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“Whale sex” might be what gets people’s attention… but this episode goes a whole lot deeper than that.

We recorded this one from San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California—wind whipping, sand everywhere, and gray whales moving through the water just offshore. It’s one of the most important gray whale nurseries in the world, and you can feel that the second you arrive. There’s something about this place that slows you down and makes you pay attention.

We sat down with marine biologist Minerva Valerio Conchas to talk about what’s really happening out there. We get into gray whale migration—one of the longest on the planet—from feeding grounds near Alaska down to the warm lagoons of Baja, and why this specific place matters so much for mothers and calves.

And yes… we talk about mating. The real version. From “sandwich mating” and large mating groups to sperm competition and what scientists think females might actually be selecting for. It’s fascinating, a little surprising, and not something most people ever hear explained this honestly.

But the conversation shifts too. We talk about the bond between mothers and calves, how nursing works underwater, the physical toll on mothers, and what it takes for a baby whale to survive that long journey north—where orcas are waiting, and survival is not guaranteed.

We also zoom out to the bigger picture—climate change in the Arctic, shrinking sea ice, and what that means for the gray whales’ food supply. And we touch on the powerful local story of how this lagoon was protected from industrial development, and why it still feels… intact.

This one is part science, part lived experience, and part just sitting in awe of something bigger than us.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on beneath the surface—or just need a reminder of how incredible this world still is—this episode is for you.

The recording of the Gray Whale "knocking" sound was provided by the Gray Whale Research in Mexico program, a project of The Ocean Foundation.

Baja Expeditions

Interview with Minerva Valerio Conchas,
Marine Biologist and Naturalist Guide

Things that make you say "Wow"!
For more episodes and additional information visit the Two Chicks and a Hoe website and our Facebook page.
Big thanks to our Producer, Casey Kennedy.