Now serving as a Government Relations Fellow with the Ocean Conservancy, Tyrese works at the intersection of clean energy, ocean conservation, and public policy. Championing sustainability and equity in communities that need it most.

We talk about his journey from student to policy leader, his vision for a more just and inclusive future, and what it truly means to be a nerd for the environment.

We dive into his journey of blending science, storytelling, and media appearing on shows like All the Sharks while also consulting and building his own brand. Randy shares how travel, family, and curiosity continue to shape his work and the communities he uplifts.

We talk about his journey in marine science, his role in shaping conservation strategies, and the importance of representation in STEM. Mark also shares insight into balancing policy, advocacy, and personal passions reminding us that science is most impactful when rooted in both people and purpose.

In 2022, she and her husband set off on a global journey, traveling and diving across Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia all while building her freelance and podcast brand. Along the way, Jennifer has faced deep personal loss, including the passing of both her parents, and transformed that pain into purpose, resilience, and exploration.

In our conversation, we dive into her career in higher ed and HR, the realities of digital nomad life, her experiences as a Black woman in the global dive community, and the importance of carving your own path.

In this conversation, we dive into Korys life story his upbringing, sports aspirations, and the turning points that shaped his path. He opens up about life-or-death experiences that forced him to reevaluate who he was and who he wanted to become, and shares what its like leading AFF while staying true to justice, authenticity, and community care.

In our conversation, we explore Alanas journey from snowboard coach to somatic guide, the unique power of embodiment in personal growth, and how she supports Black and marginalized communities through culturally aware, trauma-informed coaching. We also dive into a timely discussion about accountability in the Black communitywhy it matters, what it looks like in practice, and how self-awareness can spark collective healing.

Alana brings wisdom, vulnerability, and nerd energy for personal development into this powerful dialogue.

With expertise in both policy and marine ecosystems, Milan is a fierce advocate for inclusive ocean practices, sustainable aquaculture development, and coastal community protection. Shes also a passionate scuba diver embracing mermaid-like curiosity beneath the waves and a powerful voice for why representation matters in marine spaces.

In this episode, we explore Milans work with Aquatic Futures, her love for the ocean, and the nerd passions fueling her drive for justice, equity, and conservation.

As Chief Operating Officer and Chief Innovation Officer at Black In Marine Science (BIMS), he leads initiatives that merge cutting-edge tech with environmental and social justice. And as Co-founder and President of Ocean Justice AI, hes pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to safeguard our oceans and ensure fair, equitable access to marine resources.

In this conversation, Germain shares his journey from urban planning to marine science leadership, the award-winning projects hes helped build, and how AI is shaping the future of ocean conservation. We also dive into his vision for scaling impact, his advice for future leaders, and why being a nerd might just be the superpower behind his mission.

Tune in as we explore how Germain is pushing the boundaries of innovation, equity, and ocean justice, all while inspiring the next generation of Black leaders in STEM.

Born and raised in Miami, Dres early love for the ocean carried her across the country, where she earned a Biology degree from Pomona College and a graduate certificate from CSU Monterey Bay. Now working as an independent science illustrator, she blends creativity and education, using illustration and graphic design to make science more accessible, engaging, and inclusive.

In our conversation, Dre opens up about her journey into science illustration, the challenges of being a Black creative in STEM, and the power of visual storytelling in science communication. We also dive into her goals for the future, her favorite projects, and the advice she has for the next generation of artists and scientists who want to bridge the gap between creativity and research.

With a background in communication studies and rhetoric analysis, Leroy entered the world of marine science with no prior ties to the ocean. Now, after two and a half years in international government relations and nonprofit conservation work, hes become a passionate voice for ocean justice, community empowerment, and inclusive science communication.

From his early days working in his hometown of Newport News, VA, to building a storytelling web series that centers the voices of historically marginalized communities, Leroy breaks down how language, representation, and lived experience all play a role in shaping environmental change.

In this episode, we dive into:

• What its like to join marine science as an outsider

• How neurodiversity (ADHD and Bipolar II) influences his academic journey

• Why grassroots communication is essential to conservation

• The importance of being seen as a Black man in ocean spaces

• What he nerds out aboutfrom rhetorical theory to theater

Whether youre in STEM, communication, or somewhere in between, Leroys story is a masterclass in showing up fullybold, brilliant, and Black.

Tap in now and hear why this rising leader is reshaping the way we talk about science and justice.

From investigating how environmental change affects invertebrate communities to collecting data on mating horseshoe crabs, Ebony brings both rigor and joy to her science. In this conversation, we explore her academic journey from Miami to Madison, her upcoming expansion into marine ecosystems, and the ways she uses storytelling, YouTube, and citizen science to connect people with the natural world.

We also dive into big questionsabout purpose, meaning, mental health, and identity as a Black woman in STEMand how Ebony balances lab work with philosophy debates, travel, and creative exploration.

Whether youre into bugs, the ocean, or finding your path in science, this episode is full of inspiration, depth, and curiosity.

Tap in and explore the beauty of biodiversity, one invertebrate at a time.

Currently an undergrad at Duke University, Chant is majoring in marine science and conservation and minoring in journalism, arts, and media. At just 17, she organized a 400-mile Gulf South climate march from New Orleans to Houston, and she hasnt slowed down since. From features in Teen Vogue to documentaries like To the End and Changemakers alongside Ted Danson, Chants voice has become a beacon for youth-led, BIPOC-centered conservation efforts.

In this episode, we unpack her love for sharks, the powerful parallels she draws between their media portrayal and that of Black women, and how shes creating more equitable pathways in marine science. We also talk campus leadership, creative storytelling, and how Chant balances it all with grace, fire, and plenty of nerd energy.

Kailani currently serves as the Science Program Associate at OceanX, helping to drive innovative ocean exploration and research. She earned her Ph.D. in 2024 from Columbia University, where she studied nutrient dynamics and phytoplankton communities in the Gulf of Mexico, an area with deep environmental and cultural significance. But Kailanis work doesnt stop at the science.

Shes the founder of Columbias Seminar Diversity Initiative, co-author of published best practices for building DEI task forces, and the creative force behind Bridging the Gulf, a science-art exhibit connecting 100-million-year-old plankton, Black Belt soil, and Southern cultural identity. As an Early Career Liaison for the UN Ocean Decade, shes helping shape the next era of global ocean sustainability.

In this conversation, we explore how science and storytelling intersect, how DEI work can reshape institutions, and how shes making waves from the lab to the ocean floor to the art gallery.

And we definitely didn't ask her what it was like having a bunch of college kids on her boat this summer....

We dive into her remarkable career journey from over 20 oceanographic expeditions to shaping the future of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for climate and conservation. Dr. Wright shares insights from her new book Mapping the Deep, reflects on being a role model for Black scientists, and reveals what fuels her passion for both science and storytelling.

This episode is a celebration of brilliance, curiosity, and blazing trails in STEM.

Ken shares the stories behind his most impactful reporting, the meaning behind his major accolades, and how family has shaped his approach to storytelling. But beyond the newsroom, we dive into the things that make Ken a true nerd at hearthis love of learning, unexpected passions, and what it means to embrace curiosity in a world that doesnt always reward it.

From favorite nerdy movies and books to professional wisdom for the next generation of storytellers, this conversation is full of insight, laughter, and heart. Plus, Deidric and Ken swap notes on life in L.A., hidden gems like The Shack, and why embracing your inner nerd might just be your biggest superpower.

Whether youre chasing a dream, finding your voice, or just love good storytellingthis ones for you.