This special episode focuses on the recent announcement to move Lolita (Tokitae) from Miami Seaquarium to her 'home waters' of the Pacific Northwest. Former killer whale trainers Alli Hagan (whale supervisor, MSQ) and Mary Suppa (Assistant supervisor, MSQ and former head trainer SWSA) tell us about Toki's personality, the issues she has been facing, and their concerns surrounding this proposal. 

https://www.truth4toki.com/

https://www.change.org/p/don-t-free-lolita

https://www.instagram.com/truth4toki/

Sam Starns is a professional elopement photographer, specializing in adventure and untraditional weddings! Based in the PNW, she helps couples with free-spirits craft enthusiastic elopements in unique places. She talks about how to plan elopements, stories of things that have gone wrong, and letting go of the expectations that other people have for YOUR big day.

https://www.samstarns.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Elope-Your-Life-Authentically-Unapologetically-ebook/dp/B08MBDP7HJ?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Cat Sims is a content creator, author, podcast, women's advocate, and the founder of Not So Smug Now! Cat is well-known for her relatable videos about motherhood, sobriety, and prides herself in having curated a 'judgement-free zone' for her community. Her baby record journal 'with attitude' aims to help mothers not feel so alone and is called The First Time You Smiled. Find out more via the links below!

https://www.notsosmugnow.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0008526141?tag=&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism or mental health, please reach out to any of the links below:

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.mind.org.uk

https://alcoholchange.org.uk/

Aleesha Hansel is a wine writer, presenter and judge and she talks about being a role model for young women of colour who aspire to break into industries that have previously been dominated by white men. Aleesha has successfully made a name for herself by working in journalism, broadcasting, and even modelling! She fell in love with the anthropology of wine and the role it plays in culture and society. Her first book comes out March 2024! If you love a cheeky glass of chardonnay, or even if you can barely stand the taste of wine (like me) this conversation goes far deeper than the grapes! 

https://www.aleeshahansel.com/

https://www.instagram.com/aleeshahansel/?hl=en

Andy Schmid is a talented underwater photographer who has spent time in Norway photographing wild killer whales as they feed, play and socialize. He talks about what it had been like to capture special moments with orcas underwater and what it feels like to get into the water next to the ocean's greatest predator. 

Michelle Campbell is the Vice President of Animals for Dolphin Quest and she talks about her experience working with dolphins and watching the industry grow over the years. We discuss the implications of open water training and the possibilities research is giving trainers to help improve the lives of dolphins in managed care!

Alysia Cole has worked in the wedding business for years and has finally brought her expertise from working in numerous wedding dress boutiques across the US to her own business - Alysia Cole Styling! She shares her passion for making the wedding industry more diverse and inclusive, and her enthusiasm for making every bride feel amazing in her dress. 

Find Her:

https://www.alysiacolestyling.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alysiacolestyling?lang=en

Dr. Barb Linnehan is the Director of Animal Health & Welfare for the National Marine Mammal Foundation, leading the veterinary and medical records teams. Barb has worked for the NMMF as a clinical veterinarian since 2017, caring for the Navy’s dolphins and sea lions. Her marine mammal medicine experience includes transports, field operations, and advanced technique development. She has participated in the NMMF’s wild dolphin conservation work and assisted with the health assessment of dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Barb’s particular research interests include marine mammal cardiology, the microbiome, and neurology. 

Francesca Trotman is an incredibly talented underwater photographer, professional scuba diver, and founder of Love the Oceans - a not for profit organization that is supporting work in Jangamo Bay, Mozambique. Francesca talks about how she became passionate about the oceans and what kind of impact Love the Oceans is having for the lives of people and animals in Mozambique. 

https://lovetheoceans.org/

https://francescatrotman.co.uk/home/

Dr. Joel Alves is a conservation veterinarian on the ground in South Africa actively trying to combat poaching and conserve Rhino (as well as other endangered species) through targeted projects like the Rhino De-Horning project. 

Joel talks about what it is like to be a veterinarian working in the field with large game as well as talks about some of the highs and lows of the job.