Episodes

In today's episode, Christine speaks with Bridget Truxilo, who has firsthand experience with harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment. As the only female on the SWAT team, along with her time on patrol and as an undercover narcotics investigator, she knows what it feels like to have no one to trust and to feel defeated at every turn. This is why Bridget started the Lady Law Shield, to help those feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by a seemingly unwinnable ...

In today’s episode, join Ally Cedeno as she dives into the exciting preview of the Women Offshore Conference 2023 'A World of Opportunity' at Texas A&M in Galveston. Attendees are promised two invigorating days of motivation, insights, and priceless networking. Day 1 Captain Sherri Hickman of Houston Pilots is our trailblazing opening keynote speaker. She's a stalwart in the maritime arena and a beacon for many aspiring maritime professionals. Attendees can look forward to a journey that uncove...

We've all seen it - a critical board meeting, brainstorming sessions, even casual team chats. A woman is making her point, laying down insights, or suggesting strategies, and suddenly, she's interrupted, cut off, or talked over, often by a male colleague. This isn't just about breaking the conversational flow; it's about undermining authority, credibility, and voice. We've invited Erica D'Eramo, the founder of Two Piers Consulting PBC, to our podcast to dive deep into this intricate issue. Fo...

In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Mandy Maude Culbreath who is an Emergency Room Social Worker within a large Louisiana non-profit, academic hospital system. Mandy evaluates patients’ initial emergencies and implements a plan of care with the medical team to resolve psychosocial problems. She acts as a patient advocate and resource person to staff and the community on social work issues. She leads and facilitates participatory learning, promotes creativity in programming, st...

In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Jenny Johnson, Founder and CEO of Maritime Inclusion Partners, about the presentation she gave on "Balancing Gender Bias within the Promotion Process in the Offshore Environment" at the Women Offshore Inclusion Summit. They discuss the key takeaways from not only her presentation but from all the speakers. Whether you got a chance to attend or not, this is a great episode to hear their perspective on each of the topics along with some important...

In today's episode, Ally speaks with Sarah Hirsch, the newly appointed Head of Customer Success at MM-SEAS, the go-to provider for the Coast Guard licensing software. From sailing roots to becoming a Captain, she shares her sea stories and how she is trying to make the industry more inclusive. You don't want to miss this great story! About the MM-SEAS Software: MM-SEAS (www.mmseas.com) uses software to make life better for the maritime industry. We provide an innovative software solution for...

In today’s episode, Christine speaks about finding her voice while experiencing non-consent when she was younger. She shares how important it is to find your voice and how you can achieve this. Unfortunately for most women+ working offshore some sort of unwanted sexual harassment or assault has happened to us. Finding our voice is incredibly important. This can be a very triggering topic for some, just know you are not alone. If you have experienced any form of sexual assault and need support, ...

With the Inclusion Summit 1 week away, we wanted to give you a sneak peek of our Inclusion Summit. Inclusion refers to the practice of creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, abilities, or characteristics, are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. It involves actively involving and valuing every person as an essential and contributing member of a community, organization, or society. Inclusion goes beyond mere tolerance; it aims to embrace ...

In today's episode, Christine speaks with Nellie Tormala as she shares her story of how she found her authentic self. Nellie shares how she first came to the sea to isolate and run from her true identity as a woman. She shares about her transgender journey and how it led to working offshore. Join us as we listen to this enlightening conversation as you listen to Nellie's challenges and trials as she embraces the journey to her authentic self and working offshore. Here is a...

In today's episode, Christine speaks with Philip C. Schifflin and Christine Brunson from the Seamen's Church Institute about what they do and resilience. They discuss how they help during devastating times and when mariners need support. They highlight that resilience is BENDING not BRAKING and how to build resilience. They explore how to find the coping mechanisms for yourself and realize it's ok to reach out when you need help. This is another great podcast that everyone can benefit from.&n...

We asked YOU what questions you are too embarrassed or afraid to ask offshore. In today's episode, our Director of Career Support Programs, Christine MacMillan, and Women Offshore Ambassador Max Kantor review our questions and share their answers and experiences. They cover topics from menstrual cycles to career transitions to sexual harassment. If you are a women+ mariner, this is a great podcast to check out! TRIGGER WARNING: there are significant questions here, but some migh...

In today's episode, Ally and Christine talk about time management. They discuss how hard it is to say no and how important it is to prioritize the important things in your life. Your priorities will shift with time and that's ok. They go over ways to help you be more proactive and organized. Are you putting your energy and effort where you should? Have a Listen & Subscribe The Women Offshore Podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and most podcast apps. Mak...

In today's episode, Christine talks with Larkin Bohn about how she started her offshore career at the age of 31 and has the message, "Anything is Possible!" Starting in the gift shop department of Norwegian Cruise Lines, she fell in love with life at sea but yearned for a more hands-on role. Through networking and learning on the job, she became an unlicensed deckhand on adventure passenger vessels. Her passion for marine conservation led her to become a science communicator, creating ...

In today’s episode, Christine talks with Lieutenant Junior Grade (LT. J.G.) Alice Beittel, who is a commissioned officer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps (NOAA Corps), currently serving as the Advanced Survey Technology Officer at the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center in San Diego. She shares what the NOAA Corps does, the incredible history of the first women who worked for NOAA, and shares how she stays passionate about the industry. Alice says if you are inte...

In today’s episode, Christine talks with Dr. Joy Pedersen about Enneagram and how it can help you better understand yourself and work with other teammates. Dr. Pedersen has experience working with individuals and teams to manage change, transition, growth, loss, work-life balance, and other challenges in order to achieve their full potential. She provides coaching and training on a variety of topics, including the Enneagram, through her consulting company - Clarity Collective. Dr. Pedersen is ...

In today's episode, Christine talks with Rebbeca Johnson and Heather Richard, shares their passion and experience of sailing and how they got to be where they are today. They share about working with the Call of the Sea, which is an educational non-profit that connects people to the sea and maritime traditions. They aim to increase coastal access and empower people of all backgrounds through experiential and environmental education on the water. Rebecca started sailing on tall ships as a vol...

In today’s episode, Christine speaks with JL Candelaria, Creative Director and Silk Bracelet Maker for Pretty by JL. Jenny shares her heart on learning to lean into life and her journey through motherhood. She shares about a hard time in her life when she was trying to balance being a mom and making time for herself. Jenny says somewhere along the way, it became clear that her brand is more about the people who bring it to life than the accessories she creates. The Pretty by JL community consis...

In today's episode, Ally Cedeno has Mr. Jeremy R. Gauthier, Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, on the show. We wanted everyone to meet the new Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service and to revisit what happens when you make a report to the Coast Guard. Jeremy R. Gauthier became the fifth civilian Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) in September 2022. He serves as the senior federal criminal investigative executive within the U.S. Co...

In today's episode, Ally and Christine discuss communication skills and how to use them to level up the workplace. They give great advice on how to listen well, receive feedback, and have successful conversations. These are excellent reminders of how to handle your communication at work and also how to handle emergencies offshore. Whether you work remotely, offshore, or talk to people daily, this is a great podcast you don't want to miss. Have a Listen & Subscribe The Women Of...

In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Dr. Holly Fearnbach, Dr. Holly Fearnbach is the marine mammal research director of SR3, SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation and Research (www.sealifer3.org), a Seattle area non-profit dedicated to the welfare of marine wildlife in the Northeast Pacific. Holly gives advice to follow their career dreams and encourages us to advocate for what is right. For more than two decades, Holly has worked with government, NGO, and academic research groups on ...

In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Hillary Sprague, a mother of two, educator, and women offshore podcast listener. She's a giant fan of all the inspiring guests and an ally to all the listeners supporting the Women Offshore mission. Hillary and Christine discuss the book "The Confidence Code." Working women today are better educated and more well-qualified than ever before. Yet men still predominate in the corporate world. In The Confidence Code, Claire Shipman and Katty Kay a...

In today’s episode, Ally Cedeno speaks about tips to help with public speaking. Ally has the honor of speaking at California Maritime Academy at their graduation. She goes over public speaking lessons she has learned and tips that have helped her over the years. She shares how she used to freeze when she was put on the spot and would beat herself up afterward. This is a great episode we could all benefit from! Have a Listen & Subscribe The Women Offshore Podcast can also be found on Apple Podca...

In today’s episode, Ally Cedeno speaks with the President and Executive Recruiter at Trackline Search Partners, Sheila LaFleur. As an Unlimited Master Mariner with extensive maritime and transportation recruitment expertise, Sheila has keen insight into full desk recruitment. She understands the maritime industry firsthand and truly has a grasp of the technical terminology and job requirements because she had to do many of them herself! Her intuitive sense enables her to match candidates with h...

In today’s episode, Christine MacMillan speaks with Corinne Bendersky, a Professor and Area Chair of Management and Organizations who specializes in workplace conflict, status, justice, diversity, and inclusion in teams and organizations. Her research contributes not only to academic knowledge but also to organizational practice. They go over what it's like to work in a male-dominated world and the experiences they have had. Bendersky has conducted various projects such as workplace DEIB cultur...