We took this week’s episode outside and recorded in Griffith Park with Jason Wise, an environmental educator and queer ecologist who is helping people reconnect with the nature all around them. As part of our Earth Day series, Jason shares how he went from working in policy to leading foraging hikes and teaching others how to see the world differently.

We talk about foraging, invasive vs native plants, and how something as simple as going on a walk can completely shift your perspective. Jason also shares what it means to be a queer ecologist, how nature challenges a lot of societal norms, and why building community is just as important as connecting with the environment.

Follow Jason on Instagram at @jasonjourneyman and check out his upcoming events at jasonjourneyman.com if you want to experience one of his hikes in person.You can also download the app iNaturalist to start identifying plants, animals and insects in your own neighborhood.

This conversation will make you want to get outside, slow down, and look at your surroundings in a whole new way.

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Follow @makingwaves.project on Instagram and explore more at ⁠makingwavesproject.com

In this week’s episode, we talk with Ellen Ochoa, astronaut, engineer and the first Latina woman to travel to space. Ellen shares how her path into science actually began later in college when she decided to major in physics, which eventually led her to pursue a career in research and apply to NASA’s astronaut program.

We talk about what it was actually like to travel to space, the challenges and excitement of working at NASA, and why representation in science and exploration matters. Ellen also shares advice for young people interested in STEM and reflects on the importance of curiosity, perseverance and staying open to opportunities.

Check out the Barbie modeled after Ellen HERE.You can also explore her children’s book series Dr. Ochoa’s Stellar World Series with Lil’ Libros HERE.

This conversation is inspiring, thoughtful and a reminder that big dreams often start with simple curiosity.

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Follow @makingwaves.project on Instagram and explore more at ⁠makingwavesproject.com

This week we’re diving into all things sex, pleasure and connection with Nadège, a sex scholar and founder of Pleasure Science. We start with her backstory and how she found her way into this work, then move into one of our favorite parts of the conversation, flirting.

Nadège breaks down her different flirt styles and explains how understanding your style can change the way you date and communicate. We also talk about orgasms, desire, sexual confidence, communication in relationships, and how to better understand your own pleasure. From debunking common myths to encouraging people to explore their bodies without shame, this episode is honest, empowering and practical.

You can download Nadège’s Flirt Style Quiz at pleasurescience.com/flirt to discover your own style.Purchase her book Sextrology on her website at pleasurescience.com.Follow Nadège on Instagram at @pleasurescience for more education and insight.

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Follow @makingwaves.project on Instagram and explore more at ⁠makingwavesproject.com