In this episode we talk to Merijn Tinga — the Plastic Soup Surfer who paddles thousands of kilometers to fight plastic pollution. From crossing the North Sea on a board made of bottles to using AI and citizen science to map waste, Merijn turns extreme adventures into real change. This episode dives into his missions, his data‑driven activism, and what you can do to protect the waters you love. Additional Resources:

• https://www.plasticsoupsurfer.org/
• California Coastal Cleanup Day
• Clean Swell App

In this episode we will talk with the International Bird Rescue about what they do, services they offer, their history, important contact information for the public and also about the widespread starvation event affecting Brown Pelicans, Brandt's Cormorants, and Common Murres.

Additional Resources:

• International Bird Rescue website: https://www.birdrescue.org/
• 1-866-SOS-BIRD (866-767-2473) is the emergency toll-free Help Line managed by International Bird Rescue. It is designed to assist the public with aquatic birds, seabirds, and other wildlife in distress across California and beyond.

Olympian, world‑class coach, and newly appointed Director of Olympic Sailing, Molly Vandemoer, joins our podcast for a deep and energizing conversation about grit, leadership, and the future of American sailing. From her early days on the water to representing the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics, Molly shares the moments that shaped her, the mentors who guided her, and the lessons she now brings to the national program.

We explore youth development, accessibility, environmental stewardship, and what it means to build a culture that supports both elite performance and lifelong love of the sport. With the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles on the horizon, Molly offers a candid look at the opportunities ahead for Team USA — and the vision she hopes to bring to the next generation of sailors.

US Sailing – The National Governing Body For the Sport of Sailing