Christa Avampato's Blog

Me on stage. Photo by Ashley Semrick and Ell

Five years ago today, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I didn’t know what my future held. My friend, Meg, sat in my surgeon’s office with me and held my hand. A plan came together with my surgeon to not only help me survive, but thrive. I didn’t know what that looked like then, but I know now.

Today, I stand here, stronger and more committed than ever to sharing the stories that matter—the secrets we keep because sometimes they are too frightening to say out loud and the lies we tell ourselves to fake it until we make it so we can survive.

I’m channeling that strength into a story I’ll tell on stage, and I hope you’ll join me for the next chapter on October 28th for NYC’s Secrets & Lies – Ghost Stories!

That October 28th show date is also a very momentous personal anniversary for me: that will mark five years since my bilateral mastectomy—the day I faced my worst fear head-on and the last day there was any sign of cancer in my body. We’re going to celebrate!

Link to tickets and information: http://lies.eventbrite.com

Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash

The urgent global challenge is feeding a rapidly growing population while fighting the uncertainty of climate change. As a storyteller and a biomimicry scientist, I often ask: How does nature solve a massive, existential crisis? The answer, it turns out, lies not in some distant super-technology, but in the subtle genius of a single plant cell.

New research from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has illuminated a fundamental biological “master switch” in the DNA of food crops like corn, giving us an actual blueprint for creating a resilient, thriving future. This isn’t just botany; it’s a profound lesson in survival written right into the plant kingdom.

The Inner Wisdom of the Plant

Plant growth, from the deepest root to the ripest ear of corn, is governed by its stem cells—unspecialized cells that hold the potential to become any part of the plant. The challenge facing plant scientists has always been figuring out how to balance these cells: when should they grow and when should they specialize into, say, a fruit or a thick stalk?

In a breakthrough study, scientists mapped the gene expression in these cells, revealing the network of regulators that act as the plant’s precise internal control panel. This network balances growth and stress response, allowing the plant to strategically allocate its resources for survival.

This knowledge is a gift to us all because it shows how nature manages risk. A plant facing drought doesn’t just despair; it shifts resources to deepen its roots. A plant under pest attack doesn’t just succumb; it redirects energy to fortify its cell walls. It’s a marvelous, elegant system of risk mitigation through metabolic flexibility.

A Blueprint for Humanity’s Resilience

As my work focuses on biomimicry—integrating nature’s genius into the human world—I see in this discovery a direct path to solving our human challenge of food security. We are not meant to struggle endlessly against the elements; we are meant to learn from the masters of endurance.

This plant study provides us with three clear takeaways for building a better world:

Precision over Force: Instead of overwhelming fields with more fertilizer and water, we can use this genetic knowledge to engineer plants to be more efficient—to use nitrogen more effectively and direct energy precisely where it’s needed most for resilience.Unlocking Latent Potential: We are now able to see and manipulate the plant’s own evolutionary solutions. We can develop crops with deep-seated, natural defenses against drought and disease, built on the plant’s own wisdom, not on chemical dependency.The Power of the Foundational System: The corn stalk teaches us that true resilience comes from perfecting the foundation. By understanding and replicating the simplest, deepest biological controls, we can build human systems that are robust and adaptable, just like an ecosystem.A Brighter Future Ahead

This breakthrough is more than just a scientific finding; it is a fundamental shift in our relationship with nature. By finally decoding the genetic “master switch” that plants use to govern their own destiny, we are handed a powerful blueprint for survival. The challenge of global food security has never been greater, but this research proves that the solution is not an endless technological sprint, but a deeper engagement with the patient, profound wisdom of the living world. The era of resilient agriculture is not just on the horizon—it has already begun, written in the complex, hopeful language of a plant’s own DNA.

If you’re interested in learning more about how I apply nature’s genius to human challenges, check out my work on biomimicry here: Christa Avampato: Biomimicry Stories Can Help Us Build a More Sustainable World



Now, I want to hear from you: How can we apply the corn plant’s principle of ‘metabolic flexibility’ to urban planning in our own cities?

http://lies.eventbrite.com

The storytellers of NYC’s Secrets & Lies and I have spent the last month celebrating the secrets hidden beneath New York City—from the quiet wilderness of Central Park to the forgotten history in the street streets. As October deepens, we’re switching our focus from nature’s secrets to something far more chilling: NYC’s infamous ghosts and the secrets they left behind.

The audience feedback from our last event, NYC’s Secrets & Lies – Nature, was absolutely overwhelming. Before we dive into the chilling tales planned for October 28th, we want to prove that this is more than just a show—it’s a truly unforgettable New York experience. If you’ve been on the fence, let our past audience convince you to secure your spot for a night of fright, tricks, and treats!

Why the Show Works

We set out to create compelling, high-caliber storytelling, and the response confirmed it. This show isn’t just reciting history; it’s about crafting a narrative that sticks with you long after you leave The Hidden Jewel Box Theater, a secret theater hidden inside Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Here is a glimpse of what audience members said about the last installment:

Testimonial 1: “From the moment I stepped in through the secret door to the moment I left through ANOTHER secret door, this was the best storytelling I’ve ever seen in NYC!”

Testimonial 2: “I haven’t been this entertained and educated at the same time in a long time. The perfect New York night out—NYC’s Secrets & Lies is a true hidden gem of the city’s indie arts scene.”

Testimonial 3: “A masterclass in stage presence. The performers brought every secret to life and I had no idea which stories were true and which was the lie! I bought tickets for the next show before I left the theater.”

From Nature to Ghosts Image created by Christa Avampato

The same dedication to research, quality performance, and compelling narrative that wowed the audience last month is now being turned towards the city’s darker corners.

For NYC’s Secrets & Lies – Ghost Stories on Tuesday, October 28th at 8pm, we’re diving deep into the true hauntings and the unsettling history that makes New York one of the spookiest places on earth. Expect to hear real, unsettling stories about:

The notorious ghosts of Greenwich Village’s oldest theaters.The dark family secrets buried beneath modern skyscrapers.The lingering spirits tied to a famous Manhattan landmark.

And one big lie! This is an intimate, spine-tingling historical journey just three days before Halloween. Our show is your perfect way to connect with the ghosts of New York’s past. Come early when the doors open at 7:30pm to enjoy some treats, meet the storytellers, and explore The Hidden Jewel Box Theater before it closes and disappears forever!

Space at The Hidden Jewel Box Theater is extremely limited for this one-night-only event. With the clock ticking down to October 28th, tickets are selling fast thanks to the buzz from our last show. Don’t wait to secure your spot!

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR OCTOBER 28TH http://lies.eventbrite.com

[TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE: http://lies.eventbrite.com]

PS – Keep following our social channels for behind-the-scenes looks at the chilling research for the Ghost Stories show! You can follow me on Instagram and Threads at @christarosenyc and you can follow the show on Instagram at @nycsecretsandlies.

Image created by Christa Avampato.

I just attended Dr. Katharine Hayhoe’s Climate Week NYC talk at the American Museum of Natural History, and it was the most empowering climate message I’ve ever heard. It reframes the entire discussion around three simple ideas: Head, Heart, and Hands.

A research-backed truth: Dr. Hayhoe shared that most people in this country and in the world (~60% on both counts) are worried about climate change. We, the worried, don’t need more doom and damning data to get us concerned because we’re already there.

The challenge: Even though we’re worried, we aren’t taking enough action to alleviate our worry because we don’t know what to do about it.

The solution: Sync up our head, heart, and hands – what I’m calling the great triumvirate of change – and sync with others.

Well, that’s all well and good, but how do we do that? Dr. Hayhoe’s advice: Get clear about what we care about, how climate change will impact what we care about, find others who care about what we care about, and start talking!

Here’s our action plan:

Head: Define Your Why. Clearly identify exactly why you’re worried. Finish this sentence: “I care about climate because I care about…” How is your personal well-being, favorite place, or dearest value already being affected by climate change? Keep it simple, personal, and jargon-free.

Heart: Connect to Community. Now that you know what you care about, find communities, groups, and individuals who share that passion and are also affected by climate change.

Hands: Turn Conversation into Action. Get in touch with those communities and start talking about your shared worries and values. That act of conversation and connection will lead to meaningful, collaborative action or project to protect what you care about.

Climate change will affect everything everywhere all at once. It is a global issue, and no one will escape it so no matter what you care about, it will be impacted and there are communities of people who care about it, too. Let’s dive into an example from my personal life to see this action plan come to life.

An example:

Head: I’m worried about climate change because I love New York City. Since most of our city is at or near sea level, we will be subject to serious impacts from sea level rise, and we have a lot of issues now with rain flooding the streets and subways – our main modes of transportation. We also have a lot of people living in a small amount of space so there is a lot of pollution that impacts our health and well-being, and often crowds out green space, which is causing more heat, dirtier air, and health issues.

Heart: I love this city, and I do believe we can make it greener, cleaner, and healthier for all beings who live here – people, pets, wildlife, and plants. I want to find other people who also care about nature in NYC.

Hands: I run a live storytelling game show called NYC’s Secrets & Lies all about the secret history of NYC. This month, I decided to make the show all about stories related in nature in NYC and applied to have it become an official Climate Week NYC event. They accepted it (hooray!). I found a terrific venue – a hidden theater inside Port Authority Bus Terminal (a great tie into the transportation issues impacted by climate change here in NYC!) We had a wonderful cast of storytellers who were enthusiastic about the topic and told a wide range of stories. I also invited Josh Otero from the Natural Areas Conservancy to be our special guest to talk about all of the amazing work they do to make NYC greener and healthier. We had a sold-out show with a waitlist of 33 people, and all of the stories talked about interesting aspects of the history of nature in NYC. We had so much fun, and it was a great way to get the message out there! This show gave me a place to put my worries about climate change and turn them into action with others. I’m planning to do more of these shows – stay tuned!  

Our climate anxiety is reaching new heights and as Dr. Hayhoe explained, the way to use that anxiety for good is through stories. Storytelling is about conversations. Every great idea, every meaningful action, every ounce of change – it all begins with a conversation. Get out there, start talking, and see what change you can create with others.

I’m really happy to have joined a new collective created by Climate Film Festival that’s bringing together sustainability professionals with filmmakers to raise the bar on and expand opportunities for climate storytelling. As someone who has one foot in each of these worlds, I’m so excited to be part of this new professional group and to help craft and fund these stories that drive action.

Yesterday I went to the Essex Market coffee hour for our first in-person event and attended an excellent panel about climate documentary making. As someone who studied how to use storytelling to drive more climate investment from family offices, I felt like I was in just the right place at just the right time because financing was a key part of the conversation. I heard a number of filmmakers talk about the challenge of finding financing for their climate films, especially with the current situation in D.C.

What filmmakers need to consider is that private funders don’t want to just fund a movie. They want to fund systemic change, especially when it comes to protecting and restoring the health of the planet. Filmmakers need to show how their films, and the platforms and supports they are building around their films, will get viewers to engage in creating meaningful change. That change needs to be measured and reported on.

Is that asking more from filmmakers? Yes. Is it asking them to be skilled business people, entrepreneurs, and community leaders on top of their filmmaking expertise and beyond the creation of the film? Yes. Isn’t making a movie already a Herculean task? Yes. Is that a challenge? Yes. It’s also today’s funding reality.

You aren’t just making a movie, not anymore. You’re building a movement, and that movement is what’s fundable with a movie being one cornerstone of many.

Algae. Photo by Oleksandr Sushko on Unsplash

The future of color is growing right under our noses—or rather, in vats of nutrient-rich water. Algae-based paints are emerging as an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional pigments, which are often derived from petroleum and other non-renewable resources. This shift is not just a trend; it’s a significant move toward a more environmentally friendly and circular economy in the world of art and design.

How the Technology Works

The magic of algae-based pigments lies in their natural ability to produce vibrant colors. Algae, particularly microalgae, are single-celled organisms that carry out photosynthesis, a process that requires them to produce various pigments. These pigments are the same ones that give algae their distinctive hues. For example, green pigments come from chlorophyll, blue from phycocyanin, and a range of reds, yellows, and oranges from carotenoids like astaxanthin.

The production process for these paints is fascinating and generally follows a few key steps:

Cultivation: Microalgae are grown in controlled, closed-loop systems, such as large bioreactors. This allows companies to optimize conditions like light, temperature, and nutrient levels to maximize pigment yield. This cultivation process is far more water-efficient than traditional plant-based dyes and can be done on non-arable land, reducing pressure on agricultural resources.Harvesting and Extraction: Once the algae have grown, they are harvested, typically through methods like centrifugation or filtration, to separate the biomass from the water. The pigments are then extracted from the algae cells. The extraction process is carefully controlled, often using eco-friendly solvents like ethanol, to ensure the resulting pigments are pure and stable. Some companies have even developed processes to use the whole algae as a pigment, eliminating the need for a separate extraction step and further reducing waste.Formulation: The extracted pigments are then milled into a fine powder or a liquid dispersion. This pigment is then combined with a suitable binder and other additives to create a usable paint. Companies are constantly innovating to ensure these paints have the same high-performance qualities—such as durability, lightfastness, and color intensity—as their conventional counterparts.

The environmental benefits of this process are substantial. Algae production is carbon-negative, meaning it sequesters more CO2 than is emitted during production. Additionally, it significantly reduces water usage and eliminates the need for toxic, petroleum-based ingredients that are common in traditional paints.

Companies Leading the Way

Several pioneering companies are bringing algae-based paints and pigments to market, demonstrating the technology’s commercial viability and potential for widespread adoption. One of the most prominent players is Living Ink Technologies. The company specializes in creating black pigments from discarded algae cells, offering a sustainable alternative to carbon black, a pigment typically derived from fossil fuels and classified as a carcinogen. Living Ink’s products are used not only in paints but also in inks, plastics, and even cosmetics.

Another notable company is Gruppo Boero, an Italian paint and varnish manufacturer that partnered with Tolo Green to create “Spirulina Paint,” a high-quality, water-based interior paint with a natural pigment derived from spirulina microalgae. This paint was famously used for the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai.

With ongoing research and development, the color palette derived from algae is expanding beyond greens and blues to include a full spectrum of natural shades. As consumers and industries alike prioritize sustainability, algae-based paints are poised to become a mainstream solution for a more beautiful and eco-conscious world.

This video shows how to make your own eco-friendly watercolor paint using spirulina algae and other natural materials. Making Algae Milk Paint

Our first photo together in the parking lot of the shelter. Taken by my mom.

Today would have been Phinny’s 15th Gotcha Day and 16th birthday. 

Do you remember what it was like the very first time you saw your BFF (best furry friend)?

I remember taking the train to Harrison, NY that day to spring him from the shelter like it was yesterday. I remember walking into that dark and dank lobby that smelled like mildew. I remember the very first time I saw him wiggle his little self out into the lobby.

I remember the first time I picked him up and held him. I remember the first time he looked at me with his beautiful marble eyes. It was the only instance in my life of love at first sight. I knew he was for me and I was for him. I found my boy and he found his mom. 

Phineas was adventurous and fun-loving, always up for anything. He was my constant companion, through thick and thin. Loyal to a fault. Curious, funny, and playful. As long as he was with me, he was happy. It didn’t matter where we were or what he was doing. He just wanted to be along for the ride.

He taught me how to be brave and how to trust myself and others. After all the difficulties he faced during the first year of his life, he still left his heart wide open for the possibility of a new chapter. When I find myself facing difficulties, I embrace my inner Phinny. I try to be as brave as he always was.

Happy birthday and happy Gotcha Day over the rainbow bridge, Phinny. Though you’re no longer here physically, I feel your spirit with me everywhere I go and in everything I do. Together forever, buddy. 

Robert Redford. From https://www.livingwithwolves.org/about/robert-redford/

I was saddened to hear about the passing of Robert Redford this morning. When I was an undergrad at the University of Pennsylvania, he came to campus to explore a film and storytelling partnership between the university, the West Philadelphia community, and his Sundance Institute. I remember seeing him from a distance and immediately noticing that there was a light about him, a kind of magical aura that emanated from his smile and ease of being. 

In addition to championing filmmaking and storytelling, he was also incredibly passionate about the environment. He was a lifelong advocate for nature, beginning his activism in the 1970s by using his celebrity to promote causes like protecting air and water, and later founding the Redford Center to use storytelling to expand environmentalism. He spoke at the United Nations about climate change, was recognized by TIME magazine as a “Hero of the Environment” in 2007, and served for decades on the board of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The NRDC’s Southern California headquarters in Santa Monica is named The Robert Redford Building to honor his long-standing support for the organization as a board member and environmental activist.

While we remember his outstanding career as an actor, director, writer, and producer, I’ll continue to hold him up as an example of someone who knew early on that storytelling was the key to protecting our planet and used his talents to further that mission. May we all carry forward his remarkable and beautiful legacy. 

Friday, September 5th, was my Alive Day – many years ago on that day I ran out of a burning building to save my life. I’ve written about that event many times, here, here, and here for example.

It was a wild ride to recover from that and from past traumas that had piled up. It prepared me for everything that came after: becoming a novelist, the pandemic, cancer, and helping my soul dog, Phineas, cross the rainbow bridge when it was his time. Now with all this perspective, what was once one of the worst days of my life became a turning point that changed my life in ways I never imagined were possible. Yes, that fire took almost everything from me. It also gave me everything I needed.

A special thanks always to Brian McCormack who helped me embrace my darkness and my light in equal measure by walking the path to wellness with me every step of the way. I’m forever grateful to be here, to be well, and to be whole.

Meet Fifi, the calmest, sweetest girl you could ever ask for. She’s my 9th foster and came to us through the ASPCA here in NYC. I had planned to take a bit more time between fosters because work is busy. Then I saw Fifi’s frosted face and I couldn’t resist.

A police case, Fifi has had a difficult past. This time she was found abandoned in an empty apartment with another dog when her family moved and left her behind. That’s all in her rearview mirror now and we’ll make sure she finds a loving forever home.

Fifi has settled right into my home with no adjustment issues. She’s eating healthy food, enjoying slow strolls around my tree-lined neighborhood, and loving lots of pets and hugs, toys, and soft cozy doggie beds. She’s housetrained, loves people and dogs, is quiet at home and while on walks, and sleeps through the night. Nothing phases her. In addition to her gentle, laid-back personality, she still has some slow senior zoomies and playfulness in her!

What an honor to see a dog take a deep breath and relax knowing she’s safe and loved in my home. Only happy days from now on, Fifi.

If you’d like to meet her, she’ll be at the Muddy Paws adoption event at Pier 57 on Sunday, September 7th in the morning. Come on by at 11am and say hi!