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Searching for Goodness, Season 3, Episode 16

Finding Hope Through Stop Motion 

Award-winning animator and director Cami Kwan joins us to discuss her acclaimed stop motion animated film Paper Daughter, a deeply personal story about family, immigration, and the American Dream through the perspective of a Chinese American.

In this conversation, Cami reflects on goodness, environmental issues, independent filmmaking, her work with Apartment D Films, and the discrimination she experienced and witnessed during the COVID 19 pandemic as an Asian American.

Hosted, directed, filmed, and assistant edited by Bessy Adut.

Edited by Armin Nasseri.

Produced by Polar Underworld Productions and Queen Bees Agents Film & TV.

If you enjoy this episode, please follow Searching for Goodness, leave a rating and review, and share it with your friends. You can also watch the full video interview on our YouTube channel.

Searching for Goodness is a nonprofit project dedicated to sharing inspiring stories that make the world a better place. If you'd like to support our mission of growing this podcast into a documentary feature film, donations through our PayPal link are 100% tax deductible. Every share, review, and donation helps us continue telling meaningful stories.

#SearchingForGoodness #StopMotionAnimation #PaperDaughter #AsianAmericanStories #IndependentFilm

Searching for Goodness – Season 3, Episode 15: "Embrace Your Weird" | Rayko (Reiko Takahashi)

In "Embrace Your Weird," host Bessy Adut welcomes Japanese singer, songwriter, composer, and musician Rayko (Reiko Takahashi) for a heartfelt conversation about music, compassion, authenticity, and the experiences that have shaped her life and career.

Rayko shares stories from her childhood and family, reflects on her musical journey and the bands she has performed with, and speaks about her dedication to animal rights. She also discusses the remarkable healing power of music, including touching experiences with Alzheimer's patients and how music can bring back memories, joy, and connection.

Bessy and Rayko first met at a vegan New Year's Eve event, making this conversation a natural continuation of their shared passion for kindness and positive change.

Rayko also has an upcoming live performance on August 1st.

Hosted, Moderated, and Directed by Bessy Adut

Director, muralist and multi-media artist Carly Veronica White joins me for an inspiring conversation on Searching for Goodness.

As fellow CalArts alumni, we explore creativity, storytelling, Carly's experiences in India, artificial intelligence, environmental issues and our personal definitions of goodness. We also discuss how art has the power to connect humanity, inspire empathy and create meaningful change.

Carly shares the stories behind her murals and multidisciplinary artwork, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped her creative journey. It became one of our favorite conversations on the podcast, filled with curiosity, hope and a shared belief in the transformative power of art.

Our collaboration extends beyond this episode. Together, we applied for the Sofia Coppola Grant with my feature film project, Alternate Reality, and we hope to continue creating, collaborating and supporting one another's artistic journeys for years to come.

Hosted, directed, and created by Bessy Adut.

Thank you for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please follow the podcast, share it with others, and leave a review. Your support helps Searching for Goodness continue highlighting inspiring people whose work makes the world a little brighter.

#SearchingForGoodness #CarlyVeronicaWhite #BessyAdut #ArminNasseri #Podcast #YouTube #CalArts #Art #Creativity #Storytelling #MuralArtist #ContemporaryArt #ArtificialIntelligence #EnvironmentalAwareness #HumanConnection #Goodness #CreativeJourney #Artists #IndependentPodcast #InspiringConversations

 NEW EPISODE OF SEARCHING FOR GOODNESS 

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with filmmaker and screenwriter Avishai Weinberger, whom I met through the CineStory Writers Retreat. Although Avishai is based in New York and this was a remote interview, our conversation felt incredibly natural, warm, and engaging.

In just about half an hour, we explored a wide range of topics, including human nature, the famous United Colors of Benetton campaigns, the idea that "Good isn't a thing you are, good is a thing you do," Deborah Pratt and her inspiring book, queen bees and birds, bigotry and how ignorance often fuels it, and the importance of patience, faith, hope, and love.

We also talked about Avishai's screenplays and short films, Steven Spielberg, artificial intelligence, and the environment. This episode is filled with thoughtful conversations, beautiful visuals, and samples of Avishai's work and social media.

A special thank you to Avishai for his wonderful promo introduction and for sharing his time and insights with us.

 Prefer listening on the go? You can enjoy this episode on our audio podcasts available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and many other podcast platforms. Whether you're driving, walking, exercising, or relaxing at home, take Searching for Goodness with you wherever you are!

 Watch the full episode on our Searching for Goodness YouTube channel or listen on your favorite podcast app.

If you enjoy the episode, please:

Thank you for supporting independent filmmakers, storytellers, and conversations that celebrate goodness in our world.

#SearchingForGoodness #AvishaiWeinberger #Filmmaking #Screenwriting #AudioPodcast

Finding the Courage to Represent | Searching for Goodness – Season 3, Episode 12

In this episode of Searching for Goodness, Armin Nasseri interviews Ace Parsi, Director of Coalition Engagement at iCivics and the Democratic nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia.

Their conversation explores the meaning of goodness, Persian identity and stereotypes, the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the impact of artificial intelligence and the urgent need to address climate change. Ace also opens up about the personal journey that inspired his run for Congress and shares an important message for the people of Iran and the Iranian diaspora.

Recorded during Women's History Month, this episode also celebrates the achievements of women and reflects on the continuing pursuit of equality and representation.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on leadership, courage, public service, and building a better future.

Subscribe to Searching for Goodness and follow us for more inspiring conversations with advocates, leaders and innovators dedicated to creating meaningful change and making a positive impact around the world.

#SearchingForGoodness #AceParsi #ArminNasseri #CongressionalCandidate #WestVirginia #iCivics #PublicService #Leadership #CivicEngagement #Iran #IranianDiaspora #PersianAmerican #ArtificialIntelligence #ClimateAction #ClimateChange #WomenHistoryMonth #Representation #Democracy #PoliticsPodcast #Goodness

🎙 Searching for Goodness – Season 3, Episode 11

In this episode, Bessy Adut speaks with Diane Perlov, Senior Vice President for Special Projects

Diane shares her fascinating journey as an anthropologist, discusses her experiences in Africa,

We also discuss the California Science Center's acclaimed Mummies exhibit, which remains

This was an inspiring and enjoyable conversation filled with stories, wisdom, adventure, and

Special thanks to Sophie Jefferies for helping coordinate this interview and supporting us

Thank you to:

And thank you to our listeners around the world for joining us on this journey to discover the

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and don't forget to follow, rate, and share the show.

#SearchingForGoodness #Podcast #DianePerlov #CaliforniaScienceCenter #Anthropology

In this episode of Searching for Goodness, host Bessy Adut speaks with Jane Velez-Mitchell, founder of UnchainedTV and Vegan TV Network.

Together they discuss documentaries, AI, compassion, veganism, and how storytelling can help teach kindness and empathy. Jane shares why she believes animals are our friends and should not be considered food, while also exploring how humans, animals, and technology can peacefully coexist.

Jane’s dogs Sunday and Tuesday also make adorable cameo appearances throughout the conversation. 

Hosted & Co-Produced by Bessy Adut

Filmed & Edited by Armin Nasseri

This episode of Searching for Goodness is free to watch and listen to for everyone.

#SearchingForGoodness #Podcast #JaneVelezMitchell #Vegan #AI #AnimalRights

As we close out our Earth Month special, Searching for Goodness brings you a powerful and eye opening conversation with Cameron Harsh, Interim Executive Director of World Animal Protection.

Together, we dive into important discussions around animal welfare, from pet stores and plant based lifestyles to the ethics of horse drawn carriages, captive elephants, and dolphins in marine parks. We also explore the mission and history of World Animal Protection and what meaningful change looks like on a global scale.

This episode is an invitation to listen, reflect, and reconsider the impact of our everyday choices.

Hosted & Directed by Bessy Adut

If this episode resonates with you, we invite you to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share your thoughts. Your engagement helps these conversations reach further.

Searching for Goodness — where stories inspire awareness, connection, and hope.

#SearchingForGoodness #EarthMonth #AnimalWelfare #GoodnessWillWin

Can one hour really make a difference for our planet? 

In this Earth Month special, we explore the answer with the World Wildlife Fund and their Give an Hour for Earth campaign.

Featuring an inspiring conversation with Hannah Feltz, Senior Specialist, Brand Engagement & Education, and with special thanks to Maggie D’Amaro for coordinating this episode.

Take a moment today to reflect on how you can give back to the planet 

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon, and more.

Follow Searching for Goodness and share the episode with someone who cares about making a difference.

#EarthMonth #WWF #GiveAnHourForEarth #SearchingForGoodness