[Unedited] Alan Rabinowitz with Krista Tippett

Cancer's Impact

Alan Rabinowitz's cancer diagnosis profoundly influenced his approach to life and work. He shares how this awareness of mortality has not slowed him down but rather intensified his drive to protect wildlife. "Because I have cancer is why I'm here, is why I'm pushing it," he states, emphasizing how his illness has helped him gain respect and achieve conservation goals in challenging environments like Myanmar 1. Despite the incurable nature of his illness, Alan remains focused on his mission, viewing it as a wake-up call to accomplish more 2.

   

Stuttering's Role

Stuttering played a pivotal role in shaping Alan's life and career. He describes the challenges of growing up with a stutter and how it led him to find solace in nature and animals. "I grew up in New York City. My animals were little green turtles and hamsters and chameleons, and that's who I would speak to," he recalls, highlighting how this connection influenced his path to becoming a wildlife biologist 3. Alan's journey to fluency was arduous, yet it opened new avenues, allowing him to pursue his passion for wildlife conservation 4.