This week, Jasmine and Michael go off the rails and forget that when the episode drops, it will be Pride month (except we all know who actually forgot).

Jasmine finally shares her plans for June, and, shocker, they are Disney-related. So, yet again, the podcast visits the Haus of Mouse for a bit. Then, Michael talks Ren Faires.

The news dives into environmental activism, the return of Sesame Street, marine refreshment, the World Masters Games, LGBTQIA+ allyship, and even more environmental news.

Jasmine teases us with magical penguin poop, but moves on to the Wheel of Topics, which has our hosts talking about superpower desires.

Join us for another rousing, pleasant conversation. Hope you didn’t cheat Death because this episode is one derailed train away from the next Final Destination storyline!

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: ⁠pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com⁠

Walt Disney Archives Celebrates 55 Years of Preserving the Magic: https://d23.com/walt-disney-archives-celebrates-55-years-of-preserving-the-magic/

As Brilliant As Ever: The Restoration of Cinderella: https://d23.com/as-brilliant-as-ever-the-restoration-of-cinderella/

WTF Just Happened Today: https://whatthefuckjusthappenedtoday.com

Amelia Otter's Mischief in the Water by Luke McLelan: https://santacruzotter.com/

Good News Links:

Environmentalist turns trash into postcards for unique Congressional letter-writing campaign: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/postcards-from-trash-hack-recycling-politicians

Sesame Street Is Coming to Netflix: https://sesameworkshop.org/about-us/press-room/sesame-street-is-coming-to-netflix/

A new Miami Beach underwater art installation aims to help coral thrive: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/reefline-miami-beach

105-Year-Old Thai Athlete Wins 4 Gold Medals at World Masters Games: https://people.com/105-year-old-thai-athlete-wins-medals-world-masters-games-11740837

A straight ally started the most wholesome Pride tradition & is leaving people with tears of joy: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/a-straight-ally-started-the-most-wholesome-pride-tradition-is-leaving-people-with-tears-of-joy/

New Coral Gardens and Hydrothermal Vents Found in the Icy Depths of the Remote South Sandwich Islands: https://schmidtocean.org/new-coral-gardens-hydrothermal-vents-found-south-sandwich-islands/

In India, Indigenous women and their ‘dream maps’ seek to protect lands from climate change: https://apnews.com/article/india-women-farmers-climate-change-indigenous-fe099e6b33589330f7aa1bb27da75005

'Lost' gecko species thought to be extinct rediscovered in South Africa after more than 30 years: https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/05/15/scientists-thought-this-gecko-was-extinct-or-didnt-exist-now-its-been-rediscovered-after-3

**Please forgive this week's sound issues. Michael tried a different audio setup, which led to some unexpected problems during recording.**

This week, our hosts become unhinged pretty early on. Jasmine regales us with stories from her trip to the Grammy Museum, which rivals Michael’s recap of his vacation last week!

We’ve got good news on women’s health, post-Brexit reconciliation, sweaters for penguins, youths saving our world’s water, and farmers getting their climate data back. Michael shares some “blazing” trending news, going off on the glorification of plantations, and some quotes from our Internet Daddy, Pedro Pascal.

The Wheel of Topics explores the evolution of friendships, in which we get a little deep. The Curbside Cool-Down brings some good ashes and embers and Jasmine pulls a bonus card for the weekly affirmation.

This episode is HOT in more ways than one, so grab some hot dogs to roast and join us for some Pleasant Conversations!

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: ⁠pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com⁠

Good News Links:

The FDA approves first U.S. at-home tool as a Pap-smear alternative: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/10/nx-s1-5394446/fda-cervical-cancer-screening-at-home-tool-pap-smear

Youth mobility, defence and £25bn in trade: Everything we know about the UK-EU ‘Brexit reset’ talks: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-eu-brexit-reset-deal-youth-mobility-defence-trade-b2753366.html

Nannas knit jumpers for oil-spill penguins: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnv5vg6dpzpo

Teen Duo from Slovakia and Czechia win The Earth Prize 2025 with Groundbreaking Clean Water Solution: https://happyeconews.com/earthprize2025/

Farmers Sued Over Deleted Climate Data. So the Government Will Put It Back.: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/12/climate/trump-deleted-climate-website-farmers-lawsuit.html?unlocked_article_code=1.HE8.DMtq.dlsw28h--i2F&smid=url-share

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

This week, we give some holiday wishes to our listeners (and Michael stumbles through some basic Hebrew). Fish doorbells and more “A Goofy Movie” content are keeping a huge smile on Jasmine’s face. Michael confuses Ricky Martin and Chris Pine (as one does) and talks about his love for “Waitress” (the movie and the musical).

In the news: gun control, political drag queens, women athletes representing hard at the 2028 Summer Olympics, sea turtles are making a big return (cue Michael ranting about paper straws), New Mexico’s free child care, and microbes giving life on other planets (and Michael biffs a “Saved by the Bell” reference — the song is “A 12” not “K 12”).

Muckles at the Movies is all about the love Michael has for Ryan Coogler’s hit film “Sinners”! Listen for his spoiler-free review and overall thoughts on the film and its amazing cast. The Wheel of Topics takes our hosts to a deserted island. They finish the episode with their Ashes & Embers, the weekly affirmation, a plea for more listener submissions, and Michael’s “I’m pleasant damn it” leaves Jasmine speechless.

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com

Check out the Fish Doorbell: https://visdeurbel.nl/en/

Good News Links:

Colorado now has one of the most restrictive gun laws in the country: https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/semi-automatic-firearms-colorado-restrictive-gun-law-signed-governor-jared-polis/

An Austin drag queen is teaching people about the Texas Legislature — in the club: https://www.kut.org/austin/2025-04-15/austin-tx-brigitte-bandit-drag-politics-events

Tara Hoot: @tarahoot

Female athletes to be in the majority at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after big win for women’s soccer: https://apnews.com/article/ioc-fifa-2028-olympics-womens-soccer-8a881f452c544d204662e237a55a7a3f

Endangered sea turtle populations show signs of recovery in more than half the world, survey finds: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/endangered-sea-turtle-populations-show-signs-recovery-half-world-surve-rcna201788

New Mexico made childcare free. It lifted 120,000 people above the poverty line: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/11/childcare-new-mexico-poverty

Scientists detect signature of life on a distant planet, study suggests: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/17/science/k218b-potential-biosignature-webb/index.html

Extra, extra! Michael’s a bully who talked so long during a segment that he started the next one without asking Jasmine to contribute. To be fair, he was discussing the Hulu miniseries “Dying for Sex” and got caught up in the moment.

This week, Jasmine and Michael talk about the 30th Anniversary of “A Goofy Movie”, good news from around the world (including sports—what??), and Michael makes a very crass joke (sorry, Mom).

The Wheel of Topics gets our hosts talking about things they used to believe as kids, but don’t anymore. And then Michael does a mini discussion/review of “Dying for Sex”, the Hulu miniseries and the podcast it was inspired by.

Don’t do your “Michael’s Filler Words” drinking game this episode because you will end up in the ER.

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com

Good News Links:

Volunteers in the Bay Area are building DIY benches for bus stops that don’t have anywhere for people to sit (Guerrilla activists are remaking Bay Area transit stops on their own): https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/guerrilla-transit-activists-bus-benches-bay-area-20234113.php

Alex Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky's NHL goals record with 895th of his career: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alex-ovechkin-breaks-wayne-gretzkys-nhl-goals-record-895-career/

Technology developed by MIT engineers makes pesticides stick to plant leaves: https://news.mit.edu/2025/mit-engineers-develop-pesticides-stick-on-plant-leaves-0325

Clean energy powered 40% of global electricity in 2024, report finds: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/08/clean-energy-powered-40-of-global-electricity-in-2024-report-finds

Volunteers plant record number of trees in woodland: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz03d18erp0o

Stir stick to detect if your drink is spiked developed by UBC researchers: https://globalnews.ca/news/11101145/stir-stick-drink-spiked-ubc-researchers/

Eastern monarch butterfly population nearly doubles in 2025: https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/eastern-monarch-butterfly-population-nearly-doubles-in-2025

You can buy a pebble from the 'tariffed' Heard Island penguins to support wildlife conservation: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/trump-tariffs-heard-island-penguins-pebble-export

Beavers back in river for first time in 400 years: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78jd6dqjzyo

This week is one spicy meatball of joy! Michael’s filler words are back! Jasmine has some great news, both personal and global, and then talks some trash, bringing out Michael’s Greek temper. The Wheel of Topics takes J & M on a trip to the days before smartphones and Michael shakes his fist at the kids on the lawn. Our hosts introduce a new regular segment for the Curbside Cool-Down: Ashes and Embers.

The coup de grace: Jasmine sends us off with an IMPECCABLE impression of Dr Teeth!

Go see Jasmine at the L.A. Festival of Books and find Michael yelling at people throwing their trash in your local waterways!

Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @PleasantConvosPod

Email us: pleasantconversationspodcast@gmail.com

Good News Links:

Japan Creates Plastic That Dissolves In Hours In The Ocean And Enhances Soil Health: https://japandaily.jp/japan-creates-plastic-that-dissolves-in-hours-in-the-ocean-and-enhances-soil-health/

Speaker Johnson suffers a defeat in his push to block parents in the U.S. House from proxy voting: https://apnews.com/article/proxy-voting-discharge-petition-moms-anna-paulina-luna-118e3ff0fb12137714862c99a6bc92dd

Senate rebukes Trump’s tariffs as some Republicans vote to halt taxes on Canadian imports: https://apnews.com/article/congress-tariffs-trump-republicans-a45b4d4da013e4ce1ce434b81337e3ec

Up to 4,000 places set to be rolled out at school-based nurseries from September: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-dfe-department-for-education-england-newcastle-b1220201.html

So long, Strom: Cory Booker breaks Thurmond’s Senate record with 25-hour speech: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/01/cory-booker-record-breaking-senate-speech-00265142

After living “life in a trash bag” himself, a man has donated 250K backpacks to restore dignity for foster youth: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/comfort-cases-backpacks-for-foster-youth

Nationwide 'Hands Off!' protests erupt against Trump and Musk: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/05/nx-s1-5353388/hands-off-protests-washington-dc

Volunteers assemble for Food Bank of Delaware after Trump administration cancels 900,000 meals: https://www.wdel.com/news/volunteers-assemble-for-food-bank-of-delaware-after-trump-administration-cancels-900-000-meals/article_12693b64-b74c-483f-bb77-cb43c24651b2.html