Michael Tennesen is a science writer who has written more than 300 stories in such journals as "Discover, Scientific American, New Scientist, National Wildlife, Audubon, Science, Smithsonian", and others. He was a Media Fellow at the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University, and a Writer in Residence at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York. He lives in the California desert near Joshua Tree National Park with Maggie, his wife.

Sean Runnette, a multiple "AudioFile" Earphones Award winner, has produced several Audie Award winning audiobooks and has also narrated works by John Steinbeck and Richard P. Feynman. Of his performance of "The Courage to be Free", "AudioFile" Magazine wrote "Runnette s tender approach to every sentence and paragraph helps the author s wisdom glow. Along with the understated power of the author s writing, Runnette s performance makes this one of the most arresting and thought-provoking audiobooks available today." He is a member of the American Repertory Theater company and has toured internationally with Mabou Mines, an avant-garde theater company. Sean's television and film appearances include "Two If by Sea", "Copland", "Sex and the City", "Law & Order", "Third Watch."