This week it is just Katie and Robiee on the couch, cozied up with sushi, wine and a whole lot of laughter as they read listener submitted traditions for the holidays and beyond. From family rituals to funny food combos to stories passed down through generations, this episode is a mix of sweet, silly and sentimental.

We talk about everything from honoring loved ones to surprising traditions people have created on their own, and why even the smallest rituals can mean so much. Thank you to everyone who submitted. We loved reading your stories and we hope they inspire you to think about the traditions you already have and the ones you want to create.

This week we sat down with Tadas Dabsys, a Lithuanian craftsman, culture bearer and Katie’s father in law, to talk about what it means to pass down traditions in a modern world. Tadas shares the story of his family’s journey from Lithuania to Los Angeles, the tight knit community that helped keep the language and culture alive, and how he has carried those traditions into his own life and family.

We talk about everything from folk dancing and community celebrations to the woodworking projects he creates today, including the birdhouses he fills with old trinkets, family memories and pieces of Lithuanian history. Tadas shares why preserving culture matters, how traditions evolve as families grow, and the joy of seeing his children make these traditions their own.

This episode is a warm look at heritage, creativity and the meaningful ways we keep our stories alive across generations. To see Tadas’ creations, head to makingwavesproject.com/stories.

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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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Follow @makingwaves.project on Instagram and explore more at ⁠makingwavesproject.com