Welcome to our 100th episode of the Sounds of SAND podcast, marking two years since we launched on September 8, 2022.

As SAND grows and evolves with the changing times, we aim to integrate—not abandon—our foundational themes of spiritual awakening, embodiment, consciousness, and scientific wonder, while also confronting pressing global challenges such as environmental collapse, indigenous resilience, war, and societal upheaval.

In the past year, SAND released our latest film, Where Olive Trees Weep, which offers a powerful look into the lives and struggles of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. This film explores themes of loss, trauma, resilience, and the quest for justice. Alongside the film, we hosted Conversations on Palestine, a 23-part series of discussions diving deeper into the experiences and stories shared in the film.

Throughout the year, the podcast shifted focus to complex conversations around intergenerational trauma, colonialism, and spiritual activism, with episodes hosted by SAND co-founders Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo, and co-host and producer, Michael Reiley.

Today, we revisit some of the most powerful moments from the past year, with a special focus on the voices that have shaped our "Where Olive Trees Weep" film and series.

Thank you for being part of our journey over these two incredible years. Let’s continue to engage with the profound conversations that shape our collective understanding and growth.

Topics:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction


• 00:03:01 – #86 SAND’s New Film on Spirituality in the Face of Injustice: Zaya & Maurizio Benazzo


• 00:09:31 – #92 Gaza & the Bodhisattva Path: Dr. Gabor Maté & Tara Brach


• 00:18:55 – #60 Spiritual Warriors: Lama Rod Owens


• 00:24:00 – #91 Decolonizing Healthcare: Dr. Rupa Marya


• 00:31:14 – #84 Grieving in Community: Mirabai Starr & Mona Haydar


• 00:43:10 – #94 One Human Family: Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Rev. Deborah Lee, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, Pir Zia Inayat Khan


• 01:00:46 – #75 Love-With-Justice: Omid Safi


• 01:17:42 – #89 Arab Jewish Mysticism: Hadar Cohen


• 01:27:48 – #58 On Extinction & Enchantment: Alixa Garcia


• 01:36:12 – #93 Feminine Resistance in Palestine: Ashira Darwish & V

Links:

• Watch Where Olive Trees Weep


• Purchase the and the full 23-video series Conversations on Palestine


• Learn more about the SAND Community Gatherings

Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.