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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This week, we’re diving deep into Los Angeles’ darker history with Adam Levine, founder of Grave Line Tours. Part of our 13 Days of Strange series, this conversation uncovers how Adam turned his fascination with true crime, history, and empathy into one of LA’s most unique experiences. We talk about the city’s infamous cases, the history behind his vintage funeral limousines, and how Grave Line balances storytelling with respect for the people and places tied to each story.

If you’re in LA, you can book your tour and see it all for yourself at graveline.rip and use code WAVES20 for 20% off.

Follow Grave Line Tours on Instagram and TikTok to keep up with their latest stories and events.

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This week it’s just Katie and Robiee introducing our newest series, 13 Days of Strange. We talk about how the idea first came to life, what “strange” means to us, and give you a sneak peek at the stories and people you’ll meet throughout October. From horror collectives to pet communicators, this series is about celebrating the unusual, the unexpected and the wonderfully unique. And, of course, we’re excited!

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This week, Katie sits down with her good friend Michael Perez, a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVI), to highlight CVI Awareness Month. Michael shares his journey into this unique field, starting from childhood friendships to teaching in schools across California. He explains what Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is, how it differs from other types of vision loss, and why early intervention and community support matter so much. We talk about misconceptions, success stories, and the importance of assuming competence and meeting students where they are. This conversation shines a light on CVI and the incredible work being done to support students and their families.

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This week we’re joined by Toni Rose, founder of Little Rosie Flower Truck, a vintage Volkswagen pickup turned mobile flower bar that brings joy, color and connection to events across Southern California. Toni shares her journey from working in higher education to starting her own small business, what it’s like running Little Rosie full-time, and the lessons she’s learned about balance, value and chasing opportunities before you feel ready. We also talk about the beauty of flowers, supporting local female farmers, and creating space for joy in everyday life.

Follow along with Toni and Little Rosie on Instagram at @littlerosieflowertruck.

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This week we sit down with Woody Lovell, founder of the Barber Shop Club, to hear his incredible journey from growing up in Kansas to creating one of the most unique barbershop experiences in Los Angeles. Woody shares stories from his early days in Beverly Hills salons to opening the first Barbershop Club on Melrose, and the lessons he’s learned from working with everyone from everyday clients to celebrities like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Beyond cutting hair, Woody talks about community, mentorship, risk-taking, and why staying grounded has shaped both his business and his life. This conversation is full of wisdom, heart, and the kind of stories only Woody can tell. 

Follow Woody on Instagram @woodylovell and The Barber Shop Club at @thebarbershopclub

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