Infinite Search

In a world that celebrates constant motion, what wisdom might we discover if we simply... paused? Heather Hiscox, founder of Pause for Change and author of "No More Status Quo," examines how our pursuit of immediate results creates a paradox in social change—we often recreate the very systems we aim to transform. This thoughtful conversation reveals how stepping back from the "move fast and break...

What happens when our pursuit of perfect solutions prevents good ones from emerging? In this Waypoint reflection, we explore the curious paradox in how we approach difficult conversations about our planet's future. Drawing inspiration from Jenny Morgan's insights on climate polarization, we consider how moving beyond heroes and villains might create space for meaningful progress. This is a...

In a world often divided by polarized climate discourse, how can we create meaningful accountability without resorting to cancellation? Jenny Morgan, climate strategist and author of "Cancel Culture in Climate: Polarization is Setting Our Planet on Fire," explores how our approach to climate communications can either bridge divides or deepen them. This thoughtful conversation reveals how...

What happens when you tell an artist what they can't paint? They find a way to paint it anyway... just in code. In this Waypoint reflection, we explore how creative expression preserves cultural memory when direct communication is forbidden. Drawing inspiration from Mongolian artists who maintained their identity through political change, we consider how resistance takes form through art and how w...

When a culture faces profound change, what endures? In Mongolia of the 1930s, as Buddhist monasteries were dismantled and ancient practices set aside, artists navigated a complex reality. From this transformation emerged Mongol Zurag, an art form that honored the past while engaging with a changing present. Orna Tsultem, whose father was an influential artist during Mongolia's socialist period, sh...

In this episode of The Infinite Search , host John explores the creative journey of Eric Von Haynes, a printmaker, artist, and community builder, who finds balance between personal creativity and community service. As the founder of Flatlands Press and co-founder of the Love Fridge Chicago initiative, Eric shares how he creates art that fosters social connection. From his leadership in the Chicago...

Join Bill Diamond, CEO of the SETI Institute, as we embark on a journey through the vastness of space in search of extraterrestrial intelligence. In this episode, Bill shares insights into SETI's cutting-edge work, exploring the mysteries of the universe, and listening for signals that could reveal intelligent life beyond Earth. Discover how SETI bridges science, philosophy, and wonder, and ho...

Join Azzedine Downes, CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), as he shares his impactful journey in wildlife conservation. Learn how his leadership is protecting endangered species, preserving habitats, and fostering a global movement for environmental stewardship. Through compelling stories and insights, Azzedine reveals the vital connections between humans, animals, and ecosyste...

Today, our search lands us in conversation with Sunaura Taylor, a professor, artist, writer, and activist whose scholarship explores the entanglement of disability and ecological thought. Her work at the intersection of disability studies, environmental justice, multi-species studies, and art practice invites us to see beyond traditional environmental narratives to appreciate the vital contributio...

In a world obsessed with progress and growth, John Stuart Heers offers a simple yet profound insight: Perhaps the most significant transformations occur not through what we gain, but through what we give and how we choose to engage with the world around us. John’s path takes us into a conversation that challenges the essence of our relationships in communities both near and far—a conversation abou...

Today, our search lands us in conversation with Dr. Rich Blundell, a scientist and cultural communicator who invites us to explore the profound wisdom of nature through the lens of his unique philosophy, Oika. Rich’s work challenges us to reimagine our relationship with the natural world, encouraging us to see ourselves as integral threads in a vast tapestry of life that has existed for over 13.8...

Today, our search lands us in conversation with Phyllis E. Leavitt, a psychotherapist and author whose insights into the human condition challenge us to reflect on our own lives and the oh-so-moral fabric of our national well-being. Phyllis lovingly explores the pitfalls and possibilities of the human condition. With a career spanning over three decades, she has been a quiet force in the field of...

In a time when the intersection of art and nature has never been more crucial, certain storytellers captivate our imaginations and inspire us to cherish the world around us with wit, wisdom, and a good dose of wonder. Bonnie Kelso is one such artist. Through her work she reveals the unseen lives beneath our ocean's surface, in our suburban forests, and along a path in life never walked alone—u...

About Episode In a world enthralled by the new and the next, David Goyes invites us to pause and ponder a different question: What if true sustainability isn’t just about consuming less, but about deepening our care and commitment to each other? David’s search brings us into a conversation that challenges the core of our modern consumer habits—a conversation about what it means to live in a more j...

About Episode In our season 2 kickoff of The Infinite Search, we journey with Layne through a landscape of profound transformation and deep self-realization. In "Bidding on Brighter Futures," Layne opens up about their evolution from a backdrop of cultural heritage and personal trials to becoming a beacon of change and authenticity. Layne recounts the intricacies of growing up in a Latvi...

Early in my path as a creative, I was introduced to the work of the artist and nun, Frances Elizabeth Kent. When Kent entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary religious order in 1936, she took the name Sister Mary Corita. The name is Spanish for, “little heart”, which is ironic given her outsized love and hope for humanity. Corita went on to become an influential American artist, educator, and advocat...

On a chilly spring day earlier this year, I received a notification from my friend Julia, our first guest on the Infinite Search. The show had just launched a couple of hours prior, and people were reaching out to show their support. Julia was excited to introduce me to a friend who was curious to know more.  The idea for the infinite search was taking root—a space for personal storytelling and co...

It was February of 2022. I opened the door of a large, industrial building on the South side of Chicago housing dozens of studios, galleries, and creative spaces on five floors. I was excited to meet other artists in the community, and my palms were very sweaty. The gallery owner convened a circle to introduce ourselves, and I only remember two things from that point on: 1) Someone talking about t...

It was the spring of 2020. I just had a nervous breakdown and experienced the very first panic attack in my life. I thought I was dying. I felt alone, isolated, and had come to the hard realization that decisions in my life had led me to a life unfulfilled. I realized I had no real community, and it was eating me alive. I made some pretty serious shifts in my life and serendipitously, a week later...

There are times in your life when you meet someone that you hope to be in conversation with for the rest of your life. Julia is one of those people for me.  We met in 2020 after Julia had just completed her Master of fine arts at Columbia College Chicago. Originally from our shared hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas, Arredondo is heavily influenced by the small, family-based businesses she grew up...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Infinite Search—conversations of the human kind. Join artist and designer John Robert Hatherly as they dive into topics like love, purpose, faith, value, and more with friends they've met along the way. Exploring the human experience. To ask questions that challenge us. To share stories that inspire us. And to seek a better understanding, of ourselves, and t...