Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. – Details, episodes & analysis

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Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod.

Brianne West

Science

Frequency: 1 episode/9d. Total Eps: 88

Curious about, well… everything? Same. Welcome to Because Why?! Where science and nature, meets culture and business. If you care about people and planet, and want to know how the world really works - and how we can do better, you're in the right place. Because Why?! Because really, everything comes back to science. Expect episodes on everything from climate change and sustainability, to ethical business and history, politics, nature, conspiracy theories, human behaviour and who knows what else. It's all interesting. And unlike podcast bros, I have receipts.

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Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - nature
28/01/2026
#92
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
27/01/2026
#80
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
24/01/2026
#97
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
23/01/2026
#79

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https://incrediballs.com/
96 shares
https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/
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https://www.nowthatwhatsicall.com
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https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest
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https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen
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https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallpodcasts
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https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
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https://www.tiktok.com/@businessbutbetter
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https://www.tiktok.com/@incrediballsdrinks
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Score global : 38%

Publication history

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Facing climate anxiety: practical tools for hope with Dr. Susie Burke

Season 2

Sunday, November 10, 2024 • Duration 59:09

This is a surprisingly uplifting conversation about climate change—yes, really. I spoke with psychologist Dr Susie Burke on managing climate distress (anger, sadness, anxiety) while staying hopeful, because unchecked, these feelings often lead to apathy just when we need action most.

After recent events, this episode feels especially timely. With years of experience in climate psychology, Dr. Susie offers practical insights for managing eco-anxiety and other intense emotions, reminding us that positive change is happening elsewhere and within our reach. This episode is a breath of fresh air for anyone overwhelmed by constant climate news.

In this episode, we cover:

The perception gap: why more people care about climate change than you might think
The mental health impact of climate change and why eco-anxiety is normal
Strategies to cope with climate emotions, from small practical steps to collective action
How shifting business and consumer behavior can drive more change than waiting for governments
Why we are the first generation with a real shot at creating a sustainable world
How to support children in understanding and feeling empowered about environmental issues

Key Quotes:

“Climate distress isn’t just anxiety—it’s a whole mix of emotions like guilt, anger, and sadness that are natural responses to a real crisis.”

“We have never been closer to achieving a sustainable world. For the first time, sustainability means a healthy life for all and an end to environmental destruction. We can make this happen.”

More About Dr. Susie Burke

Check out her website here

More about Hannah Ritchie

Author of Not the End of the World, check out her website and books here

More about The Conceivable Future

Written by Meghan Elizabeth Kallman and Josephine Ferorelli, their website is here

Tedx Talk: Changing the World: Why it Fails and What Works

By Winnifred Louis, watch it here

You can get involved with the podcast online:
Find our full podcast via the website: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/

Follow me on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/

For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/

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Carbon inequality kills: the Oxfam Report, super-rich, and the climate crisis

Season 2

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 • Duration 22:03

This is an episode that is probably going to make a lot of you angry. I know it’s making me angry right now.

A few days ago, Oxfam released their latest report called “Carbon Inequality Kills,” and we’ll be talking about that today.

This is a damning report on just how much carbon the billionaires of the world are producing and why it dwarfs any possible emissions you could be producing on your own.

In this episode I share:

The importance of personal lifestyle changes to combat climate change
The climate crisis as a collective issue, not an individual fault
How billionaires contribute disproportionately to global emissions
The luxury lifestyle items, such as private jets and superyachts, that have massive environmental impacts
Why investment emissions from the wealthy are even worse than their personal emissions
The ways that poor communities bear the brunt of climate change
How much control billionaires have over global companies
Why policy changes are necessary to regulate luxury emissions and promote transparency in investments
The power of consumer choices and how they can influence big business to change
Voting for climate-conscious leaders as crucial for systemic change
How we have more power than we think to address climate change collectively

More info

You can find the full report from Oxfam here: https://www.oxfam.org.au/2024/10/carbon-inequality-kills-report/

Key Quotes

“50 of the world’s richest billionaires emit more carbon in just 90 minutes that your average person emits over their entire lifetime.”

“If everyone began emitting at the same rate as the world’s richest 10% the world's remaining carbon budget would be depleted in 1.5 years. If we all acted like the top 1% that budget would be used up in less that 5 months.”

Paddy Gower on climate change: lessons from Antarctica

Season 2

Monday, September 2, 2024 • Duration 44:07

Today, we have a man who needs no introduction: Patrick ‘Paddy’ Gower. Paddy is an incredibly well-respected journalist in Aotearoa, known for tackling complex issues head-on. His latest documentary, On Ice, focuses on climate change and his journey to Antarctica.

In this episode, he shares:

Why he decided to cover climate change
What it was like in Antarctica
What he learned during his time in Antarctica
The alarming impact Antarctica has on the rest of the world
Why he finds Antarctic scientists so impressive
Why adaptation to climate change is necessary and why discussions should focus on realistic approaches and solutions
How he managed communicating with climate deniers
His opinion on how mainstream media is handling climate change
Why he believes strong leadership is crucial to overcoming the climate crisis

Key Quotes:

“There’s no way to sugar-coat it; the media can do more when it comes to climate.”
“Antarctica has so much power and control over the rest of the world.”
“You can't look down on people because they've got a different view from you."

More about Paddy Gower:

Instagram: Patrick Gower Instagram
The trailer for On Ice: Watch here

You can get involved with the podcast online:

Find our podcasts via the website here
Instagram: Now That's What I Call Green Instagram

Follow me on social media:

Whale poo, climate action, and body confidence: meet science communicator and model Laura Wells

Season 2

Sunday, August 25, 2024 • Duration 42:40

We all know science is fascinating, but sometimes the way it's communicated is... less than captivating.

That’s why I’m really excited to chat with Laura Wells. Laura Wells is a science communicator, presenter, environmental advocate, model, and social media professional from Sydney. Over the past 14 years, since graduating with degrees in Biology and Law, she has amassed a wealth of experience in the science mediaspace. Laura has become a regular and trusted presenter for national and international programs, campaigns, and events. She has presented science content for National Geographic, hosted a children's science TV show on Channel 7 in Australia, and is currently filming a sustainability series called Planet Shapers, among other projects.

In this episode, she shares:

Key Quotes

“If I continued to worry about the size of my thighs in a pair of shorts, I wouldn’t have spent hours and hours on a beach picking up plastic all around the world.”

“Once you're on that journey, you want to keep getting better.”

"Science communication is taking the science that other scientists are doing and communicating it in a way that is palatable for the normal, everyday human."

More about Laura

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlaurawells/?hl=en

Website: https://www.laurawells.com.au/

You can get involved with the podcast online

Find our full podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/green

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/

This or that? What's better? EVs vs. hybrids, cotton vs. bamboo fabric, bamboo vs. plastic toothbrushes

Season 22 · Episode 22

Monday, August 19, 2024 • Duration 11:57

Welcome to another "This or That" episode!

This short, snappy installment investigates the sustainability of three topics you've asked me about, helping you make informed decisions.

Today, it's: Electric Vehicles (EVs) vs. Hybrids, Cotton vs. Bamboo Fabric, and Bamboo vs. Plastic Toothbrushes.

In this episode I share:

EVs generally produce 50% fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
How hybrids can offer a more accessible and affordable option.
Why, despite the initial carbon footprint from battery manufacturing, EVs outperform hybrids.
The types of people hybrids might be a better choice for.
Why bamboo is often hailed as a more sustainable option.
The main reasons cotton is resource-intensive.
The pros and cons of organic cotton.
Why bamboo's sustainability is nuanced and there are negative factors.
Why the environmental benefits of bamboo toothbrushes depend on proper composting.
The reason plastic toothbrushes with replaceable heads are emerging as a more sustainable option.
Life cycle analyses show that plastic toothbrushes with replaceable heads consume less energy and water during production compared to bamboo toothbrushes.

Key Quotes

"Even if you live somewhere where the grid is primarily fossil fuel powered, EVs come out ahead."

"When done responsibly, bamboo fabric can be a sustainable choice, but it is crucial to ensure that the processing methods have been considered."

"Plastic toothbrushes with replaceable heads minimise waste, making them the most sustainable option currently available."

More Information

I mentioned I have a life cycle analysis of toothbrushes if you want more info,

Let's chat conservation in Aotearoa. Meet the CEO of WWF-NZ, Kayla.

Season 2 · Episode 21

Monday, August 12, 2024 • Duration 36:17

I thoroughly enjoy talking to incredibly smart people who make you realise you know nothing compared to them.

Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb is the CEO of WWF New Zealand and is a passionate advocate for conservation and has a very interesting background in indigenous studies and treaty law.

If you’re interested in conservation and how the organisations involved try to help the world, then this is a chat for you. And if you’re interested in finding out how much help even the big groups need, this will be an eye opener!

In this episode we talk about:

- Why marine protection actually is a common ground for a lot of different people

- Her prediction on whether 30% can be protected by 2030

- What are the specific tangible benefits to Aotearoa if we protect 40% of the oceans

- Other things WWF works on besides oceans

- What WWF needs

- What she wants to see happen in the next 5 years

- Her advice to people on how to engage with the natural world more

Key Quotes

“Something like 286 of the 700 seabird species that exist globally, breed here.”

“Real lasting progress happens when you take small steps together in the middle.”

“I think it's possible there's more common ground around marine protection than people realise.”

“If you're trying to prevent coastal inundation… you can use other things beside a sea wall for that.”

More about:

You can support WWF New Zealand here: https://wwf.org.nz/

Greenwashing, fast fashion, private jets and the UN: Meet John Pabon for sustainability without the BS.

Season 2 · Episode 20

Monday, August 5, 2024 • Duration 48:14

When it comes to environmentalism and sustainability there are a wide range of opinions and perspectives, but one person I have been very excited to talk to is John Pabon.

This chat did feel a bit like chatting to a mirror, but he has such an incredible way of explaining concepts that I only ever even voice in my own head.

John has spent two decades in the business of saving our Earth. After leaving his role at the United Nations, he travelled the world studying the impacts of sustainability first-hand in factories, on fields, and in Fortune 500s.

Now he is an author, consultant, and speaker, helping businesses and individuals make sense of sustainability.

In this episode John shares:

- His journey and what he did to get into environmentalism

- His opinion on the UN in modern day

- How his sustainability opinions were formed as he worked in the developing world

- What greenwashing is

- Examples of greenwashing he thinks are ridiculous

- His advice on how we can see through greenwashing

- The surprising country he thinks is doing well to improve itself in sustainability

- What green hushing is and why it's a problem

- The problem of fast fashion and how bad it is

- Whether celebrities help or hinder sustainability

- His opinion on b corp certification

- The background on his books

Key Quotes

“There's no such thing as a perfect environmentalist.”

Meet the expert: What is climate change anyway?! Here’s Dr Jim Salinger.

Season 2 · Episode 19

Monday, July 29, 2024 • Duration 46:51

I am so excited to speak with the guest for this episode! I have wanted to have a proper discussion with him ever since I first met him.

Dr Jim Salinger is a noted international climate scientist and amongst his many achievements he is known for being the involved in the first detection of global warming (climate change) in 1976. Since then he has been a vocal communicator and educator around climate change and if there is anything about it you don’t understand, he is the expert to get all the answers from. So naturally that’s what we’ll be doing in this podcast.

In this episode Dr Jim shares: - How he got into climate science at the age of 12 - What IS global warming - How he was involved in the early discovery and research of global warming in New Zealand - The difference between el nino and la nina and what their impact is - His opinion on whether we're going to move quick enough the next few decades to prevent 2 degrees warming - The huge amount of ice loss that has occurred with the glaciers in new Zealand - Will climate change continue to pick up pace? - When he expects us to hit 2 degrees of global warming - The one positive thing he wants everyone to know - Why the myth that climate scientists are paid to fake results is wrong Key Quotes “We really need to be responsible citizens for the future and unfortunately we’re not doing that.” “Science is based on facts, not imagination.” You can get involved with the podcast online Find our full podcast plus our sister podcast via the website here: https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/green. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen You can follow me on socials on the below accounts. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwest Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/ For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. – Details, episodes & analysis

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Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

Instagram18

Tik Tok4

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

Instagram18

Tik Tok4