Podcasts about pygmy

The journey of the Shaman (and yes, I am using this word in the modern sense of native people's wisdom keepers), sometimes involves the use of a sacred plant.In the past few months, the Iboga plant made an appearance in our community. So much so that Larry has researched the plant with the possibility of joining a ceremony. Finding a place has been quite an adventure spanning the globe from Africa to Portugal to Canada and Mexico. The plant itself remarked to larry and I that it's journey out of Africa, specifically from the medicine bags of the Pygmy, was intended to assist people through the time we are in now, specifically shifting consciousness from light dark to light, and that the secrecy it was kept in carried it forward to now in full power undiluted. Many current voices we listen to have had direct experiences of a pretty remarkable transformation, a real choice point that makes a big shift in their lives from one littered with negative low frequency limitations such as addictions and traumas held as PTSD to a life free of the burden of packing these around. A week or so, in some cases a month, of prep ceremony and after integration, and many report a return to the state of mind they existed in before the traumas or addictions took over their lives. The one they were born as. One shaman expressed there are three paths he was aware of those who use iboga follow, some for addiction release, some for coming of age, and some enter with a meditative mindset. It appears the plant root is becoming very interesting to light shamans, brides and grooms of gaia, and those whose choice of mission is now to become, be, pure light.I was of the opinion, fifteen years ago, that no sacred plant drug was going to enter my body, no matter what! I was very, very stern about this opinion.One day, I woke up to the vision of an ancestor, a Machi, an old lady with no teeth, looking at me and saying, “mushroom”.I jumped into righteousness and said to her, “not going to happen! No mind altering, strong or hallucinogenic drugs are entering my body. No way, no when.”She kept coming back, over the next few weeks and months, continuously, only one word in her lips, “mushroom.”And I kept reacting in the same way. “Not going to happen.”One day, I woke up with the constant back pain I was used to from the age of 18, after having injured my back in a motorbike accident. This pain was something chronic and something that I would manage with the processing exercise. It never went away, but it became less intense in the morning after processing so that I could get on with my day.That day, however, the pain did not lessen. Instead it intensified. By four in the afternoon, it was so bad I felt my body going into shock. I called my husband at the time and told him I needed to go to the hospital. Knowing how I felt about doctors and hospitals, he knew it was serious. He rushed home and rushed me to the emergency room. I got there just as the ER shift was changing, half a dozen nurses saw me through the car window and ran over. They put me in a gurney and ran me all the way to the back, where the most injured people are seen.I was treated for shock and then seen by a doctor. They started intravenous pain medication and I was not fighting these drugs because I was literally dying. None of them worked. They kept asking me if I took pain medication because apparently my resistance to them was absolute, I told them that the only one I ever took was ibuprofen or aspirin. Yet, nothing was working. They went to higher and higher doses, until a higher dose would be lethal, then changed to a different drug. Morphine, and other such things. Nothing worked and my body kept going back into a state of shock, which at a certain point can be deadly.At some point a doctor or nurse came in with a medicine that was different to the rest. She explained that it was their last choice, due to whatever. I don't remember exactly what she said as by now it was the early hours of the next day and I was ready to just die. I nodded for it to be administered, she made me sign some papers, and she placed it in the IV. At that moment, the old lady with no teeth popped up in front of me, smiled and nodded. She then said in a relaxed voice filled with humour, “mushroom.” Then vanished.I then saw a whole history of Earth and Gaia, and much more. The pain vanished immediately.After my body recuperated from the pain and shock, I asked the nurse/doctor what that medicine was, she said, “it is a mushroom derivative, rare and last resort.”After that, I decided that if that toothless lady ever turned up again and suggested something, I would do it immediately. No need to be tortured to the point of death twice!Some years later, she came back and said, “Ayahuasca”.I immediately said, “yes ma'am.” I then researched it for a few months, connected with the plant, got the ingredients, prepared it and did ceremony, got my body ready and took the sacred plant. We will talk of my experience of this ceremony in the wisdom keepers part of our podcast, available at drivingtotherez.com for subscribers, since this is private in nature.The discussion doesn't stop here—listen to the full podcast episode for unfiltered insights from Inelia and our panelists. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drivingtotherez.com/subscribe

Join Ellen & special guest, animal care educator and advocate Sarah Bessie (the "Hedge Chef") for a review of the prickly little roly polies: African pygmy hedgehogs. We discuss built-in hoodie strings, standing jeans, biomimicry in sports equipment, mobile charcuterie, what to do with your skirt when you gotta go fast, all the ways hedgehogs fail to beat the witchcraft allegations, and so much more.Links:Find more of Sarah's work and hedgehog care content at her website: https://www.hedgechef.co.uk/Follow Sarah and fill your feed with adorable hedgehogs on Instagram!For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website!Follow Just the Zoo of Us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram & Discord!Follow Ellen on BlueSky! 

Join Ellen & special guest, animal care educator and advocate Sarah Bessie (the "Hedge Chef") for a review of the prickly little roly polies: African pygmy hedgehogs. We discuss built-in hoodie strings, standing jeans, biomimicry in sports equipment, mobile charcuterie, what to do with your skirt when you gotta go fast, all the ways hedgehogs fail to beat the witchcraft allegations, and so much more.Links:Find more of Sarah's work and hedgehog care content at her website: https://www.hedgechef.co.uk/Follow Sarah and fill your feed with adorable hedgehogs on Instagram!For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website!Follow Just the Zoo of Us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram & Discord!Follow Ellen on BlueSky! 

TODAY'S SPONSOR: "The King of Kings" a new movie from Angel Studios. King of Kings invites us to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child. A father tells his son the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice. This film has a high-profile cast of voices to include Oscar Isaac, Pierce Brosnan, Mark Hamill, Kenneth Branagh, Ben Kingsley, Uma Thurman and Forest Whitaker…to name a few. There is also beautiful animation, and it is the perfect film to enjoy with your family this Easter. For tickets and more info: https://Angel.com/RICKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen Ad Free https://www.solgood.org - Listen to hundreds of audiobooks, thousands of short stories, and meditative sounds.

Springtime in Texas means bluebonnets - but this year, they might look a little different.Because of the dry fall and late rains, experts say the bluebonnets will be stunted this season. Think tiny tulips, but Texas style. And honestly, I feel like we're missing an opportunity here. Let's market them as Pygmy Bluebonnets - the cutest bluebonnets you've ever seen!

Jordan and Alex rev up their clank-boom-skronk engine and clatter their way into the junkyard for a trip to the heart of Tom Waits’ asthmatic doomer trip 'Bone Machine'! After a brief discussion of Waits’ career up to that point, including his early association with LA’s Troubadour-based Mellow Mafia, they’ll jaws-of-life their way into the album’s rusted center, from figuring out exactly which field recording of Pygmy drumming inspired the opening cut to the precise nature of the chicken-ranch storage room the album was tracked in. They’ll run down every Easter egg in the lyrics, from Tony Franciosa to Oldsmobiles, and identify minutiae from the flea-market piece of music gear Waits got repaired at a TV shop to the details of how Tom met Keef (Richards, that is.) It’s Too Much Information: *incomprehensible gargling bellows*! Support your friendly neighborhood TMI Guys here! https://ko-fi.com/toomuchinformationpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump, the Pygmy hippo Moo Deng and the Central African Republic all have meme coins - but what are meme coins and how can you spend them? BBC reporter Nathalia Jimenez answers all our questions including why would anyone buy them and what a “pump and dump” means. And we hear from the BBC's Collins Nabiswa, who explains why President Touadéra of the Central African Republic has launched the meme coin $CAR and how successful it's been so far.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Josh Jenkins and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

He's small, cute and viral: the baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng, housed in a Thai zoo, has become the star of millions of posts, memes and videos around the world. But in the wild, the pygmy hippopotamus is on the brink of extinction. Of the 2,500 remaining specimens, the majority live in Taï National Park in Ivory Coast, the largest – and one of the last – primary forests in West Africa. A diverse reserve stretching over 4,500 kilometres, its territory is endangered by numerous threats, including illegal gold panning. FRANCE 24's Julia Guggenheim, Damien Koffi and Tom Canetti report.

Today, the Safari heads back to the Metro Richmond Zoo to bring you the story of Poppy, the world-famous baby pygmy hippo that is taking the internet by storm! Come meet mom, dad, and America's Princess, Poppy! You'll get to hear a lot of cool stuff about pygmy hippos and what having a sudden celebrity has been like for the zookeepers and the rest of the staff at the zoo! EPISODE LINKS: metrorichmondzoo.com @metrorichmondzoo ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on the socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Are we going to make adult bibs a thing? Dirt Alert: Aubrey Plaza's statement regarding the death of her husband, MOVIE REVIEW: "Touch," and a baby pygmy hippo arrives stateside -- and we recap the year in cute animals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Move over Moo Deng, there's a new viral baby pygmy hippo on the internet.  And this one’s in Virginia. Brad Kutner traveled to the Metro Richmond Zoo where the yet-to-be-named baby is stirring up interest online and in person. 

In this powerful episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show, host Don Williams sits down with Justin Wren, a former UFC fighter turned humanitarian whose story of transformation will move and inspire you. Justin shares his remarkable journey from battling addiction and depression to finding his life's purpose as the founder of Fight for the Forgotten, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the Pygmy people in Africa.Don and Justin dive deep into how a professional fighter became passionate about fighting poverty instead of opponents. You'll hear the touching story behind the organization's name, directly inspired by the Pygmy tribes who call themselves "the Forgotten," and learn about Justin's unique approach to sustainable community development that starts with securing land rights before drilling wells.Key Topics Discussed:Justin's transition from MMA fighting to humanitarian workThe impact of addiction recovery and finding purpose through serviceInnovative approaches to nonprofit management and fundraisingCultural integration with the Pygmy tribes of AfricaSustainable community development strategiesThe power of gratitude in personal transformationNotable Mentions:Don Williams (Host)Justin Wren (Guest)Fight for the Forgotten (FFTF.org)The Pygmy tribes of AfricaBen Hansen (business coach)EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization)Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking purpose beyond profit or simply someone interested in remarkable stories of human transformation, this episode offers valuable insights into how one person's journey from rock bottom to redemption is changing lives across continents.Follow Justin Wren on Instagram @TheBigPygmy or visit fightfortheforgotten.org to learn more about his mission to fight for those who can't fight for themselves.

In this episode, Josselyne Herman-Saccio interviews Amy Edwards, host of the Amy Edwards Show who shares her journey of self-discovery and personal growth, highlighting the importance of finding and using your voice. She discusses her experiences in radio, music, and podcasting, and how they all intersected with her passion for philosophy and spirituality. Amy emphasizes the practice of becoming your best self and the lessons learned from challenging situations. She also shares a difficult period in her life where she felt lost and depressed, but ultimately found clarity and purpose in unexpected ways. In this conversation, Amy Edwards and Josselyne Herman-Saccio discuss the importance of surrounding ourselves with supportive people and seeking guidance from coaches or committed listeners. They also talk about the power of keeping track of our wins and gaining perspective on challenging situations. Amy shares her experience with starting the Fight for Her foundation, which aims to help the Pygmy tribes in Africa. They emphasize the importance of using our voices to share our dreams and goals, and the impact that even small contributions can make in creating positive change.  You can give a tax deductible donation to Fight For Her HERE Get Your Free Transcend Imposter Syndrome Process  Find Amy at: amyedwards.info Instagram Fight For Her TikTok YouTube The Amy Edwards Show Podcast Connect With Me Website: beunmessablewith.com Instagram: @beunmessablewith Linkedin Facebook Email Book a FREE exploration call with Josselyne 

What drives someone to leave behind a career in the UFC to serve the world's most forgotten people? In this episode, we sit down with Justin Wren, a former professional MMA fighter who traded his career in the cage for a mission with real impact. Justin shares his journey from a bullied child to UFC fighter, and eventually to his work with the Pygmy people of Africa through Fight for the Forgotten. We talk about the challenges he's faced—both in and out of the ring—and the decisions that led him to dedicate his life to defending the weak, loving the unloved, and empowering the voiceless around the world.   KEY TOPICS How childhood bullying pushed Justin Wren to become a professional UFC fighter. The devastating toll addiction once took on Justin's life. A vivid vision of the rainforest that gave Justin a new sense of purpose in life.  How Fight for the Forgotten helps Pygmy communities protect their land, access clean water, and foster a sustainable livelihood.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life and Business  00:50 The 3 Fighters Who Earned Sanger's Fandom 03:06 From Bully to Fighter: Justin Wren 04:28 The Vision Behind Fight for the Forgotten 06:50 Building Waves of Change 09:17 Martial Arts as a Shield Against Bullying 13:58 The Painful Path to Finding Purpose 16:23 Battling Addiction in the Cage and Beyond 18:51 Discovering Purpose Through Service 23:33 Waking Up After the Overdose 28:04 The Bonus Rounds of Life 35:13 Why Purpose Replaces Addiction 40:02 The Vision That Led to Africa 44:57 Meeting the Pygmies 51:49 Listening to Create Lasting Impact 56:33 The Risks and Rewards of Serving in Congo 01:03:41 Building Holistic Communities 1:08:23 Justin Wren's Decision-Making Tip for Business Owners  01:11:05 Key Takeaways  01:12:59 Message from the Producer   CONNECT WITH US ⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠ Watch this episode on YouTube Subscribe on ⁠YouTube Join us on ⁠Instagram⁠ Join us on ⁠Facebook⁠ Shawn's ⁠Instagram⁠ Sanger's ⁠Instagram⁠   Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.   SANGER'S BOOK: ⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠   SHAWN'S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠   MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION? At ⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.  LEARN MORE: ⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠   SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER   CONNECT WITH JUSTIN WREN Fight for the Forgotten: https://www.fightfortheforgotten.org/ Justin's Official Website: justinwrenspeaks.com Book: https://www.justinwrenspeaks.com/book Instagram: @thebigpygmy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-wren-892043255/ Mercilessly bullied as a child, Justin transformed himself into a champion MMA fighter. Despite his success, he questioned the significance of his athletic accomplishments. Each victory brought the thought, “Is this it?” Battling injuries, he slid into painkiller addiction, battled depression, and attempted suicide. He was a champion on the outside but broken within. It wasn't until a series of circumstances led him to live among the Pygmy people—some of the most marginalized on earth—that he found true purpose: helping others. “My career was to fight against people, but my calling was to fight for people." Now, he helps others generate impact through their work and community. ‘The Big Pygmy' returned to the ring with purpose, founding Fight for the Forgotten (FFTF). FFTF has provided >52,000 indigenous people with access to clean drinking water, replanted thousands of trees, acquired >3,000 acres of land in the name of the tribe and helped 1,800 people out of slavery and into freedom. Current projects include housing, education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods through community empowerment.

This Northern Pygmy-Owl appears to have eyes in the back of its head. But why? One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4-inch size. A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes. If the large false eyes can take the brunt of these attacks, little harm will come to the Pygmy-Owl's vulnerable true eyes.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. 

The Plan-B Morning Show with Brock & Kiki - November 7th 2024See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tariffs, Pygmy Goat, Schneider, SQLite and Dixie Flatline, Deepfakes, Military AI, Josh Marpet, and more on the Security Weekly News. Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/swn for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/swn-428

Tariffs, Pygmy Goat, Schneider, SQLite and Dixie Flatline, Deepfakes, Military AI, Josh Marpet, and more on the Security Weekly News. Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/swn-428

Tariffs, Pygmy Goat, Schneider, SQLite and Dixie Flatline, Deepfakes, Military AI, Josh Marpet, and more on the Security Weekly News. Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/swn for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/swn-428

Tariffs, Pygmy Goat, Schneider, SQLite and Dixie Flatline, Deepfakes, Military AI, Josh Marpet, and more on the Security Weekly News. Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/swn-428

Dana In The Morning Highlights Alex Bregman is the second 3rd basemen in Astros history to win the Gold Glove AwardThe Houston Zoo welcomed a new 4-year-old male pygmy hippo from San DiegoWith election day being tomorrow - how do you handle talking politics in the house?

There's a chill in the air and a shudder in our bones...it's Spooky Month! Come along with us on a treacherous journey full of mischief, mayhem, and many marvelously mysterious guests! Steady yourself, for who knows what frights lurk around the corner...Alas, our frightful fiends and friends, Spooky Month has nearly run its course - but not until we go out with a bang with our final ghoulish guest, Tom Lum! Join as we dare to tread amongst the creatures who belong to the night...nocturnal animals!SciShow Tangents is on YouTube! Go to www.youtube.com/scishowtangents to check out this episode with the added bonus of seeing our faces! Head to www.patreon.com/SciShowTangents to find out how you can help support SciShow Tangents, and see all the cool perks you'll get in return, like bonus episodes and a monthly newsletter! A big thank you to Patreon subscribers Garth Riley and Glenn Trewitt for helping to make the show possible!And go to https://store.dftba.com/collections/scishow-tangents to buy some great Tangents merch!Follow us on Twitter @SciShowTangents, where we'll tweet out topics for upcoming episodes and you can ask the science couch questions! While you're at it, check out the Tangents crew on Twitter: Ceri: @ceriley Sam: @im_sam_schultz Hank: @hankgreen[This, That, or the Other: Boys' Night Out]Male animals float and call out to femaleshttps://sta.uwi.edu/fst/lifesciences/sites/default/files/lifesciences/documents/ogatt/Pseudis_paradoxa%20-%20Paradoxical%20Frog.pdfAnimals in ritualistic sparring matches for several hourshttps://echidnawalkabout.com.au/how-kangaroos-fight/Patrolling perimeter and building up poop pileshttps://www.britannica.com/animal/kiwi-birdhttps://www.livescience.com/57813-kiwi-facts.html[Truth or Fail Express]Hedgehogs inflate like a balloonhttps://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-68833432https://www.livescience.com/59994-balloon-syndrome-hedgehog.htmlBandicoots spin to defend themselves https://crashbandicoot.fandom.com/wiki/Spinhttps://www2.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/native-animal-facts/land-mammals/bandicootsTasmanian devils are soothed by musichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ducking_the_Devilhttps://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tasmanian-devilhttps://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/wildlife/2017/08/native-animals-should-be-renamed-with-their-aboriginal-names/Pygmy tarsiers / gremlins rotating their headshttps://www.wired.com/2015/01/absurd-creature-of-the-week-tarsier/https://primate.wisc.edu/primate-info-net/pin-factsheets/pin-factsheet-tarsier/[Ask the Science Couch]Vitamin D chemistry and nocturnal animalshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56061/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8538717/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7761812/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12899852/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2095.2009.00722.xhttps://www.mdpi.com/2571-841X/3/1/1 Patreon bonus: Teenage humans sleeping habits shifted towards nighthttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2820578/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/07420528.2023.2265480https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2015/10/among-teens-sleep-deprivation-an-epidemic.htmlhttps://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/134/3/642/74175/School-Start-Times-for-Adolescentshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6084759/[Butt One More Thing]Bats with false butts (but some sort of muscle)https://www.instagram.com/batworldsanctuary/p/DAbKf45RDjW/https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mexican_free-tailed_bat_(8006850693).jpg

Today, rather than interviewing a WWF expert in-dept on a specific topic, we're trying something new. Seth will be joined by Hayley Lawton from WWF's social media team for something we're calling: Headlines & Trendlines. You'll hear Seth and Hayley briefly summarize some recent news articles and talk about what they mean for climate and nature. This week they discuss two big issues that are driving headlines: this year's devastating hurricane season, and the ongoing UN biodiversity conference. They also touch on the recent pygmy hippo craze that had everyone on Earth talking about baby Moo Deng. Links for More Info: New York Times, A Tale of Two Hurricanes Finds More That Differs Than Is the Same: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/13/us/hurricane-milton-helene-florida-north-carolina.html  Vox, We need $700 billion to save nature: https://www.vox.com/down-to-earth/378249/cop16-biodiversity-finance-gap-seven-hundred-billion WWF pygmy hippo facts: https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/why-are-pygmy-hippos-so-small-and-6-other-pygmy-hippo-facts  Chapters: 0:00 Preview 0:27 Intro 2:25 Hayley introduces herself 4:10 NY Times hurricane article 5:56 Hayley & Seth react to recent hurricanes 9:28 Vox nature finance article 10:36 $700b is a lot of money 12:28: COP16 outcomes 13:25 Moo Deng and pygmy hippo facts 15:23 Outro

The Thai zoo, whose baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng has become a global viral sensation, moved to patent her image so it can benefit financially from the extraordinary interest which shows no sign of abating. Even on a weekday, the antics of the much-loved little animal drew streams of excited visitors to Khao Kheow Open Zoo, near Pattaya. Her name means “bouncy pork,” and she was soon into her stride, zipping and darting across her enclosure, showing off her trademark bounce. Since her media-savvy keeper debuted her on social media, her fame has become unstoppable, both domestically and internationally. Artists have drawn cartoons based on her. She's been made into memes. World-famous sports teams have put her on their official social media accounts. The publicity has been welcome, if overwhelming, for the zoo. But now, it would like to benefit in a more material sense. The zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi said they have moved to patent “Moo Deng the hippo” to prevent the animal from being commercialized by anyone but the zoo. “The benefits we get from this will come back to the zoo to improve the lives of all animals here. After we do this, we will have more income to support activities that will make the animals' lives better,” he told The Associated Press. There's been a less welcome side to the fame: signs went up in September to tell overeager fans not to throw things at the pint-sized star to try to get her attention. But most fans are just happy to see Moo Deng and enjoy her zest for life. The zoo director thinks Moo Deng's fame is down to serendipity: the coming together of a naturally charismatic little performer and a keeper—Atthapon Nundee—with an eye for promoting the animals in his care. It isn't clear how long Moo Deng will remain so playful and cute, though probably just a few more months. The zoo says baby pygmy hippos usually lose that irresistible sparkle and become much calmer before they turn a year old. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes Jonathan Dickinson, a specialist in Ibogaine treatment and co-founder/CEO of Ambio Life Sciences and Teregnosis. They discuss the history and therapeutic uses of Iboga and Ibogaine, focusing on its effects in treating heroin addiction, traumatic brain injury, and chronic pain. Jonathan also shares insights into the cultural origins of Iboga, its use in traditional Bwiti ceremonies, and how modern approaches, particularly his work with veterans, expand its applications. More information about Jonathan's work can be found at Ambio Life.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:21 Understanding Ibogaine and Its Uses02:00 Ibogaine's Impact on Veterans and Brain Injuries03:57 Psycho-Spiritual and Medical Benefits of Ibogaine07:12 Scientific Studies and Misconceptions18:50 Legalization and Research Challenges25:05 Ibogaine Sourcing and Sustainability31:43 Ibogaine Smuggling and Export Practices32:10 Pharmaceutical Grade Iboga Extract33:36 Challenges of Growing Iboga33:53 Traditional Growth Methods and Cultural Attitudes37:04 Global Cultivation Efforts38:05 Access and Benefit Sharing Agreements38:54 Traditional Knowledge and Bwiti Culture39:40 Historical Context of Iboga Use40:44 Bantu and Pygmy Cultural Exchange42:31 Bwiti Rituals and Practices46:23 Learning from Traditional Practices48:19 Western and Traditional Knowledge Integration55:58 Future of Iboga and Ibogaine59:22 Connecting with AmbioKey InsightsIboga and Ibogaine as Addiction Treatments: Ibogaine is primarily known for its effectiveness in treating heroin addiction. It interrupts the addiction cycle through a powerful psychoactive experience lasting 12-24 hours, which helps individuals detox from drugs like heroin and opioids. After the session, many report being free of withdrawal symptoms and cravings for months, providing a unique pathway out of addiction.Use in Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Jonathan has worked extensively with veterans, especially Navy SEALs, using Ibogaine to address TBIs. These injuries, often from combat-related concussive forces, lead to symptoms that mirror PTSD. Ibogaine appears to regenerate brain function, as seen in a study conducted with Stanford University, where veterans exhibited significant brain activity improvement following treatment.Cultural Roots in Bwiti and African Traditions: Iboga has deep cultural significance in Gabon, particularly in Bwiti spiritual practices, which have been influenced by both indigenous Pygmy traditions and Bantu peoples. Bwiti uses Iboga in ceremonies for psycho-spiritual exploration, healing, and connection to ancestors, a tradition that has persisted for centuries and possibly millennia.Misunderstandings About Noribogaine: Many believe that noribogaine, a metabolite of Ibogaine, remains in the body for up to eight months, contributing to long-lasting effects. However, Jonathan clarifies that noribogaine remains in the system for only a few days or a week. The extended feeling of ease or afterglow people experience may be due to neurotrophic factors like GDNF, which stimulate brain healing and regeneration over time.Emerging Scientific Understanding of Ibogaine: Research into Ibogaine's mechanisms is still developing. It acts on many receptors in the brain, including the Sigma 2 receptor, which has been linked to pain relief and neuroprotective effects. There's also growing interest in its potential role in intracellular processes and energy metabolism, where it appears to improve cellular efficiency, possibly explaining its long-term regenerative effects on brain function.Decentralized Knowledge and Treatment Communities: Unlike tightly regulated pharmaceutical models, Ibogaine treatment has grown in a decentralized, community-driven way, with providers sharing their experiences and knowledge. This echoes the traditions of Bwiti and emphasizes the importance of communal support around Ibogaine therapy, where the intensity of the experience requires a supportive environment and a collective sharing of insights.Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing of Iboga: Jonathan is actively involved in ensuring the sustainable and ethical sourcing of Iboga through his company, Teregnosis. Working with Gabonese communities, Teregnosis follows the Nagoya Protocol to ensure that the benefits of Iboga's growing global interest are shared with the traditional communities that have long relied on this plant, protecting both the ecosystem and cultural heritage.

In this episode of Unknown Nations Podcast, Greg Kelley shares the remarkable journey of a fierce Pygmy warrior from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Once feared, he was transformed by the Jesus film and became a church planter, spreading the gospel and bringing hope to his entire region. Discover the challenges faced by the persecuted Pygmies and how indigenous leaders are shining light in one of the world's darkest spiritual regions. Celebrate the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, and learn how you can support this incredible mission. Learn more about Unknown Nations by visiting www.UnknownNations.com.

Moo Deng, the baby Pygmy Hippopotamus was born in 2024 and became a world-wide sensation. This birth is critical to their species!! With so few numbers, each Pygmy Hippo born under human care is a lifeline to their wild counterparts. This is because sadly, with as few as 2000 Pygmy Hippos left in the world, we are losing one of natures often forgotten large herbivores. Though one tenth the size of their larger cousins the Common Hippopotamus, the Pygmy Hippo is no small runt. Weighing in as much as 600 lbs. (275 kg), they are still a force to be reckoned with. Yet, this shy and elusive herbivore is suffering and slipping towards extinction. Thankfully, these West African natives are a focus for many conservation efforts and their story is one to be told. By telling their story, all of us can bring awareness to these special animals and do all we can to help save them.  Learn more about Pygmy Hippos on our website HERE Moo Deng was born at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand and their Facebook page is HERE ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The AIE Podcast... NOOB is back, baby! The Galactic season has been extended The Entire galaxy is on red alert! FFXIV is at a crossroads And, we are talking amongst ourselves All that and more coming up right now... Podcast Audio Raw Video http://youtu.be/J0sb-7jQ1Ns Open Welcome to episode #428 of the podcast celebrating you, the Alea Iacta Est gaming community, the die has been podcast. This is Mewkow: To my left is Tetsemi: - (catch phrase here). And to my right is Mkallah: (hey folks, there will be pan au chocolate in the guild kitchen). This week we have a host show! Welcome! Ok, we'll be digging into what we've been up to in and out of the game shortly, but first, let's cover this week's news... AIE News Community Mandatory Fun Nights Where the fun is mandatory but the attendance is not. Sunday - Destiny 2 8:30 pm Eastern Monday - GW2 9:30 pm Eastern Monday - STO 10:00 pm Eastern Tuesday - SWTOR 9:00 pm Eastern Wednesday - HFO Mythic+ Mayhem (WoW) 8:00 pm Eastern Thursday- Board Game Night (1st and 3rd Thursdays) 7:00 pm Eastern/6:00 pm Central Friday - ESO 9:00 pm Eastern Saturday - LotRO 8:30 pm Eastern Saturday - FFXIV (Maps) 9:30 pm Eastern Saturday - Noob Raid (WoW) 11:00 pm Eastern Streaming and Guild Podcast News We have a ton of AIE member podcasts! Want to know where to find them? Look no further than here- New Overlords Podcast (Max and Sema) https://www.newoverlords.com Working Class Nerds (Marcus and Nick) - NSFL https://workingclassnerdscom.wordpress.com Boards and Swords (Chris and Philip) https://boardsandswords.com/blog?category=Boards%20%26%20Swords Dr. Gameology ( Dr. Daniel Kaufmann ) https://drgameology.com/ STO - Fleet Action Report (Grebog and Nikodas) https://www.youtube.com/@fleetactionreport A Podcast Reborn: A FFXIV Community Podcast (Brandon aka Old Man Franks, Meagan, and Rho) - NSFL https://www.bonusroll.gg/directory/a-podcast-reborn/ NOMADS There are at least 2 dungeons and dragon ongoing campaigns currently one being run be Dproberts on some sundays and the other by Kraemer29 on saturdays we next meet on october 26th for both scheduling we both have to deal with the epic IRL monster Diablo IV - Vessel of Hatred launches on October 7th at 4 pm PDT with a new class, the Spiritborn, a reduction in base top level to 50, growing to 60 with the expansion, along with a multitude of new difficulty levels, and story. WoW Noob Raid resumed last week and since cross-faction LFR isn't a thing, decided to make an attempt at Normal difficulty. They managed the first boss, but still needed a lot of practice for the second one. Next week is time walking so they will be making another attempt at getting rare mounts with a full clear of Ulduar. WoW Classic With the launch of Season of Discovery Phase 5 on Thursday, September 26 at 22:00 CEST, Blackwing Lair will become available. Blackwing Lair is tuned and intended for ~20 players but the instance is capped at a maximum of 40 players. Blackwing Lair is on a 7-day raid reset timer. Zul'Gurub is tuned and intended for ~10 players, but the instance is capped at a maximum of 20 players. Zul'Gurub is on a twice-weekly raid reset timer. New Raid: The Crystal Vale Prince Thunderaan the Windseeker has broken free from his prison with the release of Phase 5 and will be available to all players as a newly reimagined raid encounter. Thunderaan is tuned and intended for ~20 players but the instance is capped at a maximum of 40 players. The Crystal Vale is on a twice-weekly reset timer. Old Raid: The Molten Core Available with weekly resets starting on September 24th, The Molten Core will become available to raid with an instance capped at a maximum of 40 players. It will remain tuned for 20 players. SWTOR We continue to work through Galactic Season 7, which has been extended 6 weeks.

HOT NEWS! HOT NEW BABY! We can't get enough of the viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng! So, what better way to show our excitement for the cutest wet chunk we've ever seen than to talk about her on the show! Plus some fall recs and updates on Crumb's first day of work!Don't forget - our final Redwall livestream on October 13th at 12pm PST!

Ellen fawns over the viral pygmy hippopotamus & Christian goes big with the harpy eagle. We discuss the evolution of hippos, blood sweat, poocoptering, Moo Deng, smooch breaks, sloth staredowns, and so much more.Links:For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website!Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Threads, Facebook, Instagram & Discord!Follow Ellen on TikTok!Source for harpy eagle call: https://xeno-canto.org/316474

Send us a textIn this episode, Janet Racklow shares her unconventional journey from a dance major to a wildlife researcher. Janet's enduring fascination with animal behavior led her to study species across diverse ecosystems, from mountain sheep in Alaska to rhinos in Africa. Her current focus in the Pacific Northwest includes studying the ecological and behavioral intricacies of pygmy rabbits, highlighting the significance of sagebrush steppe habitats. Janet discusses the interplay between research, wildlife management, and conservation efforts, bringing attention to the challenges and importance of preserving endangered species and their environments. Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

Ellen fawns over the viral pygmy hippopotamus & Christian goes big with the harpy eagle. We discuss the evolution of hippos, blood sweat, poocoptering, Moo Deng, smooch breaks, sloth staredowns, and so much more.Links:For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website!Follow Just the Zoo of Us on Threads, Facebook, Instagram & Discord!Follow Ellen on TikTok!Source for harpy eagle call: https://xeno-canto.org/316474

ATIA: For asking my partner to ease up on the complements, Dirt Alert: Sean "Diddy Combs indictments, BOOB TUBE: "Child Star," and Moo Deng the pygmy hippo is giving us extreme cute aggression! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taiwanese model and Pygmy hippo Moo Deng has captured the hearts of the chronically online, Dave Grohl announces his baby girl from outside of his marriage (lol), the politics of Taylor Swift, and the end of Britney Spears cutting Federline checks. Cap'n Scoot helped man the ship while Tiffany was taking in the PowerPoint and musical stylings of Azealia Banks. If you go to Connecticut, book a ride on her Thimble Island Boat Tour. On this week's after show: Bridal MUA "The Key Look" missed some key social cues, Mormon Moms Want some merch, mamas? LINKS Adelson case (Molly's trend)  Donna Adelson on Wheel of Fortune Moo Deng, queen and legend Moo Deng intro and break down from Time Magazine Moo Deng is not murderous  Bennifer 3 Ben Affleck and J.Lo get lunch together with their kids Dave Ghrol Dave Ghrol posts that he cheated on his wife and had a baby with someone “outside of his marriage” Info from DeuxMoi about how his wife Jordan is dealing with the news  Dave Grohl's relationship with ‘alt porn goddess' revealed after he welcomes baby outside of marriage Dave Grohl 'accused wife of flirting with hot tennis coach' before shock baby news Taylor finally says “Travis” Taylor Swift thanks Travis Kelce while accepting a VMA for the “Fortnight” video Swiftologist discusses the Tayvoodoo effect on Katy Perry US Open backlash - Can Taylor, a Democrat, be friends with Brittany Mahomes, a Republican? Work bitch, Britney's free from child support Britney Spears' son Jayden James turns 18, Kevin Federline's Child Support Payments are ending Follow us on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter Find more of Molly's stuff Find more of Tiffany's stuff

A pygmy blue whale has been rescued after being stranded on Kawau Island yesterday. Ingrid Hipkiss speaks to DoC's Operations Manager Katherine Lane.

Welcome to our new #FBF series. Every Friday we re-release an episode from the archives… whether you missed it the first time around or just feel like revisiting this twisty, intriguing story… now's your chance.Today, we re-release Justin Wren (aka @thebigpygmy) in solidarity with National Suicide Prevention Month as well as National Recovery Month.Justin Wren was an up-and-coming MMA fighter, competing for the UFC and even appearing as a cast member of SpikeTV's The Ultimate Fighter. But it was a fluke series of twists and turns, paired with a mystical vision, that sent him in an entirely new direction… living in a hut in the Congo with the Pygmy peoples in Africa. Justin likes to say, "when I stopped fighting people and started fighting FOR people, everything changed” … little did he know he'd still have the biggest battle to fight ahead… and it would be one he'd almost lose.************Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.************Thank you to Justin Wren for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Justin on Instagram @thebigpygmy and check out FightForTheForgotten.com.************The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali.************Suicide Prevention Resources: Dial: 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (USA Only)https://988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/safety-and-support-on-social-media/Text: HELP to 741 741 - Crisis Text Line (USA Only)Visit: www.suicide.org (International Phone Numbers)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Join Pacific Mammal Research (PacMam) scientists to learn about different marine mammals each episode! We discuss a little about the biology, behavior and fun facts about each species. Have fun and learn about marine mammals with PacMam! www.pacmam.org This week: Pygmy killer whale Presenters: Cindy Elliser, Katrina MacIver Music by Josh Burns Sources: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/pygmy-killer-whale https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/2021-08/2020-Pacific-SARS-Pygmy.pdf http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=61 https://us.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/pygmy-killer-whale/ https://cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii-species/pygmy-killer-whales-hawaii/ https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Feresa_attenuata/https://www.marinebio.org/species/pygmy-killer-whales/feresa-attenuata/ Underwater video!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufsEo6bXFoc&t=8s New Research: • Alvarez Aleman et al – First report of pygmy killer whales in Cuba - https://new.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/47.1-Alvarez-Aleman-1.pdf • Berrow et al 2020 – First sighting off Cabo Verde – Atlantic African coast - https://www.scvz.org/zoolcv/Zoologia%20Caboverdiana%20Vol.%208%20No.%202%20complete%20issue.pdf#page=22 • Vanderzee et al – Underwater photos evaluate prevalence of injury - https://cascadiaresearch.org/files/Vanderzee_etal2019WMMC.pdf • Currie et al 2021 – Rapid weight loss in free ranging pygmy killer whales - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-87514-2 • Yahn (Shelby) et al. 2022 – sexually dimorphic characteristics of short-finned pilot, pygmy killer, melon headed, false killer using fin and body morphometrics - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12963 • Pulis et al. 2018 – Movements and dive patterns of pygmy killer whales released in Gulf of Mexico after Rehab - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric-Pulis/publication/327669759_Movements_and_Dive_Patterns_of_Pygmy_Killer_Whales_Feresa_attenuata_Released_in_the_Gulf_of_Mexico_Following_Rehabilitation/links/5ceeaea8a6fdcc8475f62e3f/Movements-and-Dive-Patterns-of-Pygmy-Killer-Whales-Feresa-attenuata-Released-in-the-Gulf-of-Mexico-Following-Rehabilitation.pdf?origin=journalDetail&_tp=eyJwYWdlIjoiam91cm5hbERldGFpbCJ9

A coalition of environmental groups plan to sue over an impending decision to list pygmy rabbits under the Endangered Species Act.

Join Greg Kelley and Dr. Mark Young for a special travel episode as Greg shares his experiences across the 10/40 window. Discover the unique challenges of preparing for trips to regions without exposure to the gospel, including a memorable encounter with the elusive pygmies in Congo that showcases the importance of local leaders. Tune in to learn about the spiritual and emotional preparation necessary for missionary work in areas filled with spiritual darkness and the broader challenges of life in hostile environments.

 Explore more about Unknown Nations at www.UnknownNations.com or connect with us at UnknownNations.com/contact.

These incredibly rare tiny whales are the tiniest member of the sperm whale family. We know very little about these guys whether they are solitary hunters or if they travel in schools of thousands.

Join me on a wildlife adventure to learn about the Pygmy Marmoset—the smallest primate on planet earth. Strap on some hiking shoes, and prepare for a journey to a South American Jungle. Whether you're looking to sleep, feeling a little anxious about something, or simply curious about these amazing creatures, this episode is sure to provide a calming escape. Support the show's mission while getting access to exclusive content, uploaded once a week. You can listen to exclusive episodes, you gain access to voting, and more, by becoming a Patron. No obligation, cancel anytime, and you can even sign up for a 7-day free trial. If you decide to stay, it can cost you less than half a cup of coffee a month:⁠patreon.com/relaxwithanimalfacts⁠—we're waiting for you! To submit your animal request, head to the "Submit" tab on ⁠relaxwithanimalfacts.com⁠ To contact Stefan Wolfe: E-mail ⁠relaxwithanimalfacts@gmail.com⁠ Send a message to ⁠relaxwithanimalfacts⁠ on Instagram. A huge thank you to ⁠George Vlad⁠ for the ambiences—it is because of his important work that we can visit some of the coolest places on earth. He has helped the show so much, and I encourage you to subscribe to him ⁠on YouTube⁠, and check out ⁠his website⁠. If you would like to learn more, the resources used in this episode are listed below: https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/pygmy-marmoset https://factanimal.com/pygmy-marmoset/ New episodes every Tuesday and Friday!

Episode Notes HOT MERCH: https://www.redbubble.com/people/robbzray/shop Become a supporter: https://discord.com/channels/626146909458792468/shop https://www.patreon.com/aquariumguys Shop Fish, Shrimp, and Plants at https://www.dakuaquatics.com/ with promo code: "AQUARIUMGUYS" for 10% off your order! Find Dan Bunzey at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094200186484 Find Chris Biggs at: https://www.youtube.com/@themadaquarist Find Derek Schumann at: https://deezfish.co/ Submit your questions at https://discord.gg/wnyK2Nc Support The Aquarium Guys by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-aquarium-guys Find out more at http://www.aquariumguyspodcast.comRead transcript

#Timmyboy #PresidentialDebate #PresidentJoeBiden #DonaldTrump #DumpsterFire #Really #WhatToDo #Maryland #MarijuanaPardons #GoodNews #NewBirthControl #BirthControlForMen #HomoNaledi #NewDiscoveries #WeBuryOurOwn #EqualRightsAmendement #NewYorkState #NewYorkStateAttorneyGeneralLeticiaJames

In this episode of MPR, we are taking a deep dive into Pygmy Pythons with Justin Julander. Australia 2013, Western AustraliaMPR Network SocialsFB: https://www.facebook.com/MoreliaPythonRadioIG: https://www.instagram.com/mpr_network/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrEaKcyN8KvC3pqaiYc0RQMORELIA CENTRAL Website: https://www.moreliapythonradio.netEmail: Info@moreliapythonradio.comMPR Support Cold-blooded CafeWe have an affiliate linkhttps://www.coldbloodedcafe.com/Cold Blooded CaffeineWe have an affiliate linkhttps://coldbloodedcaffeine.com/?ref=9wLRgXGdMerch store: https://teespring.com/stores/mprnetworkPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/moreliapythonradio ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jeff gives us all a rundown of everything he could remember that happened on our recent trip to Borneo. He punctuates his trip notes with a couple of attacks that took place on the island, including one that involves a crocodile, and another about a pygmie elephant. Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/x7M3KxbZ6hE ~~ To advertise on the show, contact us! ~~ Tooth & Claw is brought to you by QCODE. Support the show and get access to an extensive library of exclusive episodes like this by supporting the show on Patreon or joining the Grizzly Club on Apple Podcasts. For the latest updates on the show and all things wildlife, follow us at toothandclawpod.com and social:  Instagram: @ToothandClawPodcast Twitter: @ToothandClawPod Wes: @GrizKid Jeff: @jefe_larson Mike: @mikey3ds

Tom Dovka hears that Phil's been nominated to the Radio Hall of Fame. Deane Wheeler and Wes Hurlford go at it. Wes has a new song about a Pygmy. Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy a 30,000 plus hour archive, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…

Justin Wren, renowned MMA fighter turned humanitarian, shares his profound transformation from battling opponents in the ring to fighting for the rights of the forgotten Pygmy communities in Africa. In this powerful interview, Wren unveils the personal struggles and revelations that redirected his path towards creating significant social impact through his non-profit, Fight for the Forgotten. This episode dives deep into the essence of human connection, resilience, and the power of purpose-driven life. Wren's journey is a compelling narrative of overcoming personal battles with addiction and depression by dedicating his life to service. Through his work, he provides transformative opportunities for the Pygmy people, focusing on essential resources like water, health, and education. Justin's efforts go beyond mere charity; they empower communities to sustain themselves and flourish. His story is not just about fighting; it's about building bridges of empathy and understanding across continents.   Segmented Timestamps [00:05] The evolution from fighting against people to fighting for people. [00:50] The inception of Fight for the Forgotten and its mission. [02:00] Cultural preservation and practical support for the Pygmy communities. [02:45] Justin's spiritual awakening and the shift towards a purpose-driven life. [05:29] Expansion of humanitarian efforts to broader community impact. [06:25] Embracing the communal proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." [08:12] The role of partnerships and community involvement in sustainable development. [10:15] Addressing water scarcity and health care challenges in remote areas. [13:20] Overcoming personal adversities: From battling addiction to finding purpose. [15:34] The impact of cultural exchange and mutual learning on Justin's advocacy work. [18:07] Future plans for Fight for the Forgotten and scaling up the mission. [20:49] Reflections on leadership and the power of service in personal growth. [23:15] Justin's vision for a holistic approach to community empowerment. [25:30] The significance of "going far together" versus "going fast alone" in making a difference.   Notable Quotes "What is my why? I would say really it's to put love and compassion in action and to fight for people." - Justin Wren "My journey is one of kind of going from fighting against people to fighting for people." - Justin Wren, on naming his initiative.”- Justin Wren "I think when there's a strong alignment between the purpose of the company and individual purpose, people are creative, want to do a good job, and want to find ways to use their creativity to make improvements that are mutually beneficial for the employee and the company." - Justin Wren   "The higher up you get, you're always on call. But if you don't love what you do, then it takes a backseat." - Justin Wren   USEFUL LINKS   Reach Justin at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebigpygmy/   Websites:  https://www.fightfortheforgotten.org/  https://give.fightfortheforgotten.org/campaign/compassion-in-action-campaign/c493271    GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ Jessica's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel Culture Partners LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/    Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.

Join me again on a wildlife adventure to learn about the fascinating world of the Pygmy Slow Loris—the world's only venomous primate. Whether you're looking to sleep, feeling a little anxious about something, or simply curious about these amazing creatures, this episode is sure to provide a calming escape. Grab some tea, find somewhere cozy, and prepare for a journey to a Vietnamese Rainforest. Support the show while getting access to exclusive content, uploaded once a week. You can listen to episodes without an ad at the beginning, you gain access to voting, and more, by becoming a Patron. No obligation, cancel anytime, and you can even sign up for a 7-day free trial. If you decide to stay, it can cost you less than half a cup of coffee a month: ⁠patreon.com/relaxwithanimalfacts⁠—we're waiting for you! To submit your animal request, head to the "Submit" tab on ⁠relaxwithanimalfacts.com⁠ To contact Stefan Wolfe: E-mail ⁠relaxwithanimalfacts@gmail.com⁠ Send a message to ⁠relaxwithanimalfacts⁠ on Instagram. A huge thank you to ⁠George Vlad⁠ for the ambiences—it is because of his important work that we can visit some of the coolest places on earth. He has helped the show so much, and I encourage you to subscribe to him ⁠on YouTube⁠, and check out ⁠his website⁠. If you would like to learn more, the resources used in this episode are listed below: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/pygmy-slow-loris https://lemur.duke.edu/discover/meet-the-lemurs/pygmy-slow-loris/ https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/pygmy-slow-loris

This week we talk about the Rwandan genocide, the First and Second Congo Wars, and M23.We also discuss civil wars, proxy conflicts, and resource curses.Recommended Book: Everyday Utopia by Kristen R. GhodseeTranscriptThe Democratic Republic of the Congo, or DRC, was previously known as Zaïre, a name derived from a Portuguese mistranscription of the regional word for "river."It wore that monicker from 1971 until 1997, and this region had a rich history of redesignations before that, having been owned by various local kingdoms, then having been colonized by Europeans, sold to the King of Belgium in 1885, who owned it personally, not as a part of Belgium, which was unusual, until 1908, renaming it for that period the Congo Free State, which was kind of a branding exercise to convince all the Europeans who held territory thereabouts that he was doing philanthropic work, though while he did go to war with local and Arab slavers in the region, he also caused an estimated millions of deaths due to all that conflict, due to starvation and disease and punishments levied against people who failed to produce sufficient volumes of rubber from plantations he built in the region.So all that effort and rebranding also almost bankrupted him, the King of Belgium, because of the difficulties operating in this area, even when you step into it with vast wealth, overwhelming technological and military advantages, and the full backing of a powerful, if distant, nation.After the King's deadly little adventure, the region he held was ceded to the nation of Belgium as a colony, which renamed it the Belgium Congo, and it eventually gained independence from Belgium, alongside many other European colonies around the world, post-WWII, in mid-1960.Almost immediately there was conflict, a bunch of secessionist movements turning into civil wars, and those civil wars were amplified by the meddling of the United States and the Soviet Union, which supported different sides, funding and arming them as they tended to do in proxy conflicts around the world during this portion of the Cold War.This period, which lasted for about 5 years after independence, became known as the Congo Crisis, because government leaders kept being assassinated, different groups kept rising up, being armed, killing off other groups, and then settling in to keep the government from unifying or operating with any sense of security or normalcy.Eventually a man named Mobutu Sese Seko, usually just called Mobutu, launched a real deal coup that succeeded, and he imposed a hardcore military dictatorship on the country—his second coup, actually, but the previous one didn't grant him power, so he tried again a few years later, in 1965, and that one worked—and though he claimed, as many coup-launching military dictators do, that he would stabilize things over the next five years, restoring democracy to the country in the process, that never happened, though claiming he would did earn him the support of the US and other Western governments for the duration, even as he wiped out any government structure that could oppose him, including the position of Prime Minister in 1966, and the institution of Parliament in 1967.In 1971, as I mentioned, he renamed the country Zaïre, nationalized all remaining foreign owned assets in the country, and it took another war, which is now called the First Congo War, to finally unseat him. And this conflict, which began in late-1996, spilled over into neighboring countries, including Sudan and Uganda, and a slew of other nations were involved, including but not limited to Chad, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, Eritrea, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, alongside foreign assistance granted to various sides by France, China, Israel, and covertly, the United States.The conflict kicked off when Rwanda invaded Zaïre, more neighboring states joined in, all of them intending to take out a bunch of rebel groups that the Mobutu government was no longer keeping in line: Mobutu himself having long since fallen ill, and thus lacking the control he once had, but still profiting mightily from outside influences that kept him as a friendly toehold in the region.So these other nations sent military forces into Zaïre to handle these groups, which were causing untold troubles throughout the region, and the long and short of this conflict is that it only lasted a few months, from October 1996 to May 1997, but the destruction and carnage was vast, everyone on both sides partnering up to take out rebels, or in the case of those rebels, to join up against these government militaries, and all of them using the opportunity to also engage in violence against ethnic enemies with whom they had long-simmering beefs.This led to the collapse of Mobutu's government, the country was renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo when a new government was installed, but very little changed in terms of the reality of how that government functioned, so all the same variables were still in place a year later, in 1998, when what's now called the Second Congo War kicked off, informed by basically the same problems but bringing even more African governments into the fighting, many of them pulled into things by alliances they had with involved neighbors.And just as before, a variety of groups who felt aggrieved by other groups throughout the region used this conflict as an excuse to slaughter and destroy people and towns they didn't like, including what's been called a genocide of a group of Pygmy people who lived in the area, around 70,000 of them killed in the waning days of the war.In mid-2003, a peace agreement was signed, most of the warring factions that had fought in Congolese territory were convinced to leave, and it was estimated that up to 5.4 million people had died during the conflict.What I'd like to talk about today is what's happening in the DRC, now, at a moment of heightening tensions throughout the region, and in the DRC in particular, amidst warnings from experts that another regional conflict might be brewing.—A transition government was set up in the DRC in 2003, following the official end of that Second Congo war, and this government, though somewhat weak and absolutely imperfect in many ways, did manage to get the country to the point, three years later, in 2006, that it could hold an actual multi-party election; the country's first ever, which is no small thing.Unfortunately, a dispute related to the election results led to violence between supporters of the two primary candidates, so a second election was held—and that one ended relatively peacefully and a new president, Joseph Kabila, was sworn in.Kabila was reelected in 2011, then in 2018 he said he wouldn't be running again, which helped bring about the country's first peaceful transition of power when the next president, from the opposing party, stepped into office.During his tenure in office, though, Kabila's DRC was at near-constant war with rebel groups that semi-regularly managed to capture territory, and which were often supported by neighboring countries, alongside smaller groups, so-called Mai-Mai militias, that were established in mostly rural areas to protect residents from roaming gangs and other militias, and which sometimes decided to take other people's stuff or territory, even facing off with government forces from time to time.Violence between ethnic groups has also continued to be a problem, including the use of sexual violence and wholesale attempted genocide, which has been difficult to stop because of the depth of some of the issues these groups have with each other, and in some cases the difficulty the government has just getting to the places where these conflicts are occurring, infrastructure in some parts of the country being not great, where it exists at all.That 2018 election, where power was given away by one president to another, peacefully, for the first time, was notable in that regard, but it was also a milestone in it marked the beginning of widespread anti-election conspiracy theories, in that case the Catholic Church saying that the official results were bunk, and other irregularities, like a delay of the vote in areas experiencing Ebola outbreaks, those areas in many cases filled with opposition voters, added to suspicions.The most recent election, at the tail-end of 2023, was even more awash with such concerns, the 2018 winner, President Tshisekedi, winning reelection with 73% of the vote, and a cadre of nine opposition candidates signing a declaration saying that the election was rigged and that they want another vote to be held.All of which establishes the context for what's happening in the DRC, today, which is in some ways a continuation of what's been happening in this country pretty much since it became a country, but in other ways is an escalation and evolution of the same.One of the big focal points here, though, is the role that neighboring Rwanda has played in a lot of what's gone down in the DRC, including the issues we're seeing in 2024.Back in 1994, during what became known as the Rwandan genocide, militias from the ruling majority Hutu ethnic group decided to basically wipe out anyone from the minority Tutsi ethnic group.Somewhere between a 500,000 and a million people are estimated to have been killed between April and July of that year, alone, and that conflict pushed a lot of Hutu refugees across the border into the eastern DRC, which at the time was still Zaïre.About 2 million of these refugees settled in camps in the North and South Kivu provinces of the DRC, and some of them were the same extremists who committed that genocide in Rwanda in 1994, and they started doing what they do in the DRC, as well, setting up militias, in this case mostly in order to defend themselves against the new Tutsi-run government that had taken over in Rwanda, following the genocide.This is what sparked that First Congo War, as the Tutsi-run Rwandan government, seeking justice and revenge against those who committed all those atrocities went on the hunt for any Hutu extremists they could find, and that meant invading a neighboring country in order to hit those refugee groups, and the militias within them, that had set up shop there.The Second Congo War was sparked when relations between the Congolese and Rwandan governments deteriorated, the DRC government pushing Rwandan troops out of the eastern part of their country, and Kabila, the leader of the DRC at the time, asking everyone else to leave, all foreign troops that were helping with those Hutu militias.Kabila then allowed the Hutus to reinforce their positions on the border with Rwanda, seemingly as a consequence of a burgeoning international consensus that the Rwandan government's actions following the genocide against the Tutsis had resulted in an overcompensatory counter-move against Hutus, many of whom were not involved in that genocide, and the Tutsis actions in this regard amounted to war crimes.One of the outcomes of this conflict, that second war, was the emergence of a mostly Tutsi rebel group called the March 23 Movement, or M23, which eventually became a huge force in the region in the early 20-teens, amidst accusations that the Congolese government was backing them.M23 became such an issue for the region that the UN Security Council actually sent troops into the area to work with the Congolese army to fend them off, after they made moves to start taking over chunks of the country, and evidence subsequently emerged that Rwanda was supporting the group and their effort to screw over the Congolese government, which certainly didn't help the two countries' relationship.Alongside M23, ADF, and CODECO, a slew of more than 100 other armed, rebel groups still plague portions of the DRC, and part of the issue here is that Rwanda and other neighboring countries that don't like the DRC want to hurt them to whatever degree they're able, but another aspect of this seemingly perpetual tumult is the DRC's staggering natural resource wealth.Based on some estimates, the DRC has something like $24 trillion worth of natural resource deposits, including the world's largest cobalt and coltan reserves, two metals that are fundamental to the creation of things like batteries and other aspects of the modern economy, and perhaps especially the modern electrified economy.So in some ways this is similar to having the world's largest oil deposits back in the early 20th century: it's great in a way, but it's also a resource curse in the sense that everyone wants to steal your land, and in the sense that setting up a functioning government that isn't a total kleptocracy, corrupt top to bottom, is difficult, because there's so much wealth just sitting there, and there's no real need to invest in a fully fleshed out, functioning economy—you can just take the money other countries offer you to exploit your people and resources, and pocket that.And while that's not 100% what's happened in the DRC, it's not far off.During the early 2000s and into the 20-teens, the DRC government sold essentially all its mining rights to China, which has put China in control of the lion's share of some of the world's most vital elements for modern technology.The scramble to strike these deals, and subsequent efforts to defend and stabilize on one hand, or to attack and destabilize these mining operations, on the other, have also contributed to instability in the region, because local groups have been paid and armed to defend or attack, soldiers and mercenaries from all over the world have been moved into the area to do the same, and the logic of Cold War-era proxy conflicts has enveloped this part of Africa to such a degree that rival nations like Uganda are buying drones and artillery from China to strike targets within the DRC, even as China arms DRC-based rebel groups to back up official military forces that are protecting their mining operations.It's a mess. And it's a mess because of all those historical conditions and beefs, because of conflicts in other, nearby countries and the machinations of internal and external leaders, and because of the amplification of all these things resulting from international players with interests in the DRC—including China, but also China's rivals, all of whom want what they have, and in some cases, don't want China to have what they have.In 2022, M23 resurfaced after laying low for years, and they took a huge chunk of North Kivu in 2023.For moment that same year, it looked like Rwanda and the DRC might go to war with each other over mining interests they control in the DRC, but a pact negotiated by the US led to a reduction in the military buildup in the area, and a reduction in their messing with each other's political systems.In December of 2023, though, the President of the DRC compared the President of Rwanda to Hitler and threatened to declare war against him, and UN troops, who have become incredibly unpopular in the region, in part because of various scandals and corruption within their ranks, began to withdraw—something that the US and UN have said could lead to a power vacuum in the area, sparking new conflicts in an already conflict-prone part of the country.As of March 2024, soldiers from South Africa, Burundi, and Tanzania are fighting soldiers from Rwanda who are supporting M23 militants in the eastern portion of the DRC, these militants already having taken several towns.Seven million Congolese citizens are internally displaced as a result of these conflicts, having had to flee their homes due to all the violence, most of them now living in camps or wandering from place to place, unable to settle down anywhere due to other violence, and a lack of sufficient resources to support them.Rwanda, for its part, denies supporting M23, and it says the Congolese government is trying to expel Tutsis who live in the DRC.Burundi, located just south of Rwanda, has closed its border with its neighbor, and has also accused Rwanda of supporting rebels within their borders with the intent of overthrowing the government.Most western governments have voiced criticisms of Rwanda for deploying troops within its neighbors' borders, and for reportedly supporting these militant groups, but they continue to send the Rwandan government money—Rwanda gets about a third of its total budget from other governments, and the US is at the top of that list of donors, but the EU also sends millions to Rwanda each year, mostly to fund military actions aimed at taking out militants that make it hard to do business in the region.So changes in political stances are contributing to this cycle of violence and instability, as are regular injections of outside resources like money and weapons and soldiers.And as this swirl of forces continues to make the DRC borderline ungovernable, everyday people continue to be butchered and displaced, experiencing all sorts of violence, food shortages, and a lack of basic necessities like water, and this ongoing and burgeoning humanitarian nightmare could go on to inform and spark future conflicts in the region.Show Noteshttps://archive.ph/lk0mNhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Kabilahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rwandan_genocidehttps://gsphub.eu/country-info/Democratic%20Republic%20of%20Congohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congohttps://www.reuters.com/world/africa/why-fighting-is-flaring-eastern-congo-threatening-regional-stability-2024-02-19/https://archive.ph/lk0mNhttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/21/a-guide-to-the-decades-long-conflict-in-dr-congohttps://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/violence-democratic-republic-congohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_23_Movementhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kivu_conflicthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congo_Free_Statehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobutu_Sese_Sekohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congo_Crisishttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1965_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo_coup_d%27%C3%A9tathttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Congo_Warhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Congo_War This is a public episode. 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