This week we sit down with Kelly and Randy, two passionate vintage toy collectors who have built their lives and careers around the joy of finding, preserving and sharing nostalgic treasures. Randy collects vintage advertisements and ephemera, while Kelly is the owner of a vintage toy shop and lifelong collector herself.

We talk about how they each got started, what draws people to collecting, and how flea markets and swap meets have created a strong sense of community over the years. Kelly and Randy share stories from the hunt, unspoken flea market etiquette, and why vintage toys hold so much meaning beyond just nostalgia. This conversation is a reminder that collecting is about connection, memory and the stories objects carry with them.

Follow Randy at @tikiranch and Kelly at @kellystoystop to see their collections and latest finds.

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

This week it is just Katie and Robiee on the couch, cozied up with sushi, wine and a whole lot of laughter as they read listener submitted traditions for the holidays and beyond. From family rituals to funny food combos to stories passed down through generations, this episode is a mix of sweet, silly and sentimental.

We talk about everything from honoring loved ones to surprising traditions people have created on their own, and why even the smallest rituals can mean so much. Thank you to everyone who submitted. We loved reading your stories and we hope they inspire you to think about the traditions you already have and the ones you want to create.

This week we sat down with Tadas Dabsys, a Lithuanian craftsman, culture bearer and Katie’s father in law, to talk about what it means to pass down traditions in a modern world. Tadas shares the story of his family’s journey from Lithuania to Los Angeles, the tight knit community that helped keep the language and culture alive, and how he has carried those traditions into his own life and family.

We talk about everything from folk dancing and community celebrations to the woodworking projects he creates today, including the birdhouses he fills with old trinkets, family memories and pieces of Lithuanian history. Tadas shares why preserving culture matters, how traditions evolve as families grow, and the joy of seeing his children make these traditions their own.

This episode is a warm look at heritage, creativity and the meaningful ways we keep our stories alive across generations. To see Tadas’ creations, head to makingwavesproject.com/stories.

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