Finding Grace in the Process: Szn 2 Critters and Cultures

It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to write a blog, but I couldn’t let this moment pass without sharing how grateful — and proud — I feel right now. 

Season 2 of the Critters and Cultures podcast is officially out. 🐾✨

This season is special. It’s rich with stories, layered with lived experiences, and filled with voices from around the world. Each guest brought a piece of their heart, their culture, and their truth — and I’m so thankful to share that with you.

And before I go any further — I want to extend a special thank you to Maddie’s Fund®, whose generous support helped make this season possible. Their commitment to community, compassion, and inclusive storytelling aligns so beautifully with the heart of Critters and Cultures.

🎬 A Shift in the Plan — and in Perspective

I’ll be honest. I had big plans for this season. My vision was to take Critters and Cultures to a new level — more like a docuseries, full of live, on-the-ground moments in communities, capturing conversations and culture in motion. (Still a dream - think Anthony Bourdain and Ava DuVerney mashed up in the animal world)... 

But life had other plans.

Family obligations and personal responsibilities demanded my time and attention — and I had to adjust.

And that’s the lesson, isn’t it? Life is about adjusting. It’s about giving yourself permission to pivot, to breathe, and to remember that doing your best is enough. We’re not meant to have it all figured out. We’re meant to grow — with grace, resilience, and patience.

So even though Season 2 didn’t unfold exactly how I envisioned, I know it’s exactly what it needed to be. And I couldn’t be prouder to share.  

🎧 Stories That Move You

Each episode thus far this season has left me in awe. Here’s a glimpse of what’s waiting for you:

🎙️ Episode 1 – Sabrina Fatrdla: “How Romani Heritage Shapes Global Advocacy”
Sabrina’s story opened my eyes to the depth of Romani culture and the importance of understanding how language shapes identity. She shares the history behind the word “gypsy” — and why it’s often a misrepresentation — while weaving in the Romani people’s deep and historic connection with horses. Her advocacy work is powerful, compassionate, and inspiring.

🎙️ Episode 2 – Dr. Navaratnam Partheeban: “Diversity in Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine”
Dr. Partheeban, a Hindu and brown-skinned veterinarian based in the UK, co-founded the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society (BVEDS). He shares an honest story about how he initially began writing blogs anonymously out of fear that being vocal about race and inclusion could get him blackmarked in his career. But through that fear, he found strength — realizing that his voice could help others like him feel seen, connected, and supported. His journey is a powerful reminder that advocacy often begins with courage in the quiet moments.

🎙️ Episode 3 – Dr. Wesley Cheung: “Accent Bias and the Power of Voice”
Dr. Cheung, an Asian American veterinarian, opened up about his experience growing up and working hard to “neutralize” his accent — to sound more “standard.” His reflection led him to study sociolinguistics, diving deep into how we perceive accents and the subconscious biases they trigger. Accent bias, as he explains, is a widely accepted yet often overlooked form of discrimination — one that influences how intelligence and competence are unfairly judged. His insight challenges us all to listen differently, with empathy and awareness.

🎙️ Episode 4 – Jaslyn Zarate: “Healing, Horses, and Humanity”
Jaslyn’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After a devastating car accident that lead to multiple invasive surgeries and nearly took her life, she found healing and purpose through animals — therapy dogs, horses, and the gentle patience they teach us. Her experience with her social workers and personal pets led her to become a social worker, blending her passion for people and animals into a career of service and compassion.

THESE are UNSUNG HEROES! And I am so grateful I've gotten to share the time and space with them.  The season is just getting started and looking forward to sharing so much more! 

💫 The Beauty of Becoming

If there’s one message I want to leave you with, it’s this:
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start.

Season 1 was beautiful. Season 2 is even better. And I know Season 3 will outshine them both — not because perfection is the goal, but because growth is.

Each step forward, each lesson learned, and each story shared brings us closer to what we’re meant to become.

So wherever you are in your journey — whether you’re building, recovering, dreaming, or redefining — I hope this season reminds you that you’re right on time.

🎧 Listen to Season 2 of Critters and Cultures — proudly supported by Maddie’s Fund®, investing in a more inclusive and compassionate world for people and pets.

Now streaming on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and DrAzaliaBoyd.com.

If an episode moves you, teaches you something new, or simply makes you feel seen — please share it.
Because when we share stories, we share healing. 🌍💛