The Expat Experience
Rob DeForge
Recent Episodes
How can animated characters teach kids about kindness, inclusion, and climate change? What do a hard-of-hearing whale and a finger-spelling hermit crab have to do with ocean conservation and environmental conservation?
In this episode of The Expat Experience, host Robert DeForge welcomes author and sign language interpreter Marianne Ambrose, whose Acts of Kindness Book Series blends storytelling, deaf advocacy, and real-world issues like bullying, clean oceans, and climate change. Inspired by her experiences sailing in Hawaii and practicing meditation, Marianne’s work features animated characters, puppets, and music to educate children on pressing social issues. Through her focus on education, inclusion, and creativity, she demonstrates how everyday acts of kindness can empower young people and create a lasting global impact.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- (00:00) Intro: Meet Marianne
- (02:15)How guided meditation and ocean pollution near her sailboat in Hawaii inspired Underwater Acts of Kindness
- (06:06) Creating themed books: Rabbit Acts of Kindness, Righteous Acts of Kindness, and Cool Acts of Kindness for Climate Change
- (11:19) Marianne’s mission to spread kindness through storytelling, animation, and deaf advocacy
- (13:30) Tackling bullying, hearing loss, climate change, and clean water through sign language and quirky characters in her animated stories
- (16:30) How listeners can incorporate kindness into their daily lives, and a look ahead at the future of the book series
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The Acts of Kindness book series uses animation, puppetry, and storytelling to educate readers about environmental and social issues. Marianne’s characters, like Noaah the hard-of-hearing whale and Dr. Fingers the finger-spelling hermit crab, teach children sign language while promoting inclusion, empathy, and ocean conservation.
- Inspired by her time as a sailor and sign language interpreter, Marianne raises awareness of issues like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, bullying, and hearing loss. Through creativity and compassion, her mission is to make acts of kindness a part of everyday life and inspire a global movement for change.
- Her educational tools—used in Hawaii’s schools and deaf communities—include coloring books, clean water units, and puppets, all supported by grants like one from the Awesome Foundation.
RESOURCES:
DeForge Realty Group - Website
Marianne L. Ambrose - LinkedIn
Underwater Acts of Kindness (Acts of Kindness Book Series)
Rabbit Acts of Kindness - No Bully (Acts of Kindness Book Series)
Righteous Acts of Kindness - (Kindness Book Series)
Cool Acts of Kindness (Acts of Kindness Book Series)
GUEST BIOGRAPHY:
Marianne L. Ambrose ( Marianne of Waikiki ) is a creative international sign language entertainer and artist who uses puppetry and American Sign Language to entertain hearing -impaired audiences. She holds a B. S in Communication Disorders/ Audiology from Central Michigan University. Marianne has dealt with her own hearing loss challenge, which resulted from a car accident. She has since recovered and is more passionate than ever about bringing her "Acts of Kindness Divine Messages" of peace, love, happiness and thanks to audiences across the globe.
KEYWORDS: Kindness, Storytelling, Deaf Advocacy, Sign Language, Marianne Ambrose, Bullying, Climate Change, Clean Water, Puppets, Animation, Book Series, Ocean Conservation, Inclusion, Social Issues, Hawaii, Acts of Kindness, Environmental Awareness, Underwater Acts of Kindness, Rabbit Acts of Kindness, Righteous Acts of Kindness, and Cool Acts of Kindness for Climate Change, ASL, American Sign Language, sign language interpreter
Fueled by passion and perseverance, Enrique Arizmendi, owner of a One-of-a-Kind Oyster Pearl Farm is here to share how something as small as a pearl can significantly impact the community and environment.
Welcome to The Expat Experience, where host and real estate expert Robert DeForge sits down with special guest Enrique Arizmendi, owner of a one-of-a-kind oyster pearl farm. In this episode, Enrique shares how his journey began as a student project in 1991 and evolved into a thriving business, thanks to unwavering community support and relentless dedication. You'll hear about the unique species of oysters that produce vibrant, naturally colorful pearls found only in the Sea of Cortez, and the meticulous 18-month process it takes to harvest each one. Enrique also explains what happens to pearls that don't meet his high standards, the surprising environmental role oyster farming plays, and the ways global warming could impact the future of these incredible creatures. Finally, Enrique opens up about the most rewarding moments of his career — and the powerful lessons in perseverance that can inspire anyone chasing a dream.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- (00:00) Enrique Arizmendi’s entry into the pearl farming business, and the different species of oysters and their special characteristics
- (11:39) Enrique walks through the entire operation and the 18 months of harvesting a single pearl
- (21:55) What happens to the pearls that are not up to the standard Enrique sets, and what role do they play in the environment
- (25:47) Enrique shares what happens to these one-of-a-kind pearls
- (32:09) Enrique discusses how global warming affects the future of the pearl oyster
- (39:44) Enrique explains what the most rewarding aspects of his business have been
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Truly One-Of-A-Kind Pearls: The pearls from the Sea of Cortez are unique due to their color, fluorescence, and the special species of oyster used. Unlike other pearls worldwide, these pearls exhibit vibrant, natural shades like purples, greens, and reds because of a light interference effect. They also fluoresce pink to red under ultraviolet light and come from a different genus of pearl oyster, making them truly unique.
- Pearl Quality Depends on Growth Time and Careful Selection. After a minimum of 18 months growing inside the oyster, pearls are harvested and meticulously sorted. Only pearls that reach at least 8 millimeters with a good layer of mother-of-pearl are kept for jewelry; smaller or poorly coated pearls are either repurposed or returned to the ocean during a ceremonial offering.
- Pearl Oysters Play an Important Environmental Role. Beyond producing pearls, pearl oysters contribute to ocean health by filtering seawater, helping control organic matter, and preventing harmful algae blooms. This natural filtration system supports a balanced marine ecosystem, especially in the Sea of Cortez.
RESOURCES:
Perlas del Mar de Cortez - Store
Expat, Expat Experience Podcast, Pearl Farm, Pearl Farming, Oysters, One-of-a-Kind Oyster Pearl, Colorful Pearls, Unique Pearls, Overcoming Doubt, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Jewelry Industry, Custom Pearls, Jewelry, Exotic Pearls, Pearl Industry, Living in Mexico, Moving to Mexico, Mexican Real Estate, Moving to Mexico, Enrique Arizmendi, community support, dedication, Sea of Cortez, Sea of Cortez Pearls, Pearl Harvest, oyster farming, perseverance, Miramar Mexico, Playa Miramar, one-of-a-kind pearl, global warming, pearl quality, Sustainable Pearl Farm, Sustainability, Perlas del Mar de Cortez, Fair Trade Gems
