Tadas Dabsys: Lithuanian Heritage, Craft and Family Traditions

This week we sat down with Tadas Dabsys, a Lithuanian craftsman, culture bearer and Katie’s father in law, to talk about what it means to pass down traditions in a modern world. Tadas shares the story of his family’s journey from Lithuania to Los Angeles, the tight knit community that helped keep the language and culture alive, and how he has carried those traditions into his own life and family.

We talk about everything from folk dancing and community celebrations to the woodworking projects he creates today, including the birdhouses he fills with old trinkets, family memories and pieces of Lithuanian history. Tadas shares why preserving culture matters, how traditions evolve as families grow, and the joy of seeing his children make these traditions their own.

This episode is a warm look at heritage, creativity and the meaningful ways we keep our stories alive across generations. To see Tadas’ creations, head to makingwavesproject.com/stories.