Driftwood Conversations

In this episode of Driftwood Conversations, I sit down with Maurine Xavier, a woman who walked away from the safe, expected path of a high-level finance career and into the mystery of a life led by intuition. What unfolds is not just a story of career change—it’s a story of spiritual reckoning, physical pain as a message from the soul, and the quiet courage it takes to choose joy over fear. Maurin...

In Part 2 of my conversation with artist and filmmaker Gordon Clark, we go deeper into the heart of his story-driven work. Gordon reflects on photographing gang leaders, child subjects, and spiritual seekers, capturing not just portraits but decades of transformation. We talk about growing up in apartheid South Africa, finding truth through frequency, and how trauma and perspective shape both art...

Gordon Clark: Art, Witness, and the Frequency of Connection (Part 1) Today on Driftwood Conversations, I’m sharing Part 1 of my conversation with Gordon Clark — an artist, photographer, and filmmaker whose work defies the quick snapshot or surface impression. Gordon doesn’t just document people; he walks beside them, sometimes for years, through grief, beauty, transformation, and all the human ter...

In this episode of Driftwood Conversations, I sit down with John Gearty, an immersive media pioneer and founder of Pulse Jet Studios, to explore the frontier where music, technology, and storytelling intersect. John shares his journey from working on Apple’s Vision Pro to collaborating with artists like Björk and Lil Chris on groundbreaking virtual reality music experiences. We discuss what it mea...

In this episode of Driftwood Conversations, I sit down with sound artist and meditation specialist Kate Cline, known artistically as RSI. We explore Kate’s journey into the world of sound — from her work as a producer to her deeply intuitive approach to sound meditation. Kate shares how sound frequencies can influence brainwaves, foster healing, and open doorways to presence and transformation. Th...

Janis Commentz Painter and educator Janis Commentz discusses finding beauty in the desert and in everyday life. This conversation delves into her artistic evolution, her dedication to community art education, and how she utilizes creativity as a means of spiritual connection and expression.

In Part Two of Driftwood Conversations with Sant Khalsa, we delve into her recent projects, her community-centered practice in Joshua Tree, and her reflections on legacy, teaching, and how we might reimagine our relationship to the land and each other. Sant is one of those rare people whose presence feels both grounding and expansive. I can’t wait for you to hear her story. 

Sant Khalsa is an artist, activist, educator, and longtime resident of Joshua Tree whose life and work embody the kind of transformation this podcast seeks to illuminate. In Part 1 of this episode, Sant shares the early influences that shaped her, from her Jewish heritage to her spiritual awakening, her name change, and the beginnings of her creative and political journey. We discuss the power of...

Driftwood Conversations: Wendee & Joyce In this episode of Driftwood Conversations, Hilary Sloane speaks with environmental journalist Wendee Nicole and her daughter Joyce. What begins as a story about reporting in Uganda and founding a nonprofit unfolds into a moving exploration of identity, adoption, resilience, and love across cultures and generations. Through personal storytelling, the epi...

In a conversation with Jill Lust, we dive into creativity, nomadic living, and the courage to reinvent oneself. Jill speaks about art, spirit, and the practice of being present with life’s transitions, offering wisdom from her years as a traveler, artist, and seeker.

Jeff Frost In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Frost, an artist, filmmaker, musician, and self-proclaimed alien. His life and work move between chaos and beauty, collapse and transformation. From painting inside abandoned desert homes to capturing California wildfires in haunting time-lapse, Jeff’s story is one of survival, spiritual awakening, and the healing power of art.

Jamie Rose Jamie Rose is an award-winning documentary photographer and humanitarian. In this episode, she shares her journey covering global health crises and humanitarian issues, and how she co-founded Momenta Group to support other photographers in telling impactful stories. Her deep compassion and commitment to justice shine through every image and word.

Lauren Lovett Actress, coach, and trauma-informed practitioner Lauren Lovett brings her unique blend of theater, voice work, and emotional awareness to the forefront. In this episode, we discuss how conscious communication and self-awareness can heal, empower, and transform our relationships—on and off the stage.

Episode 3: Fred and Jim – A Lifetime of Creative Friendship In this heartwarming conversation, Fred and Jim—longtime friends and collaborators—share their intertwined stories of creativity, survival, and unwavering support. Hilary guides a conversation that touches on chosen family, enduring artistic expression, and how connection can sustain us through life’s biggest transitions.

Episode 2: Sam Oaks – Service, Leadership, and a New Kind of Volunteerism Hilary sits down with Sam Oaks, founder of Atova International, a nonprofit reshaping global service through empowerment and education. From military life to jungle conservation in Indonesia, Sam shares his deeply personal journey, insights on leadership, and how love in action guides both his work and relationships.

Episode 1: Miri Hunter – Art, Resilience, and Spiritual Strength In this opening episode, Hilary Sloane speaks with Miri Hunter—artist, performer, educator, and spiritual seeker. Miri reflects on her journey through illness, creativity, and personal transformation. Together, they explore the quiet power of resilience, the magic in everyday moments, and the deep calling to live an authentic, expres...