Campbell Plowden, founder of Amazon Ecology, is a lifelong advocate for people and nature. With a background in activism and conservation, Campbell now focuses on creating sustainable livelihoods and empowering communities in the Peruvian Amazon. He works with traditional artisans from native and mestizo communities, promoting fair trade handicrafts and strengthening leadership and marketing skills.

Podcast Highlights with Timeline:

0:10 - Introduction to the podcast, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories and connecting with others.

1:00 - Introduction of Campbell Plowden, founder of Amazon Ecology, highlighting his background as an activist and his work with indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon.

1:44 - Description of Amazon Ecology's mission to promote sustainable livelihoods and empower traditional artisans from the Peruvian Amazon.

2:06 - Welcoming Campbell Plowden as a guest on the podcast.

2:31 - Host expresses curiosity about Campbell's work and the organization's approach.

3:12 - Campbell explains his shift from global advocacy to working directly with local communities and the concept of utilizing the diversity of species and cultures in the forest to create sustainable products.

4:30 - Discussion on the challenges of communicating the need to reach a larger audience and the process of adapting products to appeal to different markets.

6:15 - Campbell shares an example of adapting a belt design, leading to the creation of unique snake-patterned belts through collaboration with artisans.

8:21 - Transition to working at the wholesale level and online sales to support more artisans, discussing the shift to a business-like environment and the need to work together for collective success.

11:25 - Highlighting the importance of artisans sharing their skills and working together to tap into larger markets, overcoming competition mindset.

12:13 - Break for an advertisement for Chezuba, a platform connecting volunteers with nonprofit organizations globally.

13:33 - Resuming the conversation with Campbell Plowden.

14:08 - Discussion on managing human resources and cultural differences while respecting the artisans' values and aspirations for economic growth.

15:09 - Highlighting the shift in artisans' expectations and the need to approach craft-making as a means of substantial income, involving marketing skills and storytelling.

16:37 - Incorporating organization building workshops, teaching artisans basic computer skills and storytelling techniques to empower them in sharing their own stories.

17:20 - Addressing the environmental aspect, focusing on the use of the Chaa palm tree and promoting sustainable practices within the craft-making process.

Craig Floyd is the co-founder of Restore Education After Disasters (READ), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students regain a sense of normalcy and continue their education following natural disasters. Craig's inspiration to start READ came after his own school was affected by a devastating fire, leading him to realize the lack of support for students in such situations. With a passion for rebuilding schools and providing essential supplies, Craig and his team have already made a significant impact by distributing over 5,000 backpacks to students in need.

Podcast Highlights:

0:10 - Introduction to the impact of natural disasters on individuals' emotional and physical health.

0:40 - Welcoming Craig Floyd, co-founder of Restore Education After Disasters (READ).

1:13 - Craig's personal experience with a fire that ravaged his school and inspired him to start READ.

2:07 - The determination to reopen the school and the desire to give back to others in similar situations.

3:03 - Kenny Chesney's interview on radio sparks the idea of starting a foundation to help schools rebuild after natural disasters.

3:54 - The unique approach of READ in providing assistance to school children and helping schools rebuild.

4:27 - Impactful achievement: Providing over 5,000 backpacks to students in need across the United States and Ukrainian refugee students.

5:05 - Catering to different grade levels with two different backpack options.

6:07 - Possibility of expanding support to include tablets and digital learning tools in the future.

7:01 - Challenges in obtaining donations and partnerships with corporations.

8:01 - Engaging volunteers, including students, to assemble backpacks and deliver them to affected areas.

9:11 - Break to highlight Chezuba, a platform connecting volunteers with nonprofit organizations worldwide.

10:19 - The desire to collaborate with corporations for supplies and support.

11:09 - The importance of spreading the word and increasing visibility to reach more people in need.

12:16 - Progress made in reaching students in multiple states and the hope for continued growth.

12:37 - A call for angel donors or individuals with the means to support disaster relief and education.

13:19 - The overlooked aspect of education in the aftermath of a natural disaster and the need for dedicated support.

This podcast episode features an insightful conversation with Craig Floyd, shedding light on the critical role education plays in the recovery process after disasters and the importance of providing support to students and schools during these challenging times.

Welcome to the Chezuba Talks podcast, where we highlight agents of change and share inspiring stories that ignite the spirit. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of primate conservation with our special guest, Debra Curtin, the president and founder of the New England Primate Conservancy. Prepare to be captivated by the astonishing diversity of primate species and learn about the urgent need for their protection.

Highlights of the Conversation:

0:10 - Discover the astounding diversity of primate species and subspecies, totaling an estimated 522 species and 182 subspecies.

0:25 - Learn the shocking truth that 70% of primate species and subspecies are currently threatened by extinction.

0:41 - Awaken your curiosity as we explore the alarming rate at which the Earth is losing species.

1:14 - Meet Debra Curtin, a passionate advocate for animal protection and the driving force behind the New England Primate Conservancy.

2:30 - Uncover Debra's inspiring journey of taking action and starting a nonprofit organization to address the critical issues facing nonhuman primates.

4:01 - Understand the profound impact of human activities on the interdependence of species and their habitats.

6:01 - Join Debra as she shares the pivotal moment that sparked her commitment to educate the public and raise awareness about primate conservation.

8:08 - Discover how the New England Primate Conservancy's education programs evolved and transformed into a globally recognized resource for understanding nonhuman primates.

11:34 - Explore the importance of making scientific information accessible to everyone and how the Conservancy's website serves as a comprehensive hub for knowledge.

12:54 - Take a break and learn about Chezuba, a platform connecting individuals with nonprofits around the world to make a meaningful difference.

13:50 - Gain insights into the dedicated team of volunteers who contribute their expertise to translate scientific literature into language accessible to all.

15:23 - Delve into the passion and dedication behind the New England Primate Conservancy's mission to protect and conserve nonhuman primates and their habitats.

Join us on this enlightening journey as we unravel the wonders of primate conservation and explore the interconnectedness of all species. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to take action for a better future.

Remember, when we protect one species, we safeguard the entire ecosystem!

Taleana Williams-Hurst is an FAA-certified remote pilot, parent advocate, and a source of inspiration for youth and families affected by autism or special needs challenges. She is on a mission to challenge stereotypes and showcase the capabilities of individuals with autism.

In this engaging episode of Chezuba Talks, host Tej invites Taiana Hurst, an FAA-certified remote pilot and advocate for autism and special needs, to share her inspiring journey. Taleana reveals her mission to empower individuals with autism, showcasing their potential in the drone technology field. Listeners will learn about the challenges faced by autistic individuals when taking the FAA part 107 knowledge test, the wide range of applications for drones, and the career opportunities available. Taiana's work and dedication prove that individuals with autism can excel and make meaningful contributions in various industries.

Podcast Highlights:

0:10 - Introduction to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the importance of awareness and support.

Join host Tej as she delves into the transformative journey of trauma survivors and explores the concept of post-traumatic growth. In this thought-provoking podcast, Tej engages in insightful conversations with inspiring individuals who have not only overcome trauma but also found strength, purpose, and meaning in their lives. From experts in the field to everyday heroes, each guest shares their unique story and offers valuable insights into navigating the challenges of trauma. Whether you're seeking personal growth or wish to support others in their healing journey, this podcast is your guide to understanding the power of resilience and the path to a brighter future.

Episode Highlights:

0:10 - Introduction to trauma and its various impacts.

In this enlightening episode of "Awake and Aware," join host Tej as she delves into the world of circadian rhythm sleep disorders with expert guest Naomi Mittet. As an advocate for those affected by these disorders, Naomi sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with non-24 sleep-wake disorder and delayed sleep phase disorder. Together, they explore the impact of these disorders on physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while discussing the importance of recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. Discover the genetic components, lifestyle factors, and potential solutions to help you better understand and manage your sleep patterns. Join the conversation and take charge of your sleep health!

Highlights of the Conversation:

Join us on Footprints in Africa, a captivating podcast that shares incredible stories of nonprofits around the world and the narratives of people who have suffered and made it their mission to create positive change for the greater good. In each episode, we delve into the fight against superstition, the challenges faced by village elders, and the journey of rescuing children from tribal killings. Our host, Tammy Darmel, founder and president of Footprints in Africa, takes us on a compelling exploration of her vision and compassion for humanity, fueled by her love for the African continent. With over two decades of community service experience, Tammy is no stranger to the complexities of building and nurturing nonprofit organizations. In this podcast, we uncover the inspiring highlights of her conversations with guests, shedding light on their remarkable work, the impact they create, and the stories that drive them. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and uplifted as we showcase the footprints of change being made in Africa and beyond.

Highlights of the Conversation:

0:10 - Introduction: The fight against superstition and the challenges faced by village elders.

0:38 - Introduction of Tammy Darmel, founder and president of Footprints in Africa.

1:12 - Tammy's dedication to building the Footprints in Africa brand and her extensive community service experience.

2:13 - Recognition and awards received by Tammy for her work.

4:06 - Tammy's personal experience in Ethiopia and the inspiration behind Footprints in Africa.

6:00 - The story behind the name "Footprints in Africa" and the vision for the organization.

8:05 - The importance of long-term impact and sustainability in the projects undertaken by Footprints in Africa.

9:27 - The various projects and initiatives undertaken by the organization, including feeding over 5,000 children in Kenya and providing education and support in the Gambia and Ethiopia.

11:14 - The cultural mindset behind the belief that certain children are considered a curse and the work of Footprints in Africa in rescuing and supporting these children.

12:23 - Call to action for the community to join Footprints in Africa and sponsor a child, making a lasting impact on their lives.

Join host Tej as she delves into the world of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and their impact on creating a better future. In this episode, she welcomes Nuria, an erudite young lady with extensive knowledge in geography, GIS, and remote sensing. With a PhD in Library and Information Sciences, Nuria is an assistant professor at the Compliants University of Madrid and an affiliated researcher at the University of Yale. Her expertise lies in organizational sustainability and bibliometrics.

Together, Tej and Nuria explore the significance of SDGs and their role in addressing global economic, social, and environmental challenges. They discuss the OS DG (Open Science for Sustainable Development Goals) initiative, which aims to increase awareness and empower individuals to contribute to the SDGs. Noria explains how the OS DG tool classifies texts and PDFs into different SDGs, allowing researchers, students, and citizens to understand the alignment of their work with the goals.

They also delve into the citizen science initiative launched by OS DG, which aims to capture the diverse perspectives and understandings of SDGs across different communities. Noria highlights the challenges of representing marginalized communities and discusses ongoing efforts to ensure broad representation.

Throughout the conversation, Nuria emphasizes the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in their research. The machine learning approaches used in the OS DG tool help classify texts and improve its performance over time. They discuss how AI plays a crucial role in analyzing and understanding the different perspectives and concerns of citizens.

The ultimate goal of their research is to use the information collected to create awareness, inform policymakers, and bridge the gap between public understanding and policy implementation. Nuria explains how this bottom-up perspective can help identify gaps in public knowledge and guide awareness campaigns and policy decisions. By giving citizens a voice, the OS DG initiative aims to shape a sustainable future driven by collective action.

Highlights:

Join us in this captivating episode of our podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of elephants. Elephants are not just large, majestic creatures; they are intelligent, empathetic, and crucial ecological engineers. However, African elephants are facing a dire situation, with less than 500,000 remaining in the wild and a significant portion of their habitats falling outside protected areas, leading to increased human-animal conflicts. But there is hope.

Meet Dr. Kate Evans, the founder, CEO, and principal researcher of Elephants for Africa, a registered charity in England and Wales, and an NGO in Botswana. Dr. Evans, an award-winning behavioural ecologist and conservation biologist, conducted groundbreaking research on the behavioral ecology and movements of adolescent male African elephants in the Okavango Delta.

In this episode, Dr. Evans shares her personal journey of falling in love with elephants and how it shaped her life's mission. She also sheds light on the critical importance of understanding male elephants' behavior and their role as the main instigators of conflicts with local communities. Get ready to be inspired by Dr. Evans' passion for conservation and her dedication to ensuring the survival of these magnificent creatures.

Highlights from the conversation:

0:10 - Introduction to the social nature of elephants and their significance as ecological engineers.

Tune in to this insightful episode and discover the hidden world of elephants, their complex social lives, and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats.

Jim Grant is the Executive Director of the Global Birthing Home Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Leawood, Kansas. With a background in IT, Jim made a career change to pursue a socially redeeming job. He joined the foundation in 2008 and has since been dedicated to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in rural Haitian communities. Jim's passion for making a positive impact on society led him to the organization's mission of providing high-quality maternal and infant healthcare services in underserved areas.

Podcast Highlights:

0:10 - Greetings and introduction to Chezuba Talks, a podcast showcasing inspiring stories of hope, determination, and humanity in women's rights.

1:44 - Introduction of Jim Grant, Executive Director of the Global Birthing Home Foundation, sponsored by the nonprofit Global Birthing Home Foundation.

2:02 - Jim shares his journey from a disillusioned IT professional to finding fulfilment in nonprofit work.

3:12 - Jim's experience in the IT industry for 20 years and his realization of the lack of social impact in his career.

5:01 - Discussion about the mission of the Global Birthing Home Foundation and its focus on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in rural Haitian communities.

6:14 - The lack of access to professional maternal and infant healthcare services in rural areas of Haiti.

7:17 - The story behind the establishment of the birth center in Torbeck, Haiti, due to the dire need for proper healthcare facilities.

9:06 - The challenges of supporting home births in Haiti due to the lack of trained birth attendants and inadequate hygiene practices.

10:00 - The logistics of operating in a rural area with limited resources and the availability of an ambulance for emergency situations.

11:08 - The cultural tradition of home births and the efforts to encourage women to deliver at the center for better healthcare outcomes.

12:23 - The community health promotion group's role in educating and advising pregnant women about safe birthing practices.

13:00 - Comprehensive services provided by the Global Birthing Home Foundation, including prenatal and postnatal care.

13:32 - The all-Haitian staff, consisting of certified midwives and nurses, ensuring culturally appropriate care.

14:05 - The intentional approach of creating a warm and welcoming environment for patients to feel at home.