Sea People

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In celebration of spooky season, Michelle is speaking with science educator and marine biologist Christopher Seng about the different types of iridescence and how it shows up in various ocean organisms.

There is a little bit of myth-busting and a return to physics, chemistry and biology, which hold some vague memories for Michelle, but are the subjects that Christopher currently teaches with the assistance of some fun tactile classroom engagements.

Plugs & Recs:

Sharktober Fest

https://www.oseascience.com/ non-profit organization located in San Francisco Bay intent on advancing marine conservation by making it more accessible. Their work focuses on long-term monitoring of shark populations in the Bay.

Instagram: @osea_science

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On this week's episode of Sea People, Michelle chats competition with creative designer and endurance athlete Jennifer Schnell.

They share stories of braving the cold waters of the San Francisco bay and challenging both the physical and mental barriers that make open water swimming an endurance sport. Jen also gives an introduction to a partnered race called swim run, which is a testament to ones' adaptability across not just terrain but effective communication between the two parties.

This was a fun conversation that shed light into the healing properties of being in and on the water while sometimes letting go of control and trusting the current with the support of a great team.

Plugs & Recs:

Jennifer's Instagram: @jennerfins

ÖTILLÖ Swimrun

Why We Swim by Bonnie Tsui - Book rec for swimmers and water-loving folks

East Brother Light Station Bed & Breakfast

Aquaphiles Swim Club - Swim club in East bay

Swimmable Cities - Global lobby org advocating for clean, safe urban swimming environments + our local chapter

One Water Race - Swim Run in Swedish Archepeligo supporting marine conservation and marine pollution awareness

Low Tide Boyz - Local Norcal swim run team

Sea Dreamers - Empowering and connecting women to the water

Swim California - Amazing marathon swim project by local Cat Breed happening now

Shark Stewards- October/November trips to Farallon Islands

Jennifer's Creative Mornings Talk

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Michelle welcomes back California Academy of Sciences' marine biologists Meg and Terry as they explore the terrains in the intertidal regions.

Serving as the suburbs and shelters to many and varied species of marine animals, mangroves and sea grasses are critical ecosystems that are home to nurseries of fish, crustaceans, invertebrates, and more that can be at risk when it comes to being cleared for beach front properties.

With more awareness, there are increasing conservations efforts in the forms of ecotourism and local legislation changes to protect them.

Plugs & Recommendations:

Presidio Plant Nursery: https://www.parksconservancy.org/programs/npn/presidio-nursery

San Francisco Public Library: https://sfpl.org/events

Seacology, San Francisco-based org that supports island and mangrove projects: https://www.seacology.org/

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On this week's episode of Sea People, Michelle chats with material and product designer, Stella Lee, founder of With Raw Materials (WRM.) Coming from a textiles background, Stella shares her experience from her university days to learnings from industry and abroad and how that has shaped her direction towards developing and experimenting with innovative natural materials. From mycelium to algae as mediums, Stella is pushing the norms of the typical standard fashion supply chain to reflect her own values and philosophy.

Learn more about Stella's work: https://www.withrawmaterials.com/

Follow on Instagram: @withrawmaterials_

Check out Sohn Cafe in the Dogpatch: https://www.sohnsf.com/

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This week on the pod, Michelle is in conversation with Marina Stevens, Director of Miss Scuba Queen USA, catching up on their shared experience as pageant sisters in the Miss California/Miss America program back in the day and how that led Marina to taking the helm of her current non-profit promoting women’s empowerment and leadership through scuba diving and conservation.

A third-generation scuba diver and fellow science educator, Marina has traveled the world sharing her passion for marine animals with community while mentoring and uplifting various generations of female divers and leaders.

*Small amendment: Michelle and Marina participated in Miss California 2013 together and Marina went ahead to win Miss California in 2014.

Plugs & Recommendations:

Find out more about the Miss Scuba Queen USA program and enter to win a chance to compete in Malaysia winter 2027: https://www.scubaqueenusa.com/

Follow them on Instagram: @scubaqueenusa

Attend DEMA Dive Show in November: https://www.dema.org/

Stay safe with DAN Dive Insurance (Divers Alert Network): https://dan.org/

Partnership organizations and products: Stream2Sea & Coconut Smuggler& Slip Ins

Feedback is a gift

Drop a note here if you would like to share your thoughts: https://forms.gle/uXFDje6ecA2K33Zu5

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

On this episode of the Sea People Podcast, Michelle journeys into the heart of marine conservation through the lens of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with three passionate advocates: Anupa, Lorena, and Valentina. Each guest shares their unique background, experiences, and how film making, policy, and public perception have created challenges and opportunities for change.

Plugs & Recs:

Fish ON AIR Podcast: https://fishonair.riverside.com/

Instagram: @fishon_conservation

Website: fishon.us

Trailer: MISHOPSHNO Official Trailer

For screenings: www.mishopshnofilm.com

Petition link: Advocate for Mishopshno. Sign the Petition.

Follow updates from Valentina and Lorena on Instagram: @buffalo_native and @lorenaliveslife

More ocean orgs: Latinx-led grassroots environmental justice org: https://azul.org

Empowering next-gen indigenous scientists https://www.oceanorigins.org/

Any comments, suggestions and feedback, please use this form: https://forms.gle/vjG7R9ycwLNw1DA8A

Sea People is a production by Seafoam Studio

Original music by Michelle Chang

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In the third episode of Sea People, Michelle shares stories of self-discovery in unexpected places through SCUBA certification and finding community in movement with former design peer, mentor/manager, and current friend, Ellen Butler.

As recovering perfectionists, they cover seeing the world through the curiosity of a child's eyes, doing something just for yourself, the joy of learning something new, and feeling embodied while finding our truest selves beyond the acronyms.

Plugs & Recommendations:

Maggie O'Farrell's Land - Best-selling and award-winning author of Hamnet

Ask the Storybots on Netflix

Storygraph - a place to tracking your reading

Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead

If you find yourself in Des Moines, take one of Ellen's classes at Rooted Fitness and BLACKBOX movement space

Any comments, suggestions and feedback, please use this form: https://forms.gle/vjG7R9ycwLNw1DA8A

Sea People is a production by Seafoam Studio

Original music by Michelle Chang

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this second episode of Sea People, Michelle has returning guests - marine scientists Meg Burke and Terry Gosliner, two long-time researchers with the California Academy of Sciences. They cover several weighty subjects including coral reefs and grief, as well as the sheer volume of biodiversity of creatures that are currently being discovered and yet to be seen.

Space is given to honor the life and efforts of Kent Carpenter, a renowned ichthyologist, who has moved the museum and research world with his life's work in the Philippines and around the world.

Terry shares his partnership with innovative aquatics wear company Waterlust, which aims to spread scientific awareness of ocean conservation in the form of coral lab funding through fashion-forward swimwear.

Any comments, suggestions and feedback, please use this form: https://forms.gle/vjG7R9ycwLNw1DA8A

Sea People is a production by Seafoam Studio

Original music by Michelle Chang

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this first episode of the Sea People Podcast, Michelle is in conversation with marine scientists Meg Burke and Terry Gosliner, two long-time researchers with the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, exploring their experiences and insights on ocean conservation.

The conversation covers their fondest and earliest memories of the ocean, the significance of science in understanding marine ecosystems, and how individuals can translate their passion for the ocean into actionable efforts. They discuss the role of citizen science, the importance of funding for conservation initiatives, and share personal messages of hope for future generations regarding the ocean's health and our responsibility towards it.

Any comments, suggestions and feedback, please use this form: https://forms.gle/vjG7R9ycwLNw1DA8A

Sea People is a production by Seafoam Studio

Original music by Michelle Chang

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Consider this a brief introduction on the what and why of Sea People.

Join me, Michelle, on a journey through the depths of human experiences intertwined with the ocean. I’ll be chatting with marine biologists, artists, and folks of all stripes who share their unique stories on this vast, under-explored underwater world.

As someone who grew up by the sea, I’ve learned to find my voice and want to highlight others' whose passion and expertise inspires curiosity and creativity towards our shared water planet.

Hope you'll enjoy the conversations and explore alongside us as Sea People.