Women Offshore Podcast

Miriam Anthony is no stranger to the Women Offshore Podcast. As a licensed Chief Mate and a Clinical Psychologist, she sits at the crossroads to provide mental health services to mariners. 

After witnessing the need in the industry, she pursued licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy, and now brings mental health to mariners.  Miriam chairs the Mental Health Committee for the International Union of Masters, Mates and Pilots, and has been researching ways to improve the mental well-being of sailors.  Miriam holds a Master’s degree in Humanitarian and Disaster Management from the California Maritime Academy and a Mas...

At Women Offshore, we’re committed to highlighting conversations that support the health, safety, and success of women in the maritime industry. In our latest podcast episode, The How-To of Healing, we welcome Pam Kern, MS, LCSW—an expert whose career bridges the gap between life at sea and mental health support on shore.

Pam brings a rare and valuable perspective to the topic of therapy. She spent 18 years sailing the globe as a Guest Relations Manager aboard cruise ships, overseeing the well-being of up to 3,200 guests and crew at a time. After coming ashore, she turned her...

In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, we share the anonymous story of a mariner who navigated a series of deeply uncomfortable and inappropriate interactions while on hitch. This story does not involve physical violence, but it does involve emotional manipulation, blurred boundaries, and delayed responses from leadership. These are issues that many offshore professionals have faced but rarely talk about openly.

The story is real. The names and identifying details have been changed to protect the person who came forward. The message is clear: workplace safety is not just about hard hats and checklists. It...

In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, hosts Ally Tenorio and Laura McFalls delve into the multifaceted decision women face regarding changing their last names after marriage. This conversation is not just about personal choices but also encompasses professional identities and legal implications.

The Personal Journey

Ally shares her experience of transitioning from Cedeno to Tenorio, highlighting the emotional and cultural considerations involved. Laura discusses her decision to retain her maiden name, emphasizing the importance of personal identity and the challenges of societal expectations.

Together, they unpack:

As enforcement guidance sharpens and the legal spotlight intensifies, how are organizations supposed to navigate DEI now?

In this episode, we take a deeper look at what has unfolded since Executive Order 14173, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” was signed in January 2025. While the order targeted federal agencies, its ripple effects are reshaping how private companies, nonprofits, and universities approach diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

So what exactly has changed—and what’s still allowed?

Women Offshore walks through the Department of Justice’s new enforcement role, the Equal...

As political tides shift and legal scrutiny increases, is DEI dead?

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) following the January 2025 release of Executive Order 14173, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” This federal directive has changed how government agencies—and increasingly, private companies—approach DEI initiatives.

But what does that actually mean for those working in industries on the water?

The founder of Women Offshore shares a personal and professional reflection on the uncertainty created by the order, a...

In this episode, titled "Anchored in Advocacy: How Capt. Kelly Gordon is Making Mental Health Matter," we delve into the inspiring journey of Captain Kelly J. Gordon. Growing up on a farm in small-town Indiana, Kelly's thirst for adventure led her from academia, where she served as a chemistry professor, to the helm of superyachts as an accomplished captain. Beyond her maritime achievements, Kelly is a passionate advocate for mental health within the yachting community. In 2024, she founded Yachtie Minds Matter™, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health therapy funding and resources for yacht crew and shoreside support st...

In today's episode of The Women Offshore Podcast, we focus on Mariner Mental Health with Maisa Ziegler. 

She is a mariner, therapist, and coach living in Hawaii and helping mariners find a better balance in their life. 

Trigger Warning!

Christine hears from Maisa about her own traumatic event at sea that affected her Mental Health negatively until she sought help. Learning from that experience, she is now able to relate to mariners and build a trusting relationship with them to offer meaningful help when they need it. 

Check out her website, www...

The Women Offshore Benefit Gala took place on February 8th at the Petroleum Club of Houston, Texas. Funds raised that night went towards scholarships for U.S. Maritime Academy cadets, supporting their essential sea terms. Special thanks to our table sponsors, including USMMA AAF, Transocean, Oxy, AMO, NOV, Chevron, Shell, Noble, Houston Pilots, ATPI, Stolt Tankers, Liskow, and the Consortium of State Maritime Academies, as well as the Tenorio Family and Carolyn Kurtz.

Thank you to our speakers: Brianna Linderholm, Coronado Hickman, and Captain Susan Orsini, who shared inspiring stories of resilience and success.

Spotlight...

We’re back and more excited than ever to bring you fresh stories, honest conversations, and inspiring voices from the maritime industry!

Kicking off this season, Christine MacMillian sits down with our first guest for the season, Rachel Pagonis, a Safety Officer onboard a cruise ship with over a decade of experience at sea.

Rachel shares how her love for the water started unexpectedly, when she took a cruise at 14 years old, she thought working on a ship would just be a stepping stone while she figured out her future. Little did she know, it wo...

Join Christine for a special send-off episode as we take a temporary pause on the Women Offshore podcast. We’re taking this break to reflect, regroup, and explore new ideas to bring you even more engaging content in the future. We will be working for a few months in silence to come back stronger and more successful. We’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful for our listeners' continued support. Stay tuned—there’s more to come. “Work hard in silence. Let success be your noise.” - Frank Ocean

Make sure you are subscribed to Women Offshore Podca...

The holiday season can be a challenging time for those working offshore as friends and family celebrate back home. In this episode, April Killian joins Ally Cedeno to share practical tips and heartfelt advice on making the most of the holidays while you're away at sea. They dive into the emotional toll of being separated from loved ones during special occasions and offer five specific strategies to stay connected and reduce feelings of isolation. From finding small ways to bring holiday cheer to your offshore environment to maintaining traditions even from a distance, this episode is packed with encouragement...

Join Ally and special guest April Killian, US Coast Guard Reserve Officer and Licensed Deck Officer – Unlimited Tonnage, as they kick off the holiday season with a thrilling ghost story! In this episode, April recounts the chilling tale of the Ghost Ship of Northumberland Strait, a blazing apparition that has haunted the waters between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia for over 200 years. According to legend, the ghost ship’s masts and sails appear in full flame, a haunting spectacle that heralds an impending storm. Mariners and locals alike have reported eerie sightings of phantom crew members climbing the burn...

In this episode, Christine interviews David Reid, the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at NOV, to recap the key takeaways from the Inclusion Summit. With over 30 years of experience in advancing drilling technology and oilfield digitization, David brings a wealth of knowledge on leadership, business, and inclusion.

We previously shared a sneak peek of the summit with our workshop hosts, Erica and Tanya, and now we’re taking the time to review what we learned and explore actionable steps to move toward a more inclusive workplace.

David, a founding member of both the SP...

In the latest Women Offshore episode, Christine interviews Amy Liddell, a dedicated maritime recruitment specialist who is passionate about connecting top talent with the maritime industry's leading companies. Amy talks about moving from a theater/dance student to a maritime recruiter and how she made that pivot. It was really great how she tied her experiences together.

With a wealth of experience in the sector, she excels in finding the right fit for both employers and candidates within this dynamic industry. Connect with her and explore how she can help you navigate your career or find the...

In this exciting episode of Women Offshore, Christine McMillian sits down with Captain Victoria Ajinkya, a seasoned maritime professional with over 11 years at Tidewater and roots in the UK. Victoria dreamed of working on the water from a young age, inspired by a childhood fascination with military ships.

At just 16, Victoria faced a setback when a career center told her she couldn't pursue her dream due to her height. Undeterred, she embarked on a remarkable journey to defy the odds and ultimately become a captain. In this engaging conversation, Victoria shares her inspiring story, detailing the challenges...

In today's episode, Christine provides an exciting update on the future of Women Offshore, sharing insights into the upcoming events and initiatives that are set to make waves in our community. As we continue to expand and introduce new programs, Christine explains why sometimes, in order to achieve greater success, it's necessary to pause and reflect.

Tune in to hear why slowing down now will help us accelerate our mission in the long run. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the Women Offshore Podcast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on growth, balance, and the exciting...

In this special throwback to one of our earliest episodes, we honor the women who paved the way in the maritime industry long before Women Offshore was founded. These trailblazers, or "Early Wave Makers," as we call them, have stories that deserve to be told and lessons that continue to inspire us today.

In our earlier episode 5, we feature a unique perspective from Andrew Zimmerman, an accomplished author and contributor to Women Offshore. With a deep respect for maritime history and the women who have worked on the water, Andrew has been a steadfast supporter of our...

What happens when two power-house women join forces to help others?

Today on The Women Offshore Podcast Christine meets with Erica D’Eramo and Tanya Tarr. Erica is the founder of Two Piers Consulting and has a background in Engineering and worked on offshore installations before starting her own coaching and consulting firm. Tanya has a wide and diverse background in advocacy, research, and health coaching. She’s the founder of Cultivated Insights and personally comes to the table with 9 years of Moi Thai training that is the lens she sees life through. 

Women Offshore asked...

This is the 215th Episode of The Women Offshore Podcast. Christine shares a secret to receiving feedback. She discusses lessons learned along her own personal journey of hearing tough feedback and separating her self-worth from other's opinions of her and her performance. When we hear less-than-glowing criticism from others it may be hard for us to know how to forge a path forward. Listen to this podcast for more tips to hear feedback, take the nuggets of truth, and create a path to action. 

In this thrilling episode of the Women Offshore podcast, we interview the Salty Science team, the World's Toughest Row winners. We highlight the extraordinary achievements of the Salty Science team, consisting of Noelle Helder, Lauren Chantale Bégin, Isabelle Côté, and Lauren Shea, who all share a passion for ocean science, which has taken them on incredible journeys around the world. They share a deep commitment to conservation and exploration, which led them to undertake this monumental challenge. These remarkable women recently completed the world's toughest row, crossing the Atlantic Ocean to raise awareness for ocean science. 

Th...

In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, we sit down with Jill Russell, a Marine Pilot with the Southeast Alaska Pilots' Association. Jill's journey is a testament to the power of saying "yes" to opportunities that come your way. From her beginnings on research ships with NOAA to navigating cruise ships, Jill has paved her own unique path in the maritime industry.

Now, she's here to share her story and to inspire others to embark on their own journeys as pilots. Jill highlights the opportunities on the horizon, encouraging aspiring mariners to take the leap and...

On today's podcast, we have Captain Lindsay M. Price, the Director of Advocacy at the Women Offshore Foundation. Currently, she captains a SpaceX vessel, bringing with her over 18 years of maritime experience. A SUNY Maritime College graduate, she has held various positions, including USCG Designated Examiner and Director of Advocacy. Captain Price serves on two Federal Advisory Committees, NMERPAC and NTSAC.

In 2011, she became the first female Captain at G&H Towing Company and holds pilotage in major ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, Galveston, and Houston. In 2022, she joined SpaceX, overseeing the safe recovery of Falcon...

Join Christine MacMillan as she chats with Jessica Hewitt, a 2nd mate with Hornbeck currently in Port Angeles. Jessica shares her journey, from using her Chief Mate title on this trip to surviving a hurricane, a moose car crash, and overcoming learning disabilities. She discusses the events that shaped her and her leadership approach, offering valuable advice. Jessica's simple three-word mantra guides her life, making her an inspiration and a fighter. Tune in for an insightful and motivational episode!

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In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, Christine chats with Madeleine Wolczko, a US Merchant Mariner Chief Mate and YouTube content creator. Madeleine reflects on her challenging experience of being stranded in a Shanghai shipyard during the pandemic, sharing how she navigated the uncertainty and emerged stronger. She discusses her personal definition of work/life balance, goal setting, and the leadership qualities she believes are essential in the maritime industry.

Madeleine graduated from CalMaritime in 2015, joined the MMP union, and has sailed on both liner and tramp ships for nine years. Despite a restrictive 217-day shipboard...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the Women Offshore podcast, Christine dives deep into the art of asking the right questions at the right time, depending on your familiarity with someone and the stage of your relationship.

Christine explains the 4 types of questions that can enhance your connection, foster trust, and drive meaningful conversations. Whether you’re just starting a mentoring relationship or looking to deepen an existing one, these questions are essential tools for effective communication and growth.

But that’s not all – Christine also shares the 10 traits of highly effective mentors and a bonu...

In this episode of the Women Offshore Podcast, Christine sits down with Beth Stowell, the Director of Marine Operations at Washington State Ferry System (WSF) – the largest ferry system in the US. Under Beth's visionary leadership, WSF is undergoing a transformational culture change that is setting a new standard in the maritime industry. Starting her career as a deckhand in 1996, Beth's journey through various roles, including captain and port captain, showcases her dedication and growth. After a hiatus to raise her family, Beth returned to WSF, driven by Steve Nevey’s inspiring leadership. Now, she’s spearheading cultural transformation and op...

In this episode of the Women Offshore podcast, we dive into the transformative journey of our MentorSHIP program, designed to connect and empower women in the maritime industry.

Key Highlights:

In this episode, Christine reveals 7 powerful questions that have transformed her perspective on life. She explores how asking the right questions can provide a broader view of our lives and guide us toward a more fulfilling existence. 

Tune in as we discuss:

Join us for an insightful and personal journey into self-discovery and growth. Listen now for transformative r...

On today's podcast, we welcome a special guest—Women Offshore's new Executive Director, Liz Schmidt!

With over 15 years of experience, Liz brings a wealth of experience both on and off the water, with a robust background in non-profits and captivating sea stories. We are thrilled to have Liz on board, driving the mission of Women Offshore forward.  At Women Offshore, Liz excels in nonprofit operations, programming, and strategic planning, making significant contributions to the maritime industry. Liz also serves as the Operations Director at Shipyard Supply USA, managing yacht supply operations and enhancing service for large vessels. Liz...

Join Miriam and Christine as they dive into a comprehensive discussion about maritime unions, exploring the pros and cons of joining a union versus sailing non-union. They share insights into how unions have evolved over time and the significant impact they’ve had on improving working conditions, wages, and overall industry standards for mariners.

In this episode, you'll learn:

In this episode, Larkin Bohn is back! She transitioned from a gift shop job at Norwegian Cruise Lines to becoming a passionate advocate and Science Communicator in the maritime industry. Starting her seafaring career at 31, Larkin moved from selling jewelry to working as an Unlicensed Deckhand with Uncruise Adventures, driven by her love for marine conservation.

Her dedication led her to create YouTube shorts about women offshore and scientific research, turning her hobby into a career. In February 2024, she joined the JOIDES Resolution Research Vessel as a Science Outreach Officer, connecting science with the public.

...

In this episode of Women Offshore, join Chelsea Patterson, a maritime professional who advocates for mothers working at sea. Chelsea graduated from Kings Point in 2014 and has since navigated her career through roles with a private tanker company before transitioning to the Masters Mates Pilots  (MMP) in 2018. Balancing her passion for the maritime industry with motherhood, Chelsea has temporarily paused sailing to raise her children, Harlie Wild and Keegan Danger.

Despite stepping back from sea duties, Chelsea remains actively engaged in maritime affairs through her role as the Women’s Caucus East Coast Liaison based out of New...

Join us as we set sail with Emma Garschagen, the inspiring founder of Sail Seabird, which offers transformative sail training voyages across Maine and Cape Cod. With over 25,000 ocean miles under her belt, Emma's maritime journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She has sailed dinghies on the Hudson River, schooners in Haiti, tall ships in New Zealand, and sloops through the North Sea.

She holds a USCG Masters License, commercial Yachtmaster Offshore, a Medical Person in Charge certification, and STCW basic training. For three years, Emma sailed as chief mate for 59 North Sailing on their Swan 48, Swan 59...

We're thrilled to mark our 200th episode milestone at Women Offshore with a special discussion you won't want to miss! Join our Women Offshore team, Ally Cedeno, Cassi Laskowski, and Christine MacMillan, as they dive deep into a question that sparks curiosity and reflection: "Would you let your daughter join the maritime industry?"

In this thought-provoking episode, the Women Offshore team shares personal insights, experiences, and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities women face in maritime careers. Discover why this question resonates deeply within our community and gain valuable perspectives on navigating the industry with resilience and...

Join us on today's Women Offshore podcast as we sit down with Eva Veldkamp, a seasoned maritime professional who has navigated diverse roles across the industry. Eva's career journey began aboard large container ships as a dual-licensed maritime officer, leading her to work with shipowners, managers, maritime schools, and various organizations within the maritime sector.

What sets Eva apart is her impactful humanitarian work, where she championed human rights at sea and spearheaded global initiatives to address psychological and social safety within maritime environments. Eva led a groundbreaking group focused on preventing bullying, unacceptable behavior, and sexual...

Join us on this inspiring episode of Women Offshore as we sit down with Women Offshore Ambassador Cassie Mead, a maritime professional who has made a remarkable journey from a small rural community in New Zealand to a successful career at sea.

Cassie discovered her passion for the maritime industry at a young age through a youth development program on a Tall ship. Despite being one of the few females in her maritime school class, she pursued her dreams and obtained a Diploma in nautical science with an OOW Unlimited certification.

Throughout her career, she...

On today's podcast, we have the Turkey Women Offshore Ambassador, Captain Ayse Asli Basak, on the show. Ayse shares with Christine about her journey working offshore and now what her current ashore career life looks like. 

Ayse Asli Basak is a seasoned maritime entrepreneur and innovator, having founded maritime start-up Shipsider to streamline commercial operations with smart, modular AI systems, optimizing efficiency and sustainability. With over 6 years of experience as a cargo ship Captain, navigating oceans worldwide, she brings unique insights into maritime technical and commercial operations. Ayse has held roles as Port Captain, Shipping Operations Manager, Safety S...

On today's podcast, we have the UK Women Offshore Ambassador Heather Ennesss on the show. Heather shares with Christine about her journey working offshore and her journey at home while raising kids. 

Heather is also a proud member of the UK Careers at Sea Ambassadors program. She's on a mission to ignite young minds about the endless opportunities within the merchant navy. From visiting schools to sharing insights about non-combat roles, Heather's passion for expanding horizons knows no bounds. Tune in as she shares her wisdom and spreads awareness of the boundless potential awaiting future seafarers!