A passion for puppets, Bulldog therapy, and the art of boxing

In this episode, a unique filmmaker rejects city life and follows her passion for puppets in Tubac, Arizona; an Episcopal priest and her bulldog bring joy and comfort to those who need it and Tucson boxing coach Chris Valdez has overcome pain and personal struggles coach and share life lessons in and outside of the ring.

Forming the Formless
Filmmaker Genevieve Anderson's career has not followed a traditional path, but she doesn't make traditional films. Using individually designed puppets and miniature sets, Anderson makes movies that explore themes of loneliness and compassion, qualities that she has time to reflect on in her home studio space. She has settled down in Tubac, Arizona, with chickens, a duck, a very large dog, and her son Roman.

Ellen and Laci – Bulldog therapy
"She failed at agility and she failed at obedience, but she's a great therapy dog." That's the statement from Ellen Morell, a former dental hygienist, planned giving consultant and current ordained Episcopal priest who now works at Harmony Hospice in Tucson. Eight years ago, Morell obtained a bulldog puppy named Laci and they've become great friends. Together, they've become a popular team that visit nursing homes and other facilities to provide company and comfort to residents. *2019 Rocky Mountain regional Emmy winner for Religion

Coach
There are those among us who work behind the scenes and out of the spotlight to enrich the lives of young people in our community. Some are called to teach, some to heal, some to guide, and some to coach. Chris Valdez is one of those. The kids he works with call him Coach. His life’s passion is teaching the art and science of the fight game, and the many life lessons that go along with it. We spent some time with Chris and his young fighters in south Tucson to find out what he and his work is all about. *2018 Rocky Mountain regional Emmy winner for Sports Feature Segment Tweet