Sounds of SAND

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. Topics00:00 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 AffoThrough 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 SupportTogether, 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

In this live recording from The Eternal Song Seven Day Premier broadcast, hosts Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo engage in a deep discussion with guests Francis Weller, a psychotherapist and soul activist, and Orland Bishop, a spiritual teacher and founder of ShadeTree Foundation. Exploring themes such as indigenous wisdom, the impact of colonialism, communal grieving, and the necessity of reconnecting with ancestral roots. The dialogue also covers the significance of embracing grief as a communal and necessary process for healing and transformation, and reflects on what it means to enter a 'long dark' period — a time of significant societal and personal upheaval. We Explored grief as a sacred threshold, not a pathology, remembering the soul’s place in a world of fragmentation and reclaiming reverence, slowness, and deep belonging in troubled times. The Eternal Song film series and All-Access Pass Francis Weller ShadeTree Multicultural Foundation (Orland Bishop) Topics 00:00 Introduction to The Eternal Song and Today's Guests 02:05 Opening Invocation and Reflections on Grief 04:36 Historical Context and the Impact of Colonialism 07:37 The Role of Rituals and Ancestral Wisdom 14:38 Communal Grief and Healing Practices 26:06 Entering the Long Dark: A Time of Transformation 39:41 Connecting with Ancestors and Concluding Thoughts Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Lama Rod Owens is a Black Buddhist Southern Queen. An international influencer with a Master of Divinity degree in Buddhist Studies from Harvard Divinity School with a focus on the intersection of social change, identity, and spiritual practice. Author of The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors and Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation through Anger and co-author of Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love and Liberation, his teachings center on freedom, self-expression, and radical self-care. Highly sought after for talks, retreats, and workshops, his mission is showing you how to heal and free yourself. Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 2:34 – Global Wars 6:29 – Self-Care at the End of the World 8:57 – Fierce Compassion 14:45 – Ma Tara 20:59 – New Saints 28:03 – Evangelism and Bodhisattva 41:05 – Do We Need Modern-Day Saints? 45:05 – Inclusivity 48:49 – Secular Buddhism and Liberation 55:29 – Prayer