Welcome to New Dimensions Radio!
Masculine and feminine, earth and sea, forest and desert, nature and nurture - the balance of life shows up beautifully and metaphorically in the relationship and the work of Robin Kobaly and Doug Thompson. She is one of the nation's foremost experts on native desert plants; he is a leader in experiential research with marine mammals. Together they've changed the lives of thousands through their wildlife expeditions, native plant seminars, and outreach to developers, heads of corporations and top-level government officials. With the sound of the waves at Laguna Beach in the background, they share stories of their own life-changing experiences with all sorts of creatures from whales to "belly flowers," of the profound transformations they've witnessed in the people touched by their work, and of wild animals who respond to shifting perspectives among humans. As is typical of their dual approach, Doug shares Robin's insight, "I came down here to touch the whales, and the whales touched me." Your hope will be renewed by the pair's assessment of the wide-reaching impact each of us can have when we support the wild plants and animals that will thrive in our backyard, if only we allow it. (hosted by Justine Willis Toms)
Robin Kobaly is the director of SummerTree Institute, which promotes innovative views about our environment, our place in it and responsibility to it. Her program Saving the Ancients is dedicated to protecting native plant species.
Doug Thompson is a writer, ecologist, and internationally recognized naturalist. He organizes long-range natural history expeditions designed to foster preservation of the earth's ecosystems.