Imagine a world where 10,000 families or more come together with one powerful mission: to protect our planet, explore the stars and raise a generation of young leaders who will help build a sustainable, compassionate future for Earth and beyond.
That’s the world we dream of, and it’s a future our planet needs. So, when Cliff kindly invited me to share our story, I was thrilled to tell you about Global Galactics and the incredible journey we’re on.
Global Galactics is more than an entertainment brand — it’s a mission-driven company with a purpose. We’re here to inspire the next generation of eco-conscious, empathetic leaders. Through our eco-friendly products, stories and resources, we’re helping families grow together in ways that make both our Earth and our minds healthier and ready for the future of space exploration.
At Global Galactics, we’re not only looking to nurture a love for Earth but also to inspire curiosity about the vast universe beyond. The galactic side of our brand encourages kids to look up, dream big and imagine a future where they might even explore the stars. With Sparky as their guide, children journey to distant planets and stars, learning that they’re part of a much larger story. Our stories and characters introduce them to the wonders of space, and we hope this sense of cosmic curiosity will inspire them to be thoughtful, courageous explorers — whether they’re discovering a new corner of Earth or looking to the skies for what lies beyond. By fostering an early connection to the galaxy, we’re preparing young minds for a future where Earth and space are interconnected, where their actions on our planet have a positive impact elsewhere.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we create. From the eco-friendly materials in our products to the nature-inspired themes woven into each story, Global Galactics is designed to help children and families feel deeply connected to our planet. Through Sparky and his friends, we’re offering tools for self-leadership, relationship intelligence and environmental stewardship, empowering kids to become caring stewards of their own lives and the world around them.
This mission was inspired years ago by a spirited Jack Russell Terrier named Sparky, whom I found while living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sparky was more than a pet — he was a companion with boundless curiosity, an explorer at heart who brought out the childlike wonder in me. Together, we explored the natural wonders of the Southwest and beyond, from the US to Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa. My wife, Karinna, joined us on many of these journeys, and together, we found ourselves in incredible places, meeting marvelous people and learning from the world around us.
Sparky and I often visited Teach for America classrooms in the U.S. and Asia, where we shared stories of our adventures, local wildlife and the importance of caring for animals with kids eager to learn. Sparky, in his own way, was a teacher, too — he showed kids what it meant to embrace curiosity, kindness and resilience. He lived a long, healthy life until the remarkable age of 18 years and 10 months, leaving us with an enduring legacy of exploration, compassion and a belief in the power of connection.
After Sparky’s long and joyful life, while spending time on the island of Huahine in French Polynesia, we were inspired by local youth programs to create Global Galactics — a children’s edutainment brand designed to bring families together in a journey of discovery. Partnering with students at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), we began developing characters and story concepts that bring our mission to life, combining adventure, education and empathy into a brand that inspires the next generation to become stewards of Earth and explorers of the universe.
Our first children’s book, The Spark at the Center of the Universe, invites young readers to join Sparky, the adventurous, galaxy-traveling pup, on an inspiring journey across the stars. Through encounters with creatures as small as an ant and as grand as a whale shark, Sparky discovers the incredible truth that every being is at the center of the universe—and that each of us has the power to protect it. This beautifully illustrated story encourages children to see the special importance in all living things and to become true “Global Galactics” — guardians of our planet and explorers of the wonders of the galaxy. Perfect for curious minds, the story sparks a love for nature, science, exploration and the connections that make our world and galaxy extraordinary.
Beyond the book, Global Galactics expands this mission with original songs that bring big ideas to life through music. Our song “Money Flows” uses a fun reggae groove to teach kids how money circulates through the economy, while “Community Disco” introduces the value of community and how people work together based on shared values and organizing principles. These songs engage kids and families alike, making it easy to learn these valuable concepts together.
Our content also includes Sparky’s Everyday Audio Adventures, a kid-friendly, everyday podcast where Sparky explores topics like community, mindful consumption and the circular economy. Each episode is designed to be short and engaging, offering children an entertaining way to connect with ideas that are foundational to sustainability and good citizenship. Our YouTube channel further expands these lessons, with sing-along videos, doodle-animated stories and educational content that children and parents can enjoy together.
For the founders out there, you know the challenges and joys of building a mission-driven venture. And for parents, we know how tough it is to find content that aligns with the future you envision for your children. That’s why we’re here to offer something unique: a blend of education, entertainment and hands-on lessons for building a better world.
We invite you to join us on this journey as we empower young leaders to look up, look within, reach out, and build a future rooted in sustainability and global citizenship. Thank you, Cliff, and to all the readers of The GreenMoney Journal, for giving us this opportunity to share our vision. Let’s make this a galac-tastic adventure together!
To learn more about Global Galactics, visit our website at www.globalgalactics.com and follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
Article by Leadership expert and traveling adventurer Timothy Karsten who was inspired to create Global Galactics LLC by his own pup, Sparky, and their nineteen-year journey together across twenty-two countries and all across the United States. With a website that chronicled their travels, the pair took to schools in Los Angeles through Teach for America, along with visiting schools in India and Thailand with a film crew. The eye-opening result was a deep understanding of what was missing for kids. Global Galactics was created to make learning fun and entertaining, providing kids with information and tools to build self-esteem and understand themselves and their place in the world. He lives with his wife and creative partner, Karinna, in Coastal Georgia.