Searching for Goodness Podcast

Welcome to Searching for Goodness!
 
Season 3, Episode 21 - Finding ExpressionIn this episode, we welcome Erica Robin, an American artist and oil painter, for a fascinating conversation that goes beyond the traditional Q&A. Special thanks to Carly Veronica White for connecting us with Erica!Together, we explore a wide range of subjects, including art, science, nature, spirituality, artificial intelligence, birds, Antarctica, and world population. Erica shares her thoughts on these topics in a philosophical discussion that invites us to reflect on creativity, humanity, and our relationship with the world around us.What does it mean to find your own expression? How do different ways of thinking help us understand ourselves and the world we inhabit?Tune in to Season 3, Episode 21: “Finding Expression” — Express Yourself, and join us on this journey of curiosity, conversation, and discovery.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Share your thoughts, questions, and feedback about the episode and the topics we discuss. Your perspective is an important part of the conversation.If you enjoy Searching for Goodness, please follow the podcast, share this episode with friends, and leave a review or rating where available. Your support helps more listeners discover our conversations.EPISODE CREDITS- Guest: Erica Robin- Connector: Carly Veronica White- Creator, Host, Director & Assistant Editor: Bessy Adut- Co-Producer & Editor: Armin NasseriThank you, Erica, for joining us, and thank you to everyone listening and supporting Searching for Goodness.And, in the spirit of our playful pop-culture reference: There wouldn’t be America without Erica! Searching for Goodness | Season 3, Episode 21 | Finding ExpressionListen, reflect, and keep searching for goodness.#SearchingForGoodness #EricaRobin #FindingExpression #ArtAndPhilosophy #Creativity #StrangerThings wink wink ;) 

Season 3, Episode 20 - Finding Your Powers
 
We are so grateful to have had the incredible Deborah Pratt join us on Searching for Goodness.
 
Deborah is one of those extraordinary storytellers who has lived so many sides of the creative journey. She is an actress, singer, songwriter, writer, producer, director, and novelist, with a career that includes her groundbreaking work on the iconic Quantum Leap, where she served as co-creator, executive producer, and head writer. She has continued to break creative boundaries throughout her career, including directing Cora Unashamed.
 
But what makes conversations like ours so special is not simply a list of accomplishments. It is the person behind the work, the experiences, ideas, courage, imagination, and goodness that shape the stories we choose to tell.
 
Thank you, Deborah, for sharing your time, your wisdom, your creativity, and your beautiful perspective with us. We are honored that you are part of the Searching for Goodness community.
 
#SearchingForGoodness #DeborahPratt #BessyAdut #ArminNasseri #Filmmaker #Writer #Storyteller #QuantumLeap #WomenInFilm #CreativeCommunity #Goodness #Storytelling

SEARCHING FOR GOODNESS | Season 3, Episode 19 | Mariia NovaWhat if fear isn't something we have to defeat, but something we can learn to dance with?In Season 3, Episode 19 of Searching for Goodness, Bessy Adut and Armin Nasseri welcome Mariia Nova, an author, filmmaker and creator of the INFINIT science fiction universe.Recorded at Basshole Podcast Studio in West Hollywood, Mariia shares the fascinating story behind her creative journey, from growing up surrounded by forests and fields in a small Russian village to creating imaginary worlds that eventually became the foundation for her writing and filmmaking.Her journey has included working multiple jobs while continuing to develop her stories and pursuing her creative vision. Those experiences became part of the resilience and humanity reflected in her work.We talk about the unusual origin of one of her most memorable ideas, Fear as a character. Inspired by a friend's anxiety about joining a street dance community, Mariia imagined Fear dancing alongside her, transforming fear into something that could be explored rather than simply avoided.That idea eventually became part of the larger INFINIT universe, including INFINIT: The Last Bridge of Sam, INFINIT: The Love of Mother, and INFINIT: The Way of Heart.Our conversation explores imagination, storytelling, nature, psychology, spirituality, science, and human connection. Mariia also discusses the relationship between science and spirituality and how her creative worlds incorporate ideas inspired by biology, chemistry, physics, and the natural world.At the heart of the conversation is goodness.For Mariia, goodness isn't necessarily one enormous heroic gesture. It can be the quiet, steady work of caring, connecting, repairing and protecting. Her relationship with nature has also inspired real world action, including park cleanups, caring for injured animals, and supporting conservation efforts.We also talk about the values that run through her stories, including nature, family, freedom, truth, friendship, honesty and love.And stay until the end of the episode for a special cameo appearance by Bessy Adut.Hosted by Armin NasseriRecorded at Basshole Podcast Studio, West HollywoodSearching for Goodness asks people from different backgrounds and walks of life one simple question:What does goodness mean to you?Listen to Season 3, Episode 19 with Mariia Nova and join us as we continue searching for goodness, one story at a time. #SearchingForGoodness #MariiaNova #BessyAdut #ArminNasseri #Podcast #Goodness #Imagination #DancingWithFear #Storytelling #ScienceFiction #Nature #Creativity

We had the pleasure of welcoming the incredibly talented Matt Axton to a brand new episode of Searching for Goodness! 
Matt Axton is a singer-songwriter and guitarist carrying forward a remarkable musical legacy as the son of the late legendary American singer-songwriter Hoyt Axton.
In this inspiring conversation, Matt shares his thoughts on goodness, nature, unity, music, art and the importance of bringing people together. One of the powerful messages from our conversation is:
“We need to unify around the good. We need to care about people, animals, and the environment. Conflict is part of life, but coming together is the best way to fight. Make art.”
 Throughout the episode, we also share samples of Matt's live music and music videos, and there is a special moment when he sings a little bit of the classic “Joy to the World” during the podcast!
We also talk about:
 How music brings people together Caring for people, animals, and the environment The power of music and artistic expression Dancing and the joy music brings into our lives How music can be used as a form of protest Music and culture throughout history How constantly being on our phones may affect human connection Finding unity even in a world filled with conflict
Bessy Adut hosts this special conversation, and don't miss Armin Nasseri's cameo at the end!
 WATCH UNTIL THE VERY END for a special animated music video!
We hope this episode inspires you to think about how we can all come together around the good, create more art, care more deeply for one another, and use music as a force for connection and positive change.
 After watching, please leave us a comment and let us know what YOU think!
 LIKE COMMENT SHARE SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel if you haven't already!
And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow Searching for Goodness on Instagram and Facebook for more episodes, stories, and inspiring conversations.
Thank you for being part of our journey as we continue Searching for Goodness around the world. 
#SearchingForGoodness #MattAxton #Music #Goodness #Unity #Nature #MusicForChange #SingerSongwriter #JoyToTheWorld #MakeArt

##  AUDIO PODCAST DESCRIPTION### Searching for Goodness: Marlene Sharp & Judi Uttal Please subscribe, share this episode, and drop us a comment! Your support helps Searching for Goodness continue sharing meaningful stories about people, connection, community, and goodness.In this episode of Searching for Goodness, Bessy Adut sits down with Marlene Sharp and Judi Uttal at the Television Academy for a thoughtful conversation about autism, recognizing signs of autism, volunteer work, friendship, community, affinity groups and inclusion.Marlene and Judi talk about their volunteer work with the Motion Picture & Television Fund, their experiences with the Television Academy and affinity groups, their thoughts about each other, and their exploration of The Magic Tree House books.The episode was filmed with Ray-Ban Meta, including a small walk and talk at the beginning and end surrounding the sit down interview.Hosted & Filmed by: Bessy AdutEdited by: Armin NasseriProduced by: Bessy Adut & Armin NasseriMusic by: Blu Nyle Watch and listen to Searching for Goodness on YouTube and wherever you get your audio podcasts. Subscribe, share, and keep searching for goodness with us!#SearchingForGoodness #AutismInEntertainment #AutismAwareness #AffinityGroups #FindingGoodness

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 AdutEdited and Co Directed by Armin Nasseri

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.Co-produced and edited by Armin Nasseri.
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: Subscribe Share with a friend Drop us a comment and let us know your favorite part Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode
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