What was the rationale behind the Water People podcast's decision to feature a conversation with a prominent surfer, Moana Jones Wong, who has been associated with controversial statements? In 2023, Wong aligned herself with Bethany Hamilton in expressing views that were perceived as anti-transgender and targeted towards LGBTQIA+ surfers. Additionally, Wong made comments questioning the competitive prowess of cisgender women in professional surfing, suggesting that they were inadequate in comparison to a transgender woman. These incidents contributed to the growing concern over the rise of anti-transgender sentiments within the professional surfing community, involving several athletes.

Fun topics covered and interesting interviews!

When I listen to this podcast, a sense of peace (as in calm) washes over me, much like being in the water. I love hearing the stories.

Each ep is very intentional, packed with critical information without the overload and feel like taking a massive deep breath. Thoroughly enjoy every time I listen!

Such a great podcast. I love the perspective of them… and always so calming to hear fellow water people talk about the various issues discussed here. Also they embody the name of the podcast themselves.

I am thankful to have discovered Waterpeople. The authenticity of the hosts and their ability to get into the hearts of their guests provides deeply enriching content. As someone who is strongly connected to the marine environment, I appreciate the passion the hosts and their guests share for the planet. I am often encouraged, as well as challenged, by the perspectives and insights that are shared.

Ahhhh, what a listen!! Standing in love, revelation, and wow if he feels imposter syndrome than so be it. Loved the poetry and the gracious hosts with their mindful questions—I see you all and honor the space you create with Waterpeople!! Being kind to ourselves in such weird times. Mahalo for doing the work ….

This has very quickly become not just my favorite outdoor podcast, but my favorite podcast of any type. It is consistently the most emotionally and intellectually profound podcast. I highly recommend the Kimi Werner episode.

My go-to for lengthy commutes or days when I can’t get outside or into the ocean. Diversified subject matter with very charismatic hosts as well as guests. Great work, please keep them coming as you’re able.

I just listened to one of the older episodes on Mary Setterholm. Great content as there’s a lot in there that I hadn’t heard about her story. But I am baffled that Lauren found Setterholm so mysterious when she is very google-able, with a lot of information already out there on the Internet. Made me wonder how much research goes into these interviews. I suppose further listening to other episodes will tell.

Came here from Spit Podcast recommendation, thoroughly enjoyed.

I just stumbled across your podcast. I’m so excited to hear your interviews and insights into our ocean community. Yewwww.

10/10

Deep and meaningful conversations built around the ocean and its healing power. A real gem of positivity and insight! Lauren and Dave ask intelligent and empathy-driven questions. Their interview style is subtle and balanced: giving space to build narratives with a natural unhurried flow. I was super moved by Kimi Werner’s episode. Also the episode with Rhonda Harper of Black Girls Surf beautifully highlights the value and need for diverse representation in the surf media landscape. Good for the soul, and much needed in these times, mahalo!

So thankful content like this is being put out. This podcast has given me so many rabbit holes to explore and has really made me more aware of exactly which type of energy I identify with within the vast abyss of “surf culture”. It seems that here in Southern California, there is a disregard or unwillingness to discuss how deep the act of surfing and being a surfer really is…Only in this podcast am I reminded of how meaningless yet meaningful surfing really is…how rare it is to find something that provides you with whatever you are willing to take from it only in that moment…So blessed to be aware of the life skills we acquire through “a surfing life” and how surfing being so downright obscure, really forces us to be introspective and grateful for small moments of bliss. Although I’ve never met Dave and Lauren, I get the feeling it would be like meeting old friends. Thanks to all who are involved in creating this.

I cried at least 4 times during this episode! So amazing!! Such a powerful story. Super obsessed with the podcast in general! ! It is EVERYTHING!! LOVE YA ALL!!

This is a great podcast. That I really enjoy but sadly I am disappointed at how little folks of color are featured/showcased.

Marry Setterholm is an absolute legend, thank you and her for sharing.

Thank you. The last podcast changed my life.

This podcast series is my absolute favorite!! Lauren and Dave do an amazing job interviewing such inspiring, creative, and beautiful people. I absolutely love the depth and vulnerability these episodes hold and how it allows me to connect to each story in some way. There have even been episodes where I cry my eyes out for a few seconds!!! (Which is not good when I’m driving while listening! Lol). Not only does the ocean and surfing heal us, this podcast can too. I have not been disappointed with a podcast episode yet! All the good vibes ☀️, JennC.

Good surfing podcast with insightful and unique topics. Great for long car rides or whenever you want to hear unique discussions. Kelly Burger

The Waterpeople Podcast is wonderful. Dave and Lauren are such respectful, caring and inquisitive ocean lovers, and interview other interesting, ocean-minded folks, who offer different perspectives on surfing, coastal life and inhabitants, and life in general. I appreciate how they acknowledge the past, as well as the future, and weave in stories that other coastal dwellers and lovers can relate to. Check it out!

Love this podcast! I really appreciate the topics and people they interview. Always interesting and informative. Lauren and Dave are an amazing couple who put themselves out in a very authentic way. Always looking forward to the next show! Thanks!!🙏

This podcast feels like it takes up conversations where where articles in the Surfer’s Journal leave off. Steve

I’m SO happy to have found my way to the Water People podcast! Lauren and Dave bring a refreshing curiosity and sincere interest to the people they interview. There’s also a refreshing honesty to these conversations and around topics of mental health, physical health struggles and the range of human experiences that feels very authentic and relatable. I love the holistic paradigm and strong emphasis on environmentalism and women’s issues/experiences. They are stretching the idea of what it means to be a surfer to includes wonder, awe and respect for the various ways people enjoy and experience the ocean and outdoors. So, yeah, REFRESHING!! 🤠🌀✌🏼Instagram: @lifegardener71

This is one podcast where I don’t skip the intro. Lauren and Dave themselves have so much wisdom and beauty within in them that the thoughts and experiences they share are amazing. To top it off their guests are some of the most fascinating Waterpeople in the world. Grateful for the podcast fooorrr sure!

If you’re needing that feeling of connection right now, this is a good place to go. Lauren & Dave have brought us a thoughtful dissemination of a unique yet global culture of a people who truly love the water. For those of you who feel you may not yet belong (or relate) to this culture, give it a listen still, as you will find you share so much in common with people who are simply finding joy and compassion in their vulnerability. Waterpeople Podcast is calm, centered, and just that.. vulnerable; such in a way that you always feel a part of the conversation, even if you are spatially distant from underlying thalassic subject. - Cole

Lauren and Dave do wonderful work hosting insightful and amazing guests on a variety of topics that all weave together the themes of interconnectedness and respect for each other and our planet. A great podcast to help dive inside ourselves to think about who we are in and out of the water and inspire us to face those hard questions about ourselves to make ourselves better. Thank you to Laura and Dave for hosting this and helping us all grow! One Love, Nate IG: brother.beck

Hi everyone! What you guys are doing just made me cry I’m happy that Dave Laura and Thomas sit down and talk about everything that includes the beautiful ocean. My name is Sergio and I’m really sorry because my writing is not the best. All I know is that when I was 6 years old my dad bought me my first surfboard it was a local motion, we all moved to Ecuador from the Florida. When I was 9 years old me and my dad when surfing he never came to shore to lost him. When I was 13 Year old sprout surf video came to my life and I thank you Thomas Campbell you are one of a kind and you do so much for the world. I just got my mind blown away again because of you guys. I love it!!! When I stopped competing I was 17 years old I got into art school i told everyone that I know about the ocean existence people really dig it but I couldn’t have done it with out you . I don’t know if Thomas remembers but I told him that I started selling coconuts where me and my family live in montañita - Ecuador I come every year to Northern California - Gualala that’s where I’m now waves here are amazing but have not surf because I don’t have a surfboard and a wetsuit. But there’s is one thing I know and that’s is that this podcast will make people understand about life and the beautiful way nature is. I told everyone I know in the years about sprout surf video. I’m going to leave my phone number in case it’s better to talk because my writing isn’t good enough. I wish all you guys the best Thomas Campbell family the same! ❤️ 🌊🌍 760 - 717 - 2521 call me anytime or @little_serge that’s my Instagram

Love this podcast, such a thoughtful and informative take on surfing.

Surfing as a springboard into topics for a more unified and fluid way of being. YES

Makes me want to go back in the water!

I love the deep conversations between Lauren, Dave, and their guests. The Derek Hynd and Thomas Campbell episodes were particularly interesting.

I’m new the the podcast and new the surfing :) but it has changed my life and mind forever and now I will chase waves til the end of time ! Your podcast is amazing the way it merges surfing, ecology, spirituality, and more that i can’t wait to discover. x Jacqui

I just found your podcast, and listened to your interview with Jaimal. Fantastic. I’m excited to go back and listen to previous podcasts and cans wait to hear more. Thank you, Lauren and Dave. Regards, Patrick Aptos, California.

Long time listener, from Maine (east-coast U.S), an avid surfer, commercial fisherman, and a student learning about value and supply chains within ocean food systems, as a marine science BS student. Your show is one that captivates me both emotionally & intellectually. Each episode always contains either something I can relate to/apply to my own life, or captivates me intellectually about conservation efforts of your guests around the world. For instance The Albee Falzon episode & dr. Pia Winberg’s episodes are so amazing. I love the content within this podcast, & also appreciate the kind/mindful hosts Dave & Lauren; keep doing what you’re doing , cheers!

Hey guys love the variety of guests! The depth of storytelling and questions that both Dave and Lauren tease out of their guests are just amazing. It’s a gift and joy to listen!! Sam Powers

Love the authenticity of the show!

Just listened to the interview with Jaimal and I’m captivated. Dave and Lauren have such a beautiful outlook and engaging style. As a parent of a two year old I really appreciate their willingness to express the joys and lessons and challenges of parenting while sharing meaningful conversations.

A appreciate so deeply listening to Lauren and Dave have vibrant, engaging, and inspiring conversations with all their Water People guests. They cover a variety of topics that support better the earth, our relationship with others and ourselves. I’m grateful they have created a sacred space for sharing authentic conversations about topics that matter.

Truly one of my favorite new podcasts. I turn it on when I want to feel some stoke for surfing, or for a thoughtful discussion with people who love the ocean as much as I do. There’s always some comment or topic from their interviews that I end up pondering for days and talking about with my surf friends - for example their discussion with a female longboarder who proposed that it’s enough to just stand up and watch the wave, nothing else is really needed; or I love to share with people how I learned that surfers share a skin microbiome with cetaceans. The mix of science with sport is something I’ve never found anywhere else. Thank you for making this podcast and providing such beautiful discussions of all kinds of surfing and all kinds of ocean science, united with a love for the ocean. -Lindsay M

Very good show and topics, keep it up and thanks.

Thank you so much for creating this podcast. It’s go great to gather together with like minded people and hear their stories of the the love of surfing , the ocean and life <3. Love it!

These conversations are sweet, enlightening, and inspiring. I love your insight on surf culture and ecology. Please keep making these!

I really love this show by two of the best humans on the planet. #waterpeople #stAUGUSTINEfoEVA #garymcneal #sanuk

Water people is our family favorite podcast by far. Keep inspiring and we will keep listening. Brian Coco Zion Izaiah Scrone

Thank you for creating a platform to bring to us your heros and thier stories. I have learnt so much about my home shores and those of islands far away. I am inspired and educated by each speaker and thier story. This podcast is so well thought and put together. And I love how we are called to action by the speakers and how they have stood up and fought for our oceans.

I am so happy Dave and Lauren have decided to bring us these enlightening conversations. I look forward to every new episode because I learn something new every time and leave the conversation feeling renewed. Congrats to you both and keep up the good work. - Justin Sparks

Such friendly, positive, and inspiring conversation! I’ve stumbled onto a few episodes of this podcast in the past, but after listening to the latest chat with our local inspiration Ashley Lloyd, I’m hooked on TWP - and I’m not typically a podcast person, my wife and friends can vouch 😂. Clear, professional production coupled with naturally-flowing, interesting and inspiring conversation is just what I needed to sit back and listen to on a Saturday morning. Thanks Dave, Lauren, and guests! I look forward to diving into past episodes. Keep it up 👏👏

I think Lauren and Dave are doing an excellent job finding and interviewing their guests. My favorite as of late being Geoff Lawton. Keep it up water peoples!