EP 529 Lessons from the Ocean: Rachel Graham’s Mission to Restore Marine Wildlife

I had a great conversation with Dr. Rachel Graham: Adventurer, scientist, and founder of MarAlliance. She’s dedicated her life to protecting sharks, rays, & ocean wildlife by empowering local communities from Central America to Madagascar. Her story just might change how you see the sea. 

Brought to you this week by The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund

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Show Notes

WHAT HAPPENED:

There’s this moment that I haven’t stopped thinking about.

A woman — a local fisher, part of a coastal community — who had spent years measuring dead sharks, told Rachel Graham she had a dream. Not a big one by the world’s standards. But big for her: she wanted to scuba dive.

There was just one problem:
She couldn’t swim.

And another:
She was terrified of sharks.

But fast forward, and there she was. Certified. Scuba gear on. Underwater. Surrounded by the very creatures she once feared.

That’s not just a story about overcoming fear. It’s a story about the power of inviting people into the process, not just preaching at them.

And it changed her — and her community — forever.

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PRINCIPLE:

People don’t change because of data. They change because of connection.
You can’t create a lasting impact by staying in the ivory tower. Real change happens when you bring people in. Let them be part of the discovery. Respect their knowledge. And build from there.

It’s not about converting skeptics. It’s about creating co-creators.

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TRANSITION:

And yet, so many of us get stuck trying to do this work alone.

We’ve got big visions, but we’re either siloed, overwhelmed, or convinced we’re not “qualified enough” to lead. We think we need a perfect degree, a perfect plan, or permission to start.

We forget the truth:
The people who make the biggest difference? Often, you don’t have the “right” resume. But they do have the right mindset: curiosity, commitment, and community.

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THAT’S WHY:

That’s why this episode with Rachel Graham isn’t just about shark conservation.

It’s about reimagining leadership, reframing “expertise,” and rebuilding ecosystems — both ecological and human — from the ground up.

If you’ve ever felt like your dreams were too far out of reach, or your impact wasn’t big enough… this one’s going to shift you.

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CALL TO ACTION:

If you’ve been quietly questioning your path or doubting your ability to make a difference, this episode is your permission slip. Get inspired by how Rachel built a global movement — one conversation (and one fish) at a time.
Website: https://maralliance.org/

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