact info.:

https://www.gbearmedia.com/

https://www.greatbearprint.com/about-molly-condit

https://mollyandthegreatbear.com/

https://www.instagram.com/greatbearmedia/

https://www.facebook.com/checkpoint/1501092823525282/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgreatbearmedia%2F#

Laura's website: https://www.luxsanaamara.com/

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxsanaamara/

Intro music: For Her Chill Upbeat Summer Travel Vlog by Liderc

Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

"…….Take a moment and join me in the silence. Imagine yourself somewhere far from everything and listen to the song inside of you……" Emma Ringqvist

I was profoundly moved and inspired by Sailor and Musician Emma Ringqvist's remarkable and inspiring journey of 164 days alone on the Atlantic Ocean in her small boat, Caprice, and was thrilled at the opportunity to speak with her. Please join me for this wonderful conversation where Emma shares her extraordinary experiences of vast night skies, the sound of whales breathing and surrendering control when your engine breaks. Her candid self reflection about her desire for solitude as well as sharing the reality of experiencing it throughout her trip is beautiful and thought provoking. Please be sure to check out her documentary in the link below. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Emma's website:

https://emmasailing.com/home/

Emma's youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaRingqvist

Emma's documentary:

https://www.campfire-stories.org/the-art-of-slowing-down-time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=227oV4zLRhI

Laura's website: https://www.luxsanaamara.com/

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxsanaamara/

Intro music: For Her Chill Upbeat Summer Travel Vlog by Liderc

Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

Everyone needs some Tammi Sweet in their life. One person at a time she is creating a positive ripple effect in the world by helping people come home to themselves and spread the joy found in the process. As an herbal practitioner, LMT and teacher she helps people to remember their connection to the natural world and to deepen that relationship through their heart. She explains how the heart is an organ of perception and how that understanding can change not only the way you navigate the world but how you are received. Tammi and wife Kris Miller founded the Heartstone Center on their beautiful 29 acres in upstate NY, and have created a haven for people to find healing and community through the workshops and apprenticeships they offer. Learn Tammi's simple ways to reduce your stress during these challenging times as well as she and Kris' favorite herbs to start your day. You will not want to miss this truly uplifting and inspiring episode!

Tammi's website:

https://heart-stone.com/

Instagram:

@tammisweet1

Books:

Wholistic Healing Guide to Cannabis

Beginner's Guide to Growing Cannabis and Making Your Own Healing Remedies

https://heart-stone.com/product-category/books/

Laura's website: https://www.luxsanaamara.com/

Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxsanaamara/

Intro music: For Her Chill Upbeat Summer Travel Vlog by Liderc