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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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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In honor of Veterans Day, Katie and Robiee sit down with Andrew Holbert, Executive Director at Courtney Place Veterans Housing, a nonprofit in Salem, Oregon providing affordable housing and wraparound support for veterans. Earlier this year, the Making Waves team partnered with Courtney Place to help share the stories of the residents who call it home.

In this conversation, Andrew opens up about his own experience as a Marine, the challenges veterans face after service, and the community that Courtney Place has built through compassion, understanding and connection. From surf trips and community dinners to stories of healing, this episode honors the power of home and the people who make it possible.

Learn more at liveatcourtneyplace.com and follow @courtneyplaceveteranshousing to support their work.

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This week it’s just Katie and Robiee introducing our newest series all about traditions. As the holidays approach, we’re talking about what traditions mean to us, how they evolve, and the many ways people keep them alive today. From cultural celebrations passed down through generations to new customs being created right now, this series explores how traditions connect us to our past, our communities and each other.

We also share a sneak peek at the stories coming up this month, from a Mexican folklórico dance group to a family-run bakery and even a group of dads redefining what community looks like.

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As our final guest in the 13 Days of Strange series, Darnell Lamont Walker shares his journey as a Death Doula and Writer who brings compassion and creativity to one of life’s most misunderstood experiences. Darnell shares how death work found him at a young age, what it means to help people transition peacefully, and how storytelling plays a powerful role in remembering those we love. We talk about family, secrets, legacy and how naming our fears around death can help us live more fully.

Follow Darnell on Instagram at @hello.darnell and visit his site to learn more about his work. His upcoming book, Never Can Say Goodbye, will be released in 2026.

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In this conversation with Théron Regnier (@thewhiskyist), founder and lead distiller at The Obscure, we explore how curiosity and storytelling fuel one of LA’s most inventive tasting rooms. As part of our 13 Days of Strange series, Théron shares how he went from working in real estate to building a creative world rooted in history, craftsmanship and community. We talk about the magic behind The Obscure’s guided tastings, the storytelling that shapes each spirit, and what it means to build a space that feels more like an experience than a bar.

Book a guided tasting at theobscurela.com and use code MAKINGWAVES for 15% off any guided tasting through December 31, 2025.

Follow The Obscure on Instagram at @theobscuredistillery to see what’s next in their ever-evolving world of spirits and storytelling.

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This week, we’re joined by Ansley Layne, better known as @spookyfoodie, to talk about her world of haunted bars, ghost stories and unforgettable food. Ansley shares how growing up in Las Vegas shaped her love for true crime and the paranormal, how Spooky Foodie began, and what it’s really like ghost-hunting in LA’s most historic bars and restaurants. We also talk about her work as a tour guide with Graveline Tours, her Spooky Restaurant Club, and the community she’s built around storytelling and connection.

Follow Ansley on Instagram and TikTok to keep up with her spooky adventures.

If you’re in LA, you can book your next Graveline Tour at graveline.rip and use code WAVES20 for 20% off.

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