Welcome to the community! Before we get to our regularly scheduled programming, we're providing some background on how the podcast came to be and what you can expect to hear every week!

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Send us an email: pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com

Jasmine is about to go on her much-needed vacation, so what better conversations are there for our hosts to have than about politics and animals! Don’t worry, the animals always outweigh the politics.

After some political griping, our hosts delight in some banter about 90s TV shows, good news in both the animal and environmental worlds, an educationally fun topic, Ashes & Embers, the weekly affirmation, and some pleasantries about being a responsible adult.

Now put down that fourth shrimp cocktail and go meet your activities director down on the poop deck, but watch your step, as they welcome you to join our pleasant conversations!

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: ⁠pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com⁠

Good News Links:

Sea turtle nests hit a new high on the Texas coast: https://www.chron.com/life/wildlife/article/sea-turtles-nests-texas-20379265.php

World's oldest climate fund targets wildlife bonds for every country in Africa: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/worlds-oldest-climate-fund-targets-wildlife-bonds-every-country-africa-2025-07-17/

A new Trump policy asked national park visitors to report 'negative' content. They're writing compliments to rangers instead: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/national-park-trump-feedback-forms

Conservation Jobs Corps gives Midland teens hands-on STEM experience at I-20 Wildlife Preserve: https://www.mrt.com/news/education/article/conservation-jobs-corps-midland-stem-20775607.php

5,000 people express interest in running for office following NYC mayoral primary: 'Change is coming': https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/new-york-city-primary-zohran-mamdani-run-for-something

Gorillas return to San Antonio Zoo for first time in 30 years, featuring largest gorilla tower in the world: https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2025/07/17/gorillas-return-to-san-antonio-zoo-for-first-time-in-30-years-featuring-largest-gorilla-tower-in-the-world/

This week, Jasmine isn’t really feeling the joy, so Michael tries to help out by bringing some extra smiles and positivity. He recaps his birthday weekend, his return to the paranormal, and his love for Spooky Season!

The news brings us stories about first responder mental health, LGBTQ+ pilgrims in the Vatican, content creators for clean water, PBS’s celebration of food by state, and This Day in History. The Wheel of Topics has our hosts talk about their favorite fictional universe to live in.

As always, we end the show with Ashes & Embers, our weekly affirmation, and pleasantries.

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: ⁠pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com⁠

Good News Links:

Portland Street Response grows, thanks to city funding: https://katu.com/news/local/portland-street-response-grows-thanks-to-city-funding

LGBTQ+ Catholics make Holy Year pilgrimage to Rome and celebrate a new feeling of welcome: https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-lgbtq-197507e47890e2e5115a7f784d0bef04

MrBeast, YouTubers surpass $40M goal in global clean water fundraiser: 'We're just getting started': https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/mrbeast-team-water-fundraiser