Making Waves Project

Martin Riese: Water Sommelier on Taste, Truth and Hydration

This one is fun, fascinating and guaranteed to make you think differently about the water you drink every day. We sat down with Martin Riese, one of the world’s leading water sommeliers, for a conversation all about hydration, taste, bottled water myths and the environmental impact of the water industry. Martin breaks down how different waters actually taste, why minerals matter, what to know about tap water vs bottled water, and how marketing has shaped the way we think about hydration. We also talk about sustainability, restaurant water culture, overconsumption, and some of the wild misconceptions people believe about water. Follow Martin on Instagram to keep learning and watching his water content: @martinriese [https://www.instagram.com/martinriese/] — Follow @makingwaves.project [https://www.instagram.com/makingwaves.project/] on Instagram and explore more at ⁠makingwavesproject.com [http://makingwavesproject.com]

Jason Wise: Nature, Foraging and Finding Connection in the City

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 [https://www.instagram.com/jasonjourneyman/] and check out his upcoming events at jasonjourneyman.com [https://www.jasonjourneyman.com/] if you want to experience one of his hikes in person.You can also download the app iNaturalist [https://www.inaturalist.org/] 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. — Follow @makingwaves.project [https://www.instagram.com/makingwaves.project/] on Instagram and explore more at ⁠makingwavesproject.com [http://makingwavesproject.com]

Ellen Ochoa: Curiosity, Perseverance and a Life as an Astronaut

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 [https://amzn.to/4djJ2ZL].You can also explore her children’s book series Dr. Ochoa’s Stellar World Series with Lil’ Libros HERE. [https://lillibros.com/collections/dr-ochoas-stellar-world] This conversation is inspiring, thoughtful and a reminder that big dreams often start with simple curiosity. — Follow @makingwaves.project [https://www.instagram.com/makingwaves.project/] on Instagram and explore more at ⁠makingwavesproject.com [http://makingwavesproject.com]

Nadège: Sex, Science and the Art of Flirting

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 [http://pleasurescience.com/flirt] to discover your own style.Purchase her book Sextrology on her website at pleasurescience.com [http://pleasurescience.com].Follow Nadège on Instagram at @pleasurescience [https://www.instagram.com/pleasurescience] for more education and insight. — Follow @makingwaves.project [https://www.instagram.com/makingwaves.project/] on Instagram and explore more at ⁠makingwavesproject.com [http://makingwavesproject.com]

Mallory Love: Matchmaking, Modern Dating and Finding Real Connection

This week we sit down with our good friend Mallory Love, a professional matchmaker and dating expert, to kick off our February conversations around love. Mallory shares how she found her way into matchmaking, what her job actually looks like behind the scenes, and why dating is less about perfection and more about self awareness, communication and consistency. We get into modern dating culture, common mistakes people make early on, the pressure of dating apps, and why being chosen is not the same thing as choosing the right person. Mallory also offers practical advice around boundaries, confidence, red flags, and how to approach dating in a way that feels intentional instead of exhausting. Follow Mallory on Instagram at @matchmadebylove [https://www.instagram.com/matchmadebylove/].