Buckle in, kiddos, we have another marathon episode. This week, Michael is back from vacation, and our hosts have A LOT to say (yes, even Jasmine) because there is some catching up to do! Jasmine fills us in on the L.A. Times Book Festival, and Michael gushes about his Orlando adventure.

Seriously, the smiles segment takes up about half of the episode—but they are worth it!

Michael talks Marvel (reminder, “Ironheart” premieres on Disney+ on June 24th), grandma activities, and Epic Universe. Jasmine talks about axolotls, Taco Bell, and seals.

The Wheel of Topics makes Michael utilize that explicit label on the podcast (mouth like a sailor, that one). Jasmine brings us back down to a more calm tone, as she is wont to do.

Grab your complimentary waters and Tate’s cookies because this episode is almost as long as Michael’s wait on the tarmac!

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: ⁠pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com⁠

Good News Links:

Captive-Bred Axolotls Can Survive in the Wild, Offering Hope for the Critically Endangered Amphibians: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/captive-bred-axolotls-can-survive-in-the-wild-offering-hope-for-the-critically-endangered-amphibians-180986543/

Why "Grandma Hobbies" Could Be the Secret to Better Mental Health: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a64174154/grandma-hobbies/

​Celebrating “10 years of impact,” Taco Bell has provided over $64 million in scholarships for college students: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/taco-bell-scholarship

Eight entangled seals rescued off Block Island thanks to new camera: https://www.wtnh.com/new-england-news/eight-entangled-seals-rescued-off-block-island-thanks-to-new-camera/

On a very special episode of “Pleasant Conversations,” the gang has to intervene when Jesse becomes addicted to caffeine pills due to the stress of exams and performing in a girl group.

Kidding.

This week, our hosts take a break from their regularly scheduled program to give listeners insight into who they are. Jasmine and Michael use categorized questions, chosen at random, to interview each other. They talk about everything from childhood building blocks to hot takes to alien life. One question even has Jasmine saying a bad word! Michael makes promises of more engagement on socials (which he does not fulfill) and gets heated over a question about soup.

The conversation is full of laughs, surprises, and plenty of filler words, and is, as always, pleasant.

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: ⁠pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com⁠

This week, our hosts start off discussing upcoming travel plans. Then Michael dives into positive trends of pitties, podcasts, viral singers, and the rebellion in a galaxy far, far away.

In the news, J & M celebrate the environment with the return of sea turtles, ocean-saving efforts, 3-D printing as an eco warrior, an environmental journey that would make Julie Taymor jealous, and a firefly lottery (not the concert) in the Smokies. They wrap things up with some events happening around the world in May.

The Wheel of Topics sets off a nerd alert, and our hosts talk time travel (and discover they are obsessed with Paul Walker and Rachel McAdams)! We find out Michael wants to go to Victorian England to see…the gas lamps? (NERD) Then J & M just go hog wild about time travel movies and shows.

Jasmine needs a name for her “Curbside Cooldown” alter ego! The “Ashes & Embers” this week are short and to the point, and the affirmation for the week is sweet.

It must be a day ending in “y” because Michael sends us off with yet another “Grease 2” reference.

Remember to rate us and leave us a comment on whichever platform you use and send in your pleasant news, personal stories, and whatever is helping you have joy in these uncertain times.

Until next time, stay pleasant!

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: ⁠pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com⁠

Good News Links:

Biologists celebrate recovery mission as 31 critically endangered sea turtles return to the Atlantic Ocean: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/kemps-ridley-sea-turtle-rescue-north-carolina

'Revive Our Ocean' initiative launched to protect coastal waters: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/revive-our-ocean-initiative-launched-protect-coastal-waters-2025-04-24/

Researchers create 3D-printed seawall to protect marine life from coastal erosion: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/miami-researchers-textured-seawall-coastal-erosion

Lifesize herd of puppet animals begins climate action journey from Africa to Arctic Circle: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/apr/25/puppet-herd-animals-climate-crisis-africa-arctic-circle-little-amal

National park's annual 'firefly lottery' opens for lucky winners to see an 'otherworldly' light show: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/synchronous-fireflies-lottery-national-park

Festival de Cannes: https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/

RHS Chelsea Flower Show: https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show

Vivid Sydney: https://www.vividsydney.com/

Cheese Rolling Gloucester: https://nationaltoday.com/event/cheese-rolling-gloucester/

Monaco Grand Prix 2025: https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/monaco