IZOD Indycar”s Simona de Silvestro, History of Catholicism & Panther Conservation

On this episode of World Footprints, we spotlight compelling stories of conservation, courage, and culture. From the vanishing wilderness of South Florida to the high-speed world of IndyCar racing and a sweeping global pilgrimage into the heart of Catholicism, today’s show connects purpose-driven people and powerful journeys. Plus, as a bonus feature, we’ll take you to the DC Stop Modern Slavery Walk, where the voices of activists and survivors ring out in the fight to end human trafficking.

Saving the Florida Panther: A Fight for Survival

Once roaming freely across the southeastern United States—from Louisiana and South Carolina to Florida—the Florida panther has become one of the most endangered mammals in North America. Listed on the U.S. Endangered Species List since 1967, the population now survives almost exclusively in South Florida. Fragmentation of habitat, vehicle collisions, and genetic bottlenecks continue to threaten its survival.

Joining us is Park Ranger Sandy Mickey from the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sandy shares insight into the urgent conservation efforts underway, including wildlife corridors, genetic restoration, and community outreach. Learn how these programs aim to restore balance to Florida’s ecosystems and prevent the extinction of this iconic feline.

👉To learn more about the Florida Panther visit:  https://www.fws.gov/floridapanther  or https://www.floridapanther.org

Panther. Photo by Larry Richardson, US Fish & Wildlife

Racing Beyond Barriers: Simona De Silvestro’s Rise in IndyCar

Few names in motorsport inspire as much admiration as Simona De Silvestro, a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of open-wheel racing. Born in Switzerland—a country that once banned auto racing on public roads—Simona has carved her path as one of the fiercest competitors on the IndyCar circuit. Nicknamed the “Iron Maiden” for her grit and resilience, Simona earned the IndyCar Rookie of the Year award and has consistently broken barriers for women in motorsports.

In our conversation, she reflects on her early racing days, the challenges of transitioning into top-tier American motorsport, and what it means to lead by example for the next generation of female drivers.

Simona De Silvestro car BTR. Photo by Tonya Fitzpatrick

A Journey Through Faith and Culture: Father Robert Barron on Catholicism

In a world often divided by ideology, the PBS documentary series Catholicism offers a unifying and artful lens on a 2,000-year-old tradition that shapes over one billion lives worldwide. Produced by filmmaker and former Today Show correspondent Mike Leonard, this epic series follows Bishop Robert Barron (formerly Father Barron) as he travels the globe—from the streets of Jerusalem to the shrines of Latin America—to uncover the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Catholic Church.

Now the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, Bishop Barron brings deep theological insight and a cinematic eye to sacred art, architecture, music, and philosophy. We discuss the making of the series, the role of visual storytelling in spiritual engagement, and the universal messages that transcend religious boundaries.

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