Living One is a free webinar series where presenters from around the world share their vision of a future in which all of Earth’s beings live as one community in peace, dignity and freedom.
We ask the question:
We know what's wrong, but what does right look like?
2023 Series
Animal Trauma Responsive Care and Alternative Medicine
February – March 2023
On February 24, 2023 Living One began a weekly series hosting six speakers on Animal Trauma-Responsive Care and Alternative Medicine. The growing appreciation of Animal sentience and agency compels a deep reevaluation of how Animal healthcare is envisioned and approached. We listen into the perspectives of these individuals who have dedicated their lives to Animal psychological and physical healing as they share their experiences and the transformative nature of this work.
Earth Restoration and the Evolution of Human Consciousness
April – June 2023
There are widespread calls to restore Nature who has suffered so egregiously over the past five hundred years from colonizing human appropriation, destruction, and overpopulation. In light of recognition by many Indigenous humans and western science of Animal and Earth sentience, Nature’s restoration takes on a broader and deeper meaning. Here, scientists and other workers discuss the nature of Nature restoration.
Veganism at the Crossroads of Human Identity and Cultural Change
June – July 2023
Veganism, the shift from Animal to Plant-based consumption, asks for a deep reappraisal of human identity and culture. For example, while arguing that it ends Animal exploitation and ecological breakdown, vegan enterprises are being run by the same political and economic mechanisms – colonialism, capitalism, techno-industrialization – which have led to the current global crisis. Veganism also brings into question the viability of many cultural traditions which developed under radically different ecologies. This series of speakers reflect on the issues and questions at this critical cusp in the evolution of human consciousness, as our species moves to what we refer to as Nature Consciousness.
Contemplative Activism and Nonviolent Action
October – November 2023
As human history illustrates, nearly all radical and long-lasting social justice movements, such as the Indian Salt March and American Civil Rights have been rooted in practices of contemplative activism. They demonstrate the vital role that nonviolence plays in making profound change. This series of speakers will reflect on contemplative activism in their own transformative work and civil resistance.
Animal Trauma-Responsive Care and Alternative Medicine
Born and raised in Chicago, Ray went west to California after graduating from high school. He got his first formal job working with Animals when he was hired by Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) founder, Pat Derby, and where he was caregiver with rescued Wolves, Bears, Leopards and Tigers. It was here, that Ray met an Elephant for the first time. Eventually, he moved to San Diego to obtain a BS degree in Counseling Psychology at San Diego State University (SDSU). During his tenure at SDSU, he was employed as a caregiver for both male and female Barbary Apes used in a study of Primate perceptual and analytical skills. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Ray applied for a local job caring for Gorillas and Orangutans at the Wild Animal Park. He was instead offered a position caring for a group of African Elephants and, later, Asian Elephants. This experience was to change his life forever. Profoundly affected by the violence and abuse that Elephants and other Animals suffer in the captive trade, Ray quit the Zoo and wrote his celebrated book: Keepers of The Ark: An Elephants’ View of Captivity (its second edition soon to be released). Ray’s unique experiences and expertise continue to be called upon for legal cases, lectures, interviews, and documentaries in aid of captive-held Elephants.
Zohara is an award-winning radio broadcaster, author, social justice, environmental and animal activist. She is a pioneer in holistic health care as founder of the Ruscombe Mansion Community Health Center in Baltimore, MD in 1985. Zoh has been called a visionary and futurist and is as well, a trans-species telepath who communicates with animals both wild and domestic. Zohara is well known for her participation in consciousness studies, the spiritual science of self-mastery as described in kabbalah, and is a broadcasting personality hosting numerous radio shows over the past 30 years continuing with her husband Dr. Bob, to host 21st Century Radio since its founding in 1986. Zoh is author of Kabbalistic Teachings of the Female Prophets, The Seven Holy Women of Ancient Israel, Inner Traditions International, June 2008. Sanctuary of the Divine Presence, Hebraic Rituals of Initiation and Illumination, Inner Traditions, 2012. The Future of Human Experience, Destiny Books 2013. White Spirit Animals, Prophets of Change, Bear & Co. 2017.
Susan is the executive Director of the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) located in Malibu, California, USA. In 1990, with her husband, Marshall Thompson, Susan founded ATR to provide protection of all Turtles and Tortoises. ATR has a sanctuary and Turtle hospital where rescued, abandoned, those confiscated from law enforcement and/or injured Turtles and Tortoises can be safe. ATR has rescued or rehomed more than 4,000 animals to forever homes. A long-time Cat rescuer, Susan started rescuing and caring for Turtles because of the tremendous help needed worldwide. In 2000, Susan founded World Turtle Day® to shellebrate™ the international love of Turtles which now reaches more than 1 million people annually around the world. Susan is an expert in public relations after a 40-year career, a registered nurse (retired), LAPD Reserve Officer Specialist (retired), a voting member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and a former member of Malibu’s Community Emergency Response Team. In addition, Susan has four adult children and two rescue cats.
Kathleen Prasad is founder of Animal Reiki Source and president and co-founder of the non-profit Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA) which supports rescued animals and their caregivers with the Let Animals Lead® method of Animal Reiki in shelters and sanctuaries around the world. A Reiki practitioner and teacher for 25 years, Kathleen has pioneered the field of Reiki for Animals, creating the first and only code of ethics for the profession as well as the Let Animals Lead® method of Animal Reiki. The Let Animals Lead® approach is the only method of Animal Reiki that emphasizes meditation and Animal agency as ethical imperatives and the keys to successful healing sessions. Kathleen is also the author of several books on Reiki including The Let Animals Lead® Meditation Journal, Reiki for Dogs and Heart to Heart with Horses: An Equine Lover’s Guide to Reiki. Kathleen enjoys life with her husband, daughter, dog and horse in northern California.
Caroline is a leading expert in the field of Animal self-medication and founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy and the Ingraham Method of Individualized Medicine (IMIM). She is an author, lecturer and teacher, with 38 plus years of experience in self-medication and aromatic medicine. Her work plays an important role in Animal welfare and encompasses an understanding of ethology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacology in combination with Animal self-medication. Caroline works with domestic Animals, as well as a wide range of other species including Kangaroos, Polar Bears, Brown Bears, Elephants, Tigers, Rhinoceroses, and nonhuman Primates. Her work has featured in many journals and magazines and is the author of numerous books on animal self-medication. Caroline has appeared on the BBC, ITV, BBC Radio 4, National Geographic TV and at the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts as well as being in demand globally as a consultant and teacher, speaking regularly at international symposiums. She lectures to veterinarians, Animal nurses, Animal professionals, and university students around the world, as well as with individuals with companion Animals so that they are able to forge new lines of communication using self-medicative techniques, with the Animals in their care.
Elke Riesterer was born in southern Germany, and immigrated to the US in 1983. She is a Certified Massage Therapist and registered Jin Shin Do Practitioner with the broad experience of having worked with humans and Animals for over 30 years. She has volunteered as an all-species Body Therapist at the Oakland, California, USA, Zoo since 1997 and uses a combination of body-centered therapies including her most favored modality the Tellington Touch (TTouch™). In general, her work centers around the complex well-being issues of Elephants worldwide with an emphasis on helping heal symptoms of PTSD. Besides Elephants, Elke woks with Aldabra Tortoises, Monitor Lizards, Snakes and Giraffes, and Sea Life including Dolphins and Sea Lions. Elke has lectured and traveled extensively and in particular, visited Africa multiple times to provide healing touch for residents at the Elephant and Rhino Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, Lilayi Elephant Nursery in Lusaka, Zambia, and Asian Elephants in Thailand and India. In addition to many exotic species, Elke also enjoys working with Horses, Dogs and other home animals. Her work has appeared in numerous articles and radio and television programs. Elke is also the co-founder of World Elephant Alliance.
Earth Restoration and the Evolution of Human Consciousness
St. Francis is known for his spirituality related to creation and viewing all Animals and Nature as kin and siblings on this Earth as well as providing a practical model for bringing this approach into our everyday lives. The Reverend D. Rebecca Dinovo is Rector of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, San Diego, California. She is an Episcopal priest and co-founder of Episcopal Network for Animal Welfare (ENAW). Rebecca will touch on learnings from St. Francis and how his example led to the founding of ENAW as well as multiple resolutions and liturgies related to Animal welfare in the Episcopal Church, ultimately reminding us of the way this approach can be transformative in our daily lives as we seek peace with our Earth and our Animal kin.
Mike was born and raised in the Rocky Mountains in the 1940’s and 50’s, when children could run freely and connect with Nature. He has since worked to provide public service, protect wildlife, conserve land, safeguard the environment and administer veterinary care for both wild and domestic animals for over 50 years. In addition to co-founding Project Wildlife to treat, rehabilitate, and release injured wildlife to their native habitats, Mike is also a founding member of the Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association, dedicated to education in acquisition, preservation, and restoration of wetlands in Southern California. In addition to his vast ecological experience, Mike has also given discussions on the importance of incorporating meditation and mindfulness in daily life and how this encourages and motivates people to connect with other people, other species, the land, the planet, and beyond.
A humanistic scientist, Leslie E. Sponsel earned a B.A. in Geology from Indiana University and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from Cornell University. He is a Professor Emeritus in Anthropology at the University of Hawaii. His teaching and research explore the interfaces among ecology, religion, and peace.
In the 1970s, Sponsel conducted field trips to the Venezuelan Amazon to live and study with several different Indigenous cultures, but mainly the Yanomami. Since the mid-1980s during most summers he pursues research in Thailand on Buddhist ecology and environmentalism, in recent years focusing on sacred caves.
Sponsel’s numerous publications include these books: Spiritual Ecology: A Quiet Revolution; Religious Environmental Activism in Asia: Case Studies in Spiritual Ecology; Indigenous Peoples and the Future of Amazonia: An Ecological Anthropology of an Endangered World; Yanomami in the Amazon: Toward a more Ethical Anthropology beyond Othering; Ethical Anthropology: Responsibilities, Reflections, Resources; Anthropology of Peace and Nonviolence; and Nonkilling Anthropology: A New Approach to Studying Human Nature, War, and Peace. Currently he is researching and drafting the book Natural Wisdom: Awakening Buddhist Ecology and Environmentalism.
Sponsel is a guest living in the original territory of the sovereign Native Hawaiian Kingdom of the Kanaka Maoli.
With a background in physics, epistemology and visual art (PhD, MFA) Alice Benessia is the founder and director of the Pianpicollo Selvatico Foundation, a rural research center, working at the boundary between art, deep ecology and interspecies coexistence. She shares her home and research with the land of Pianpicollo, inhabited by a vast community of living and non-living beings. In her work, she uses photography, writing, and dialogue as ways to nurture and share presence as a state of being. Since 2017, she has curated the annual program Pianpicollo Research Residency, where artists and other researchers work together at the root of their research, collaborating with the human and nonhuman community of Pianpicollo. Since 2020, she has coordinated the partnership of Pianpicollo with the Italian National Research Council, within the project BRIDGES, a collective reflection on the ethics of research through shared practices of encounter with soil.
Pea Horsley is the UK’s most highly regarded animal communication specialist. Sowing the seeds of profound transformation, her goal is to deepen our personal and spiritual understanding of the natural world, re-wilding our connection along the way by offering grounded, practical, and compassionate teachings to everyone from complete beginners and those with more developed intuitive skills.
She is the Founder of Animal Thoughts and co-creator of The Pride – Animal Wisdom Membership (along with the Animal Kingdom) – a community for people to engage in deep, profound, and healing heart-to-heart communications with species who ‘step’ forward to be heard in timely fashion with the elevation of consciousness on Mother Earth.
Pea supports people on their animal communication journey with online course, Animal Communication Made Easy, three best-selling books, Heart to Heart, The Animal Communicator’s Guide Through Life, Loss and Love, and Animal Communication Made Easy, a TEDx talk on interspecies connection, mentoring, and in-person or online events and workshops, including collaborations with HeartMath trainer – Sheva Carr, South African Animal Communicator – Wynter Worsthorne, Founder of the Global White Lion Protection Trust – Linda Tucker, and Co-Chair of the African Pangolin Working Group – Alexis Kriel, and Wildlife Photographer – Gareth Thomas, APWG.
Pea created the Conversations with Nature World Summit, in an answer to the Animals request – an annual/biannual online event bringing together 24 inspiring speakers sharing interspecies communication, ecological wisdom, cosmic consciousness, and sacred activism. Now in its third year, this is a free, online event for animal lovers and nature appreciators and those seeking to revitalize their relationship with the natural world.
Pea’s ethical Wild Animal Communication Retreats held around the globe, are heart adventures into the deepest aspects of animal wisdom, love, and transformation. Pea was nominated for the Woman of Peace Award 2022.
Freya Mathews is an ecophilosopher, author and Emeritus Professor of Environmental Philosophy at Latrobe University, Australia. She has published over one hundred books, articles and essays on ecological philosophy, including The Ecological Self (1991; 2021). Her latest book is The Dao of Civilization: a Letter to China (Anthem, 2023). In addition to writing, she co-manages a 350-acre private conservation estate in northern Victoria. She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities.
Dr. Mary Graham is a professor at the University of Queensland, Australia. Mary is a Kombumerri person (Gold Coast) through her father’s heritage and affiliated with Wakka Wakka (South Burnett) through her mother’s people.
Mary has worked across several government agencies, community organizations and universities including: Department of Community Services, Aboriginal and Islander Childcare Agency, the University of Queensland and the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action. Mary has also worked extensively for the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action, as a Native Title Researcher and was also a Regional Counsellor for the former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. Mary has been a lecturer with The University of Queensland, teaching Aboriginal history, politics and comparative philosophy. She has also lectured nationally on these subjects, and developed and implemented into university curricula Aboriginal Perspectives: Aboriginal Approaches to Knowledge, and at the post-graduation level, Aboriginal Politics.
Veganism at the Crossroads of Human Identity and Cultural Change
Christopher Jain Miller, the co-founder and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Arihanta Institute, completed his PhD in the study of Religion at the University of California, Davis. His current research focuses on Engaged Jainism and the ways by which Jain principles are lived in daily life, as well as transnational yoga’s entanglements with other cultures around the world. Christopher is the author of a number of articles and book chapters concerned with Jain dharma, Jain veganism, and the history and practice of modern yoga. He is a co-editor of the volume Beacons of Dharma: Spiritual Exemplars for the Modern Age (Lexington 2020) and author of Embodying Transnational Yoga: Eating, Singing, and Breathing in Transformation (Routledge 2023).
lauren Ornelas is a long time animal rights activist since 1987 and is the founder and Senior Programs Director of Food Empowerment Project (F.E.P.), a vegan food justice nonprofit that promotes veganism, champions for the rights of farm workers, highlights the lack of access to healthy foods in Black and Brown communities, and raise awareness about the worst forms of slavery, including child labor, in the chocolate industry.
Karen Davis is the founder and president of United Poultry Concerns including the Alliance to End Chickens as Kaporos dedicated to the compassionate and respectful treatment of domesticated birds founded in 1990. She will discuss the suffering and abuses of chickens in farming operations, sacrificial “atonement” rituals, and farm supply businesses like Tractor Supply Company, and explain how we can restore birds lucky enough to be rescued to a sense of their true selves instead of the “lesser beings” to which abusers seek to reduce them. This project extrapolates to a larger vision and undertaking of Rescue. Karen is the author of numerous publications including the books: Prisoned Chickens, Poisoned Eggs: An Inside Look at the Modern Poultry Industry; More Than a Meal: The Turkey in History, Myth, Ritual, and Reality; and The Holocaust and the Henmaid’s Tale: A Case for Comparing Atrocities.
Tom Harris is an internationally acclaimed artist, published author, and social justice activist. He is an expert and consultant on Animal liberation history and strategy, and the global anti-vivisection movement. Tom became involved in the Animal liberation movement at the age of fifteen when he attended his first hunt sab. He has devoted his life to helping Animals and co-founded one of the UK`s most successful regional Animal rights organizations, SARC (The Southern Animal Rights Coalition). Tom was heavily involved in the SHAC (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty) campaign which aimed to close Europe`s largest Animal testing laboratory. He carried out hundreds of protests against the laboratory, including office occupations, lock-ons, run-ins and rooftop banner drops.
Due to the unprecedented success of the lawful SHAC campaign, over thirty SHAC activists were arrested including Tom. Despite not being connected to any specific crime, Tom was sentenced to five years in prison. He is heavily involved in the SHAC Justice campaign to help protect other activists from repression and secure appeals for the SHAC defendants. Since his release from prison, Tom has continued championing the Animal liberation cause. He is working to end Animal research in the UK. As a consultant, advisor, researcher, and designer, he has worked with many organisations, including Animal Rebellion, Vivisection Information Network, Animal Aid, Free the MBR Beagles, and SHAC. He has given talks at events including the International Animal Rights Conference (IARC) in Luxembourg and the Animal Save Diversity Film Festival. His experience in the SHAC campaign is chronicled in his forthcoming book (2024). https://tomharris.me/
Contemplative Activism and Nonviolent Action
Kim Stallwood is an author and independent scholar with more than 45 years of personal commitment as a vegan and professional experience in leadership positions with some of the world’s leading animal rights organizations. He is a leader in preserving the history of the animal rights movement. The British Library in London acquired the Kim Stallwood Archive in 2020. Tier im Recht, the Zurich-based animal law organization, established the Kim Stallwood Collection in 2022. He is a member of the Culture & Animals Foundation board of directors and served as the volunteer executive director of Minding Animals International from 2012 to 2017. His book, Growl, was published by Lantern in 2014. He is a contributor to various academic anthologies. Currently, he is writing the biography of Topsy, the female Asian elephant electrocuted to death on Coney Island, New York, in 1903. He holds dual UK and US citizenship and lives in England.
Matthew Legge is passionate about making communication honest, simple, and accessible. Matthew’s fascination with how diverse cultures organize themselves to address different challenges led him to get a degree in Anthropology from the University of Toronto. He’s worked in the nonprofit sector since 2006, with a focus on building health, dignity, and human rights. He’s supported locally-led peace initiatives in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Since 2012, Matthew has worked for Canadian Friends Service Committee (CFSC), the peace and social justice agency of Quakers in Canada. Quakers are widely respected for their efforts to prevent war and transform conflicts, as well as their impartial support for war victims.
In his work for CFSC Matthew wrote the award-winning book Are We Done Fighting? Building Understanding in a World of Hate and Division. He facilitates free workshops using content from the book and writes a popular blog of the same name for Psychology Today.
Rhonda Fabian is Editor of Kosmos Quarterly. She is an ordained member in the Order of Interbeing, an international Buddhist community founded by her teacher, Thích Nhất Hạnh. Rhonda is also a founding partner of Immediacy Learning, an educational media company that has impacted millions of learners worldwide.
Beginning her career as a video-journalist for CNN and Public Broadcasting, Rhonda achieved Press Club recognition for chronicling the desegregation of Louisiana and spent years immersed in the musical traditions of New Orleans. She studied Anthropology, and completed her masters studies at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania.
Ms. Fabian lives and is active in Transition Town Media, Pennsylvania. She is a mother, court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children, and an NGO Representative to the United Nations for Kosmos Associates.
