Explore every episode of the podcast Edible Empire
Dive into the complete episode list for Edible Empire. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Edible Empire: The Salmon and the Tomato
26 Jul 2026
00:50:10
This is episode 4 of a six-part series on food imperialism. Welcome to Edible Empire, a podcast by Planet Pulse Pacific about the hidden cost of our food.
We celebrate flavours, but rarely the people behind them. This podcast uncovers how food—once shaped by empire and now by corporate power—has long been used to control land, labour, and cultures.
This episode explores the hidden links between salmon farming in northern Europe and tomato production in southern Spain, revealing the human and environmental costs behind cheap, year-round food.
What connects salmon farming in northern Europe with tomato farming in southern Spain? These two, seemingly distinct food supply chains ensure that our supermarket shelves are stocked with cheap, year-round food. What we don’t see, however, are the hidden links - the overfishing along the coast of West Africa that destroys local communities’ livelihoods and drives migration to Europe; the dangerous journeys by small boat where 1 in 5 people die; the entrapment of migrants arriving in exploitative agricultural labour in Spain’s intensive greenhouses. This episode examines the story of salmon farming and tomato greenhouses - and highlights the hidden costs of commodified food.
This episode uncovers the destructive and interconnected global supply chains linking northern European salmon aquaculture to southern Spanish greenhouse agriculture. Through interviews with four expert guests, the episode traces how the booming Norwegian salmon farming industry relies heavily on wild-caught ocean feed extracted from West Africa.
Investigative journalists Simen Sætre, Hazel Healy, and Brigitte Wear expose the ecological crises, corporate opacity, and false sustainability narratives surrounding aquaculture, whilst Dr Aliou Ba of Greenpeace Africa details how this industrial plundering has collapsed local artisanal fisheries and triggered a profound food security crisis in Senegal. This environmental degradation ultimately forces thousands of displaced West Africans to undertake a perilous sea voyage to Spain, where researcher María Alonso Martínez reveals they are heavily exploited as undocumented migrant labourers, working under inhumane conditions within Almería’s vast "Sea of Plastic" to harvest the cheap winter vegetables that stock European supermarket shelves.
Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out on the next episode!
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Edible Empire: Deep roots—a history of oil palm
19 Jul 2026
00:59:35
This is episode 3 of a six-part series on food imperialism. Welcome to Edible Empire, a podcast by Planet Pulse Pacific about the hidden cost of our food.
Food isn’t just about taste—it’s power. This podcast explores how empires and corporations built control through agriculture, reshaping cultures and feeding some at the expense of others.
This episode traces the global impact of the palm oil industry from its indigenous roots to modern supply chains through three expert interviews.
Dr Jonathan Robins opens by detailing the pre-colonial history of oil palm in West Africa and explaining how European empires weaponised the crop to fuel the Industrial Revolution, establishing structural patterns that mirror today’s agribusiness models.
Dr Helena Varkkey then unpacks the political economy of Malaysian production, exposing how entrenched relationships between political elites and conglomerates shield the industry from regulation.
Farwiza Farhan brings a frontline conservation perspective from Indonesia, documenting how government-incentivised monoculture plantations drive deforestation, threaten endangered species, and violate Indigenous land rights.
Together, the experts critique the effectiveness of voluntary sustainability certification schemes like the RSPO, debate whether palm oil can ever be truly sustainable at scale, and highlight the efforts of local communities fighting back against corporate food imperialism.
Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out on the next episode!
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Edible Empire: Corporate power in the food system
12 Jul 2026
00:35:58
This is episode 2 of a six-part series on food imperialism. Welcome to Edible Empire, a podcast by Planet Pulse Pacific about the hidden cost of our food.
Beyond recipes lies a story of power. From colonial plantations to modern agribusiness, this podcast reveals how the pursuit of food has redrawn maps, exploited people, and continues to shape who holds control today.
This episode explores how an increasingly monopolised system of multinational corporations operates as de facto states within the global food system, exercising power over land, labour, trade, and policy in ways that rival or exceed nation-states.
If empires once flew flags, today they file annual reports. This episode examines how large agrifood corporations increasingly function as sovereign actors within global food systems. From controlling vast transnational supply chains and shaping trade rules, to influencing national policy and disciplining labour across borders, corporations now wield powers historically associated with states. Focusing on agribusiness, food traders, and retailers, the episode asks how corporate concentration has reconfigured food imperialism, turning companies into the new “nations” of food empires, and what this means for accountability, democracy, and food sovereignty.
In this episode of Edible Empire, Professors Phil Howard and Jennifer Clapp unpack how intense corporate concentration has transformed global agriculture into a system dominated by a few powerful transnational firms that operate much like sovereign states. Using the analogy of an hourglass, Professor Phil Howard illustrates how millions of farmers and billions of consumers are squeezed through a dangerously narrow bottleneck controlled by these massive agribusinesses, which deploy specific power plays to manipulate trade rules, capture government subsidies, and avoid accountability for environmental and labour exploitation. Meanwhile, Professor Jennifer Clapp highlights how mega-mergers in the agricultural inputs sector allow a small cartel to exercise immense structural power, locking in an industrial model that dictates what society views as "normal" food practices, while trapping countries in the Global South in dependency loops that prioritise luxury exports over local food security. Despite the immense political and economic inertia behind this consolidation, both experts close with a message of hope, emphasising that because this extractive system was constructed by humans, it can be dismantled through active political engagement and collective action.
Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out on the next episode!
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Edible Empire: What is food imperialism?
05 Jul 2026
00:37:51
This is episode 1 of a six-part series on food imperialism. Welcome to Edible Empire, a podcast by Planet Pulse Pacific about the hidden cost of our food.
We celebrate flavours, but rarely the people behind them. This podcast uncovers how food—once shaped by empire and now by corporate power—has long been used to control land, labour, and cultures.
This episode explores how global food systems are shaped by historical power structures and capitalist mechanisms that prioritise corporate profit and "cheap food" over the health of ecosystems and human communities.
Where does our food come from? Who works in the fields that produce our fruit and vegetables? Who is making a profit from the food we eat? This episode sets the scene for the series, introducing the concept of food supply chains—the intricate trade routes that keep supermarket shelves stocked with produce all year round. But how did these global networks come to be? Tracing the history of our globalised food systems, we uncover why our food systems look the way they do today. Featuring Professors Harriet Friedmann and Raj Patel.
Professor Harriet Friedmann begins by tracing how global power shifted from a British-led system to one dominated by the US dollar. She explains that this change transformed how the world eats, replacing diverse, sustainable local farming with industrial monocultures like wheat and palm oil. This shift prioritised international profit over local cultures and environmental health.
Building on this history, Professor Raj Patel exposes the deception of "cheap" food. He argues that low prices are only possible by pushing the true costs onto the planet and underpaid workers. According to Patel, the global food system isn't broken; it is designed to make hunger profitable. He concludes with a call for food sovereignty, demanding we return power to the people who actually grow and harvest our food.
Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out on the next episode!
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Edible Empire: Prologue
28 Jun 2026
00:38:38
Welcome to Edible Empire - hosted by Planet Pulse Pacific, this is a podcast series about the hidden cost of our food. We’re your co-hosts, Neal Haddaway, Benjamin Eitelberg, and Emma Strutt, with Kelly Allum on editing.
When we talk about food, we tend to focus on recipes, flavours and dinner times. But what we rarely discuss is where our food comes from. And we don’t mean which supermarket - we mean the ingredients that make up our food: where did they come from, who grew the vegetables, picked the fruit and processed the oils? What’s life like for them, and what does their environment look like as a result of what they’re exporting for us to eat?
From the plantations of the British Empire to the smart agriculture within ultra-modern greenhouses, food has always been a tool of power and of profit. This is a story of how some cultures were dismantled to feed others, and how those empires live on through corporate control - this is a podcast about Food Imperialism. This series explores the complex, often uncomfortable intersection of appetite and authority. We are looking at food imperialism: how the quest for calories and commodities reshaped the map, redefined our identities, and continues to influence who gets to eat, and what, in the twenty-first century.
In this introductory episode, we introduce the concept of food imperialism and the inspiration for this species series. We discuss some of the upcoming content we’ll be publishing in the coming weeks, along with our exciting, world-leading expert guests.
Join us for an appetiser!
Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out on the next episode!
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Kal Glanznig - Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership
03 May 2026
00:39:31
Kal Glanznig is one of Australia’s leading youth ocean and climate champions, a true powerhouse inspiring a new generation of hopeful, action-driven environmental leaders. In the past year alone, he has reached more than 20,000 people through keynote talks, school programs, and Q&A screenings of his documentary Rising Up. Elected in 2024 as the youngest independent Councillor in the Sutherland Shire, he is now driving local climate action through practical and forward-thinking sustainability initiatives.
Kal first made headlines in high school after delivering a $100,000 solar project that inspired more than 20 schools to follow suit. He went on to co-found Plastic Free Cronulla, contributing to New South Wales’ ban on single-use plastics, and Blue Minds, a national program supporting young Australians with eco-anxiety and environmental leadership. An award-winning speaker, he has also represented Australia in water polo at the Youth World Championships. Kal reminds us that while no one person can change the world alone, the future is still unwritten—and every action we take creates a ripple. Take a listen and feel inspired to be part of that change.
In this episode, we discuss:
Kal’s background in high-level sport and how it sparked his passion for the environment
Why meaningful change starts at home, no matter how wicked the problem
His documentary Rising Up, including its screening at COP30 in Brazil and its role in sharing Pacific stories
Driving change through the ballot box and his journey into local council
The importance of genuinely engaging young people, and the powerful perspectives they bring
The role of athletes in activism and advocacy
Eco-anxiety and its impact on young people, and how Blue Minds is helping build resilience and leadership
Key lessons Kal has learned from young people, and his advice for those wanting to make a difference in their communities
Why we don’t have to do everything, but we can all do something, starting in our own backyard
What’s next for Blue Minds and his upcoming documentary, The Plastic Country
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dr Kate Wylie - The Health Hazards of Water Bankruptcy
Put simply: we are running out of water. We’re using more than we have in supply, so much that in many places we’re pushing past the point of recovery and can’t repay our debts. Driven by climate change, over-extraction, and pollution, this growing ‘water bankruptcy’ is fuelling food and water insecurity, disease, and deepening global inequities.
Closer to home, we explore what this looks like in Australia, from the declining Murray-Darling to pressures on the Great Artesian Basin, and why this crisis is as much about public health as it is about the environment.
A sharp, urgent conversation about one of the defining challenges of our time and the role we all must play in protecting the resource that underpins life itself.
In this episode, we discuss:
Kate’s background and her work at the intersection of human and planetary health
The UN’s Global Water Bankruptcy report and Kate’s recent InSight+ article outlining what this means for us in Australia
Our unsustainable water use and the industries driving the greatest extraction
The deep inequities of water insecurity, with the Global South bearing the greatest burden
Key health concerns, including unsafe drinking water, food insecurity, and the mental health effects of drought
Rising risks of vector-borne diseases like Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Ross River Virus
The dual extremes of drought and flooding, and their impact on food systems and livelihoods
Australia’s unique challenges as the driest inhabited continent, and the need for more sustainable agriculture
Growing strain on critical systems, from the Murray-Darling Basin to the Great Artesian Basin, and flow-on effects like South Australia’s algal bloom
The hidden water and energy costs of modern technology, including AI and cloud computing, and why we can’t ‘tech’ our way out of this
The critical role of health professionals in advocating for climate and water security
Why climate and environmental health must be embedded in medical education
The vital work of Doctors for the Environment Australia and their latest advocacy efforts, including an open letter to Australian governments calling for an end to our dependence on global oil—add your name to the submission here
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Clancy Lester - Native Bee Conservation
12 Apr 2026
00:32:25
In this episode, we’re joined by Clancy Lester (AKA Bee Man), a passionate environmental educator, documentary director, and native bee advocate, whose work is dedicated to protecting pollinators and rewilding the places we live.
Specialising in native bee conservation, native plants, and science communication, Clancy combines hands-on ecological research with a gift for making complex ideas accessible and engaging. Through his social enterprise Bees and Blossoms, Clancy creates native bee habitats, delivers workshops, and champions nature-based climate solutions across urban and regional Australia.
Driven by a deep commitment to restoring biodiversity, he shares practical, hopeful insights into how Australia’s native bees are faring, and what we can all do to support pollinators and wildlife, no matter where we live.
In this episode, we explore:
Clancy’s background, his connection to the natural world, and how his fascination with native bees began
His experience in the Wattle Fellowship at the University of Melbourne and working with remote Aboriginal communities in north-east Arnhem Land
The challenges pollinators face in urban environments, and how cities can better support them through habitat and native planting
Clancy’s workshops, what gives him hope for the future, and how he inspires people to connect with nature
His role as Director of 7 Seasons, and key moments from making the documentary that reshaped his thinking
The importance of genuine collaboration and two-way learning with Indigenous communities
Why honouring thousands of years of on-Country knowledge is essential for climate adaptation
Staying connected to Country in urban environments
Using social media for climate advocacy
A fun breakdown of Bee Movie—what it got right (and wrong) about pollinators
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Richard Neville - Regenerative Design Through Landscape Architecture
06 Apr 2026
00:28:01
In this episode, we’re joined by Richard Neville, NZILA Registered Landscape Architect and Director of Neville Design Studio. Richard’s work is grounded in regenerative design and a deep respect for the relationship between people and land. Driven by a belief that landscapes can reconnect us, both with nature and with each other, Richard creates spaces that are both meaningful and enduring.
An award-winning landscape architect, his work spans residential, rural, community, and commercial projects, and has been featured in several magazines, including Landscape Architecture Aotearoa. Alongside his practice, Richard is an active voice in the industry, most recently delivering the keynote at the 2025 New Zealand Gardens Trust Conference, sharing his perspective on how our cultural relationship with land and gardens is evolving.
In this episode, we explore:
Richard’s background and passion for nature
What led him to landscape architecture
Landscape architecture as an interconnected system of ecology, people, and place
The evolution of the discipline: from controlling nature to embracing wildness, beauty, and ecological complexity
Rewilding gardens—why less paving, fewer lawns, and more plants create healthier, more resilient spaces
How small, everyday moments in nature can have a lasting impact
The ecological and human benefits of thoughtful landscape design, and how it fosters a deeper connection
Richard’s work in schools and the importance of openness, curiosity, and unstructured interaction with nature
Our relationship with Papatūānuku, and why biodiversity is essential for life
The power of positive storytelling in reconnecting people with the environment
Practical ways to bring nature into daily life, even in small or urban spaces
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Andre Borell - The Future of Shark Protection
01 Mar 2026
01:05:36
In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Andre Borell, an impact filmmaker, investor, and co-founder and director of the Envoy Foundation. A self-described maker of good trouble (and one of our all-time favourites here at the podcast), Andre is driven by a deep love of marine life and a determination to leave the world better than he found it. He builds businesses, brands and films that challenge the status quo and create meaningful, measurable impact.
After witnessing the devastating effects of shark nets in Australia, Andre turned conviction into action with his powerful documentary Envoy: Shark Cull. His work shines a spotlight on Australia’s outdated and brutal shark control methods, exposing their ecological consequences and challenging the policies that allow them to persist.
In this episode, we explore:
An update on Andre’s work, global adventures, and relocation to Aotearoa
Practical strategies to bring Australia’s shark control programs out of the dark ages
Innovations in shark safety—from deterrent wetsuits to AI drone surveillance on our beaches
Current narratives around sharks and shark bites—separating fact from fiction
The importance of shark education and understanding the conditions that increase risk
How to support the ongoing work of the Envoy Foundation
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Jess Lamb - Waste Minimisation As An Athlete
15 Feb 2026
00:24:53
Jessica Lamb is the Christchurch Hub Leader for Athletes for Nature and the Sustainability Coordinator at Without Waste. Jess holds a strong connection to te taiao and is passionate about caring for both people and planet. With a background in environmental science and geography, she works to support a shift towards a circular economy and the rewilding of cities through thriving urban ngahere.
A committed nature and zero-waste advocate, Jess combines big-picture thinking with practical, community-led action. Outside of her professional roles, she is a plant-powered trail runner, avid hiker, and enthusiastic ‘compost queen’, using her love of the outdoors to inspire others to reconnect with and protect the environments they move through.
In this episode, we discuss:
Jess’s background and what sparked her passion for nature and sustainability
Her studies in environmental science and geography
New Zealand’s waste problem and why it matters
Jess’s journey into trail running and how it shapes her environmental advocacy
Stepping into the role of Christchurch Hub Leader for Athletes for Nature, and why she got involved
How composting can be a practical, change-making solution at the local level
Her work as Sustainability Coordinator at Without Waste
The role of athletes as advocates for climate action and conservation
Jess’s goals for Athletes for Nature in 2026, including plans for the Christchurch hub
How trail runners (and outdoor athletes more broadly) can reduce their environmental footprint
Personal ambitions over the next few years—both athletic and sustainability-focused
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Abby Patterson - The Future of Science Communication
01 Feb 2026
00:30:32
Abby Patterson is an aspiring climate storyteller and science communicator, and our brand-new co-host on the Planet Pulse Pacific podcast!
Over the past two years, Abby has grown her Instagram platform Outdoors with Abby, where she breaks down the often tough (and sometimes overwhelming) realities of climate change and environmental science into content that’s engaging, relatable, and easy to understand.
Her postgraduate research focused on how climate science and emerging innovations can be communicated in ways that not only inform people but help them feel empowered to support meaningful change. Deeply passionate about sustainability and science communication, Abby hopes to build a career at the intersection of research, storytelling, and environmental advocacy.
She dreams of a future where endangered species are thriving, human impacts on ecosystems are minimised, and she’s proud to be part of the movement working towards that future.
Given all that, we’re absolutely pumped to welcome Abby on board as our new co-host!
In this episode, we discuss:
A season 7 check-in and what’s ahead for 2026
Welcoming our new podcast presenter, Abby Patterson
Abby’s background and studies in environmental communication
Why translating science for the wider community really matters
Outdoors with Abby and her work in environmental advocacy on social media
Why solutions already exist—and how we often focus on the wrong things
Abby’s personal goals as a podcast host
The impact of positive interactions that reach the right people and spark meaningful conversations
Navigating the role of AI in communication and the power of parody when used in the right context
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Amy Steel - Wildfires And Interventions on Ecosystems
03 Aug 2025
00:58:33
Amy Steel is a climate adaptation expert and PhD candidate with Adrift Lab at Curtin University, Western Australia. With over a decade of experience advising on decarbonisation and climate resilience, Amy is now focused on a vital question: should humans intervene to help ecosystems on the verge of collapse—and if so, how, where, and when?
Amy's research centres on the Yowli (otherwise known as Flesh-footed Shearwaters) breeding on islands in the Recherche Archipelago off Kepa Kurl, Esperance. These seabirds face increasing and worsening threats from lightning-ignited wildfires during their peak breeding season, impacted by climate change. Working with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Rangers, Amy is exploring how Wudjari cultural burning can protect these fragile habitats. Amy also reflects on moving from high-level strategy to hands-on fieldwork, the importance of Indigenous knowledge, and what it means to protect ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate.
In this episode, we discuss:
Amy’s diverse background and what led her from leadership roles in climate strategy to research
The long-term impacts of heat stroke that ended her competitive netball career and influenced her path
Joining the Adrift Lab team and what inspired her to undertake a PhD
Why islands and seabirds like the Yowli are critical indicators of ecosystem health
The increasing severity of wildfires and extreme weather, and their impacts on vulnerable species
Whether seabirds and other wildlife can adapt to human-driven climate change, and if natural checks and balances are breaking down
The ethical and ecological questions around human intervention in collapsing ecosystems
Working closely with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Rangers, and the role of Wudjari cultural burning in ecosystem resilience
The importance of place-based policy and honouring Indigenous knowledge in climate responses
How to communicate climate and conservation issues effectively, and create lasting change within communities
Staying motivated in advocacy through collaboration and community action
The role of athletes in climate conversations, and how to stay safe while being active in a changing climate
What gives Amy hope as an environmental researcher
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Christelle Bakhache - Ecological Impact of Nature Recreation
13 Jul 2025
01:02:04
Christelle Bakhache is a climber, conservationist, Lagoped ambassador, and Nature Sports Project Manager at Asters, the Conservatory of Natural Spaces in Haute-Savoie, France. With a background in environmental science and fieldwork that includes time with global organisations like WWF, Christelle brings a deep, practical understanding of conservation to her current work protecting some of France’s most fragile alpine environments.
Christelle works where outdoor adventure and environmental protection meet. She focuses on making sure that people can still enjoy the mountains without causing lasting harm to the ecosystems that make these places so special. Whether it’s shaping policy, supporting grassroots projects, or helping athletes think differently about their impact, she’s passionate about finding practical ways to balance human presence in these special and unique environments.
In this conversation, Christelle shares how her love for wild spaces fuels her mission, what she’s witnessing firsthand in the face of climate change, and how outdoor athletes and everyday adventurers alike can reduce their impact. She also reflects on her personal journey—blending exploration, advocacy, and a commitment to low-impact living to pursue a more sustainable future.
In this episode, we discuss:
Christelle’s path into conservation and her drive to protect the natural world
Life and work in Haute-Savoie, and how the region shapes her environmental outlook
Her role at Asters and their mission to safeguard mountain biodiversity
What genuinely low-impact outdoor events could look like
Sustainable training and travel tips for athletes and adventurers
Practical ways we can all reduce our footprint in nature
The influence of individual athletes and institutions advocating for change
Christelle’s year of travelling simply and living with intention
Steps toward becoming a more thoughtful, respectful presence in the outdoors
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Joseph Boctor - Micro- And Nanoplastics In Agricultural Soils
29 Jun 2025
00:41:26
Joseph Boctor is a PhD researcher at Murdoch University’s Bioplastics Innovation Hub and a passionate advocate for sustainable environmental solutions. Originally from Egypt, Joseph’s work is driven by a personal mission to address the growing plastic pollution crisis in the Nile River and other regions where waste management and recycling systems are underdeveloped or ineffective.
At the Bioplastics Innovation Hub — a collaborative initiative between Murdoch University, CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and industry partners — Joseph’s research focuses on developing innovative ways to break down plastics in environments where traditional approaches fall short. With expertise in chemical sciences and biotechnology, he’s helping pioneer next-generation strategies for plastic degradation and sustainable materials.
Together with the team at the Hub, Joseph is contributing to Australia’s efforts to rethink the plastic lifecycle, to create a cleaner, more resilient future for ecosystems around the world.
In this episode, we discuss:
Joseph’s background and what sparked his passion for tackling plastic pollution
The shocking scale of plastic waste in the Nile River and its broader implications
The two sides to the plastic problem—beginning and end of life strategies
Practical steps we can take as consumers to reduce our plastic footprint and avoid contamination
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Gareth Hughes is a former Member of Parliament, political commentator, author, and passionate advocate for economic transformation. With a decade of experience in Parliament representing the Green Party, Gareth held key roles including Party Whip, strategist, and Chair of the Social Services and Community Select Committee. Before his time in politics, Gareth led climate campaigns with Greenpeace, helping to drive awareness and action on critical environmental issues.
Gareth now serves as Director of WEAll Aotearoa Wellbeing Economy Alliance, a Te Tiriti-led, non-partisan ‘think and do’ tank focused on reimagining Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy to prioritise the wellbeing of people and te taiao (the natural world). Through research, advocacy, and coalition-building, the WEAll Aotearoa team are helping to shape a future where thriving communities and ecosystems are at the heart of economic decision-making.
In this episode, we discuss:
Gareth’s journey from climate activism to Parliament to economic systems change
How his personal and political experiences shaped a deep commitment to systemic economic change
Why the current economic model is failing—and why change is urgent
What a well-being economy really means (and what it’s not)
Challenging common myths about economic growth and prosperity
Why Aotearoa needs an economy that works for everyone, within planetary boundaries
The mission and work of WEAll Aotearoa—empowering communities, policymakers, and businesses to co-create change
Tools and frameworks for action, including the Wellbeing Economy Policy Design Guide
Business as a force for good
Gareth’s nationwide listening tour—hearing how everyday New Zealanders want the economy to work
Barriers to shifting the system, and how we can overcome them
What success could look like, and Gareth’s message of hope and action
How you can support WEAll Aotearoa and get involved in the movement
Gareth offers a hopeful, grounded, and inspiring conversation about how we can reimagine the economy to truly serve both people and the planet.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dr Catherine Knight - An Uncommon Land
11 May 2025
00:59:10
Dr Catherine Knight is an award-winning author, environmental historian, and policy expert with extensive experience in both strategic and operational environmental governance. Currently working in strategic policy in the government sector, Catherine is also an Honorary Research Associate at Massey University’s School of People, Environment and Planning. Her writing on wellbeing, post-growth economics, and environmental policy frequently appears on platforms such as Newsroom, The Spinoff, and Substack.
Catherine has authored several acclaimed books exploring the relationships between people, nature, and politics, including Nature and Wellbeing in Aotearoa, which we explored with her in a previous podcast episode. Her latest work, An Uncommon Land, is her most personal to date, tracing Aotearoa’s environmental and social history through the lens of her own ancestors. It explores powerful themes like enclosure, colonisation, and the gradual denaturing of landscapes.
In this episode:
Her background in policy and current work beyond authorship
What Catherine and her daughter learned from travelling together in the process of researching this book.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Sheena Chhabra - Plant Based Treaty
06 Apr 2025
00:34:04
We are joined by Sheena Chhabra, campaigner for the Plant Based Treaty—a groundbreaking global initiative tackling the climate and ecological crises by putting food systems at the heart of the solution.
The Plant Based Treaty is calling for a shift toward a just, plant-based food system that respects planetary boundaries, protects biodiversity, reforests the Earth, and creates a more resilient and equitable future. Recently, Sheena and the Plant Based Treaty team celebrated a major milestone: helping Darebin City Council become the first local government in Australia to endorse the Treaty, joining the ranks of progressive cities like Los Angeles and Amsterdam.
With a vision to see a global Plant Based Treaty adopted alongside the Paris Agreement, the organisation is driving policy change, strengthening networks, and supporting communities to transition to healthier, climate-friendly food systems.
In this episode, we discuss:
Sheena’s journey into plant-based advocacy and environmental campaigning
How the Plant Based Treaty came to be and what it aims to achieve
The critical connection between food systems, climate change, and biodiversity loss
Why reducing reliance on animal agriculture is key to cutting methane emissions
How and why Australia is one of the world’s worst hotspots for land clearing and species extinction
The vulnerabilities in our current food systems and how to build resilience with a plant-based shift
The links between animal agriculture, antibiotic resistance, and zoonotic disease risks
An introduction to The Safe and Trust report: The Plant Based Treaty’s Vegan Donut Economics Approach to the Food System
The Treaty’s five core programs and what they’re doing to drive real change
How individuals and institutions can support the movement
What’s ahead for the Plant Based Treaty in 2025 and beyond
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop is a former Principal Scientist with the Queensland Government Natural Resources, where he spent three decades using satellite data to monitor vegetation cover and deforestation. Since leaving that position, he has co-authored the Beyond Zero Emissions’ Land Use Plan, worked with the NGO World Preservation Foundation, and serves as Director of Replant Byron. We had the privilege of closing out our last season with a chat with this incredible human, and we’re thrilled to welcome Gerard back for an update on his latest groundbreaking research!
In this episode, we explore Gerard’s latest paper, Increased Transparency in Accounting Conventions Could Benefit Climate Policy. He breaks down three major shifts in climate science and emissions accounting that challenge conventional thinking about what drives climate change—revealing that agriculture, particularly animal agriculture, is the leading cause of present-day warming.
This is a paradigm-shifting conversation, so grab your pen and notepaper (you’ll want to take notes, trust us!), and check out Gerard’s brief explainer video here.
In this episode, we discuss:
A recap of Gerard’s previous research on the need for consistent carbon accounting
Contentious gases and how we measure them – Global Warming Potential vs Effective Radiative Forcing
The impact of cooling aerosols from fossil fuel emissions and why they complicate climate calculations.
How we have undervalued the impact of deforestation, underestimated methane’s impact, and failed to account for cooling emissions.
A game-changing revelation: updated metrics show agriculture is responsible for 60% of today’s global warming—with animal agriculture alone accounting for 53%.
The overlooked power of natural drawdown—how nature has looked after us right from the start
Why these improved methodologies haven’t been widely applied before, and what’s been standing in the way
The expected response from the animal agriculture industry and how to navigate the greenwashing.
The bigger picture: what role does animal agriculture play in humanity’s future?
Join us as we unpack the science, the solutions, and why a major shift in climate policy is needed—now more than ever!
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Nina Trinquet - Plant-Based for Health and Performance
23 Feb 2025
00:54:44
Nina Trinquet is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and PhD candidate based in Melbourne. Take a listen as Nina shares her wisdom on how a whole food plant-based diet can prevent and manage chronic disease. Nina works with individuals aiming to improve their health through diet, with a particular focus on cardiovascular health.
She is also an avid endurance runner with a passion for sports nutrition, making this a must-listen episode for athletes and health-conscious individuals alike.
Nina packs this episode full of evidence-based insights, practical nutrition tips, and inspiring discussions on creating a healthier, more sustainable future through food.
In this episode, we discuss:
Nina’s background in prosthetics and orthotics, and how this led to plant-based dietetics
Her love for endurance running and marathon goals for 2025
The importance of strength training & nutrition in running performance
Nina’s crucial work in transforming food systems in youth justice
Why young men are obsessed with protein & what they’re missing
Whole food plant-based vs. standard vegan diets—what’s the difference?
How diet can prevent, manage & even reverse chronic disease
Maximising iron & protein intake on a plant-based diet
The importance of calorie density for plant-based athletes
Common myths & misconceptions about plant-based eating
Carbohydrates, saturated fat and insulin resistance in Type 2 Diabetes
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dakota Jones - Footprints: Camps for Climate Action
09 Feb 2025
00:42:42
Dakota Jones is more than just a world-class trail runner—he’s a passionate environmental advocate on a mission to drive meaningful climate action. As a professional athlete for NNormal and the Founder and Executive Director of Footprints, an environmental nonprofit, Dakota is dedicated to empowering individuals to create tangible change in their local communities.
Footprints provide mentorship, networks, and self-development opportunities. It uses shared outdoor experiences to foster environmental awareness and cultivate confident, value-driven changemakers. Founded by trail runners, the organisation also works to make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive, reinforcing the powerful link between environmental stewardship and sport.
This year, Dakota is taking on some of his biggest challenges yet—including an attempt at the 100-mile American record at the upcoming Jackpot Ultras in Las Vegas, all while raising critical funds to support Footprints’ mission of building a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.
In this episode, we discuss:
Dakota’s journey into ultrarunning and rise as one of the sport’s top competitors.
His experiences racing some of the world’s toughest trail events.
Competing in Australia, winning the Buffalo Stampede, and earning the King of the Mountain title!
What sparked his passion for environmental activism.
First-hand experiences witnessing climate change and his responsibility for protecting wild places.
The origins of Footprints and how it empowers grassroots climate action.
Personal lessons learned from leading Footprints Camps and supporting emerging changemakers.
Footprints fundraising efforts for 2025, including Dakota’s upcoming 100-mile record attempt.
His upcoming personal and professional plans for 2025—both in racing and environmental advocacy.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop - Deforestation And Carbon Accounting
01 Dec 2024
01:00:24
Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop worked as a Principal Scientist with Queensland Government Natural Resources, using satellite data to monitor three decades of vegetation cover and broadscale deforestation. He left the government in 2010 to co-author the Beyond Zero Emissions’ Land Use Plan, a plan to take Australia’s land use and agriculture emissions beyond zero.
In this episode, we dive into Gerard's latest scientific article, "Deforestation—a Call for Consistent Carbon Accounting." The article shakes up how we think about carbon emissions, arguing that the current system for measuring deforestation’s impact doesn’t tell the full story. Gerard makes a strong case for a gross accounting approach across all industries, to provide us with a clearer picture of the damage and solutions. This discussion highlights the urgent need to totally revalue the environmental harms of agriculture – in a nutshell, Gerard urges us all to eat plants and plant trees!
In this episode, we discuss:
Gerard’s work with the Queensland Government monitoring deforestation
A deep dive into Gerard’s latest paper on consistent carbon accounting
Gross vs. net carbon accounting explained
How the carbon cycle really works
The overlooked value of forest drawdown potential
The true environmental toll of animal agriculture
Rethinking climate policy with Gerard’s insights
A sneak peek at his upcoming research
Translating the numbers into meaningful action
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
John Jurko II - RHINO MAN
17 Nov 2024
01:09:03
John Jurko II is the lead director and producer of RHINO MAN, a powerful documentary that highlights the courage and dedication of field rangers who risk their lives to protect South Africa's rhinos from poaching. More than just a conservation film, RHINO MAN tells a universal story of resilience, bravery, and the human spirit—a heroic tale of individuals striving to leave the world a better place.
Since 2018, John has been at the helm of RHINO MAN, guiding its completion with passion and purpose. A graduate with a BA in Film Production and Philosophy, John began his career in Los Angeles, working in the camera department on numerous indie films. He later moved to Atlanta, where he was drawn to the compelling story of RHINO MAN and its potential as a catalyst for social impact.
In addition to the film, John launched The Rhino Man Podcast, expanding the conversation around the vital role of rangers, the rhino poaching crisis, and the importance of connecting local communities to protected areas. His advocacy has reached esteemed audiences, including His Royal Highness Prince William, government officials, international financial crime delegates, law enforcement agencies, and conservation NGOs.
Through his work, John continues to raise awareness and inspire action for one of the most critical conservation issues of our time. Join us in this episode for a thought-provoking conversation about conservation, courage, and the power of storytelling to drive change.
In this episode, we discuss:
John’s background in film, philosophy, and storytelling—and his path to joining RHINO MAN
Startling statistics on rhino populations and the poaching crisis in Africa
Misconceptions and myths about rhino horn, including its unsubstantiated health claims
The inspiration behind RHINO MAN—sharing the powerful stories of South African field rangers
Challenges and lessons from the demanding filmmaking process
The evolving and perilous role of field rangers in South Africa
The gruelling recruitment and training process for becoming a field ranger
John’s ongoing fight for justice in Anton’s unsolved murder investigation and how we can support his efforts
Why wildlife conservation matters to everyone and how we can support rangers and protect rhinos
Future projects for John
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Professor Niki Harré - Psychology for a Better World
27 Oct 2024
01:10:01
Professor Niki Harré, Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland, and author of Psychology for a Better World: Working with People to Save the Planet and The Infinite Game: How to Live Well Together, shares her vision of resilient, compassionate, and creative communities as the foundation for sustainability. As discussed in her recent TEDx talk, Niki is particularly interested in promoting deep dialogue, constructive decision-making, and collective action for human and ecological flourishing. In this episode, she underscores how psychology—often overlooked in environmental work—is vital for fostering a people-focused approach and driving meaningful systems change.
Niki emphasises the power of stories and behaviours to inspire action, advocating for narratives of hope and compassion rather than focusing solely on crisis. To combat negativity amid the constant messages of environmental doom and gloom, Dr Harré discusses the importance of working with others and sharing positive values, to build resilient communities. We also explore how common identity points can strengthen communication on sustainability issues, fostering understanding and commitment.
At the heart of her philosophy is an “infinite game” mindset, where the goal is to keep what we most value in play, while inviting others to join – for it is together that we can create resilient social movements, sustain hope, and work toward a more generous, equitable world, with a flourishing environment and compassionate communities.
In this episode, Niki discusses:
What initially drew her to psychology and her passion for community well-being and sustainability
The shift away from community-based approaches as society moves more online
Her two books, Psychology for a Better World: Working with People to Save the Planet and The Infinite Game: How to Live Well Together
Concerns with “problem-focused” approaches in sustainability circles
The concept of “copying” behaviours to foster a more sustainable future
The impact of positive and negative emotions on facilitating change and transformation
Tips for staying emotionally buoyant in the face of apocalyptic narratives
The critical importance of self-identity and living in accordance with one’s values
Being a ‘tidy person’, practising mindfulness, and taking extreme care with material resources
Moving away from “us vs. them” mentalities and instead asking what kind of world we want to live in
The importance of engaging with young people in sustainability efforts
Her “Secular Priest” experiment and what it taught her about community
Her parting thoughts for advocates and communities on building resilience and maintaining hope
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Lydia Green - Manta Watch Aotearoa New Zealand
13 Oct 2024
00:40:07
Lydia Green is the Founder and Project Director of Manta Watch New Zealand, a charitable trust dedicated to protecting and studying manta rays. With a Marine Biology degree (Hons) and over 15 years of experience in marine science, Lydia has worked in waters across the globe, from Fiji to Mexico, bringing a wealth of expertise to New Zealand's manta ray research.
Since establishing Manta Watch Aotearoa New Zealand in 2017, Lydia has become a local leading figure in marine conservation, driving groundbreaking efforts to protect these majestic creatures. Manta rays, known for having the largest brain of any fish, are highly interactive and sociable, making their conservation vital for marine ecosystems. Under Lydia’s leadership, the organisation has focused on innovative research, public education, and conservation initiatives to safeguard manta rays and their habitats.
In this episode, Lydia shares her journey from global marine researcher to spearheading manta conservation in New Zealand. We dive deep into Manta Watch’s recent projects and explore the incredible intelligence and behaviour of manta rays, along with the vital role they play in ocean ecosystems.
Despite the growing threats to marine life, Lydia’s message is clear: With continued research, education, and global action, we can ensure that manta rays—and our oceans—continue to thrive.
In this episode, Lydia discusses:
Her background and passion for marine science
Her love for manta rays and marine megafauna
Manta Ray 101: An overview of their biology and behaviour
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Emma Strutt - Athletes Thriving On A Plant-Centred Diet
09 Jun 2024
00:53:37
In this episode, we bring you a recording of Emma Strutt's presentation as part of the recent 2024 Athletes for Nature Webinar Series.
Emma is Ben's partner in crime here at The Lentil Intervention, but for anyone not familiar with her professional background, she is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine and the founder of Greenstuff Nutrition. Emma also holds a certificate in plant-based nutrition, a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training qualification, a Diploma in Sustainable Living and a Grad Cert in Climate Change Adaptation.
In this presentation, Emma explores how athletes can reduce their ecological footprint through their food choices. She provides the ins and outs of transitioning to and thriving with a plant-powered eating pattern while avoiding the more common pitfalls. You can watch the video presentation of this episode here.
In this episode, Emma covers: • An overview of the current ecological crisis • Greenhouse gas emissions of our food system and why methane matters so much • Ecological impact of our food choices • Solutions to feed the world within planetary boundaries • Safety and efficacy of plant-based diets for athletes • Meeting carbohydrate and protein needs with plants • Key micronutrient considerations • Meal planning tips and tricks • Common pitfalls to avoid • Plants, fibre and gut health
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Damian Hall - Climate And Environmental Actions for Athletes
26 May 2024
01:05:38
In this episode, we bring you a recording of Damian Hall’s appearance as part of the recent 2024 Athletes for Nature Webinar Series.
Damian is a renowned ultramarathon runner and athletics coach who has represented Great Britain, consistently achieving remarkable results in some of the world’s most challenging races. He is also a seasoned journalist and the author of several acclaimed books, including the award-nominated We Can’t Run Away From This, which delves into the effects of running on our climate and ecological crisis. Beyond his athletic and literacy achievements, Damian is a dedicated climate activist, participating in multiple environmental organisations and initiatives, and co-founding The Green Runners.
If you love what you hear and want to listen to more of Damian’s wisdom, he first appeared on the podcast last year in season 4, episode 19.
In this presentation, Damian chats with our co-host Ben about the surprising ecological impacts and considerations of sports, and prompts us to identify changes for a lighter footprint. You can watch the video presentation of this episode here.
In this chat, Damian covers: • His background, foray into ultrarunning and passion for the environment • The inspiration behind Damian’s latest book, We Can’t Run Away From This • Ecological impact of sports shoes and clothing, and travel for sporting events • Ethical considerations regarding sports sponsorship • Progressive environmental action within the trail running space • Damian’s experience in the Barkley Marathon • Embracing imperfect climate advocacy and being a climate hypocrite • The influence of athletes and how we can use that power for good! • The mission of The Green Runners and their four key pillars
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dr Mike Joy - Our Current Ecological And Climate Concerns
12 May 2024
00:56:37
In this episode, we bring you a recording of Dr Mike Joy’s presentation as part of the recent 2024 Athletes for Nature Webinar Series. This was the first of a 3-part online webinar series for outdoor enthusiasts about the current climate emergency and the actions we can take to protect our playground.
Mike is a leading freshwater ecologist, researcher, and award-winning science communicator, fearlessly championing awareness and action to tackle our planet’s urgent environmental concerns. Mike’s upcoming memoir The Fight for Freshwater provides a first-hand look at the pressures and challenges faced by those who dare to raise their voices, especially when debating issues as critical as the health of Aotearoa’s waterways. Dr Joy is a regular guest of the podcast, most recently appearing in our season 4 finale here.
In this presentation Mike discusses our current ecological and climate crises, providing valuable insights about the challenges confronting our planet. Dr Joy also outlines the essential steps needed for transitioning to a more sustainable future. You can watch the video presentation of this episode here.
In this episode, Mike covers: • De-escalating economic growth to stay within ecological limits • Agriculture’s contribution to our overstep of planetary boundaries • New Zealand’s poor environmental performance • Intensive agriculture and nitric oxide • Water pollution in New Zealand • Realities of renewable energy • The energy density of fossil fuels vs renewables • Understanding energy return on investment (EROI) • The dangerous illusion of net zero
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dr Kate Wylie - The Health Hazards of Climate Change
28 Apr 2024
00:54:42
Dr Kate Wylie is an Adelaide-based GP, the founder of Climate Medicine, and the Executive Director of Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), a not-for-profit advocacy organisation that recognises human health depends on a healthy environment. Dr Wylie is a master communicator who has emerged as a leading voice in Australia for highlighting the health implications of climate change while championing change and actionable solutions.
This is Kate’s second full episode and third appearance on the podcast, first chatting with us in season 1 episode 22 and contributing to our end-of-year wrap-up in 2021. With significant developments in planetary health and Dr Wylie’s professional journey since our last conversation, catching up was long overdue!
In this episode, we had the opportunity to delve into DEA's recent endeavours and discuss our climate's current state. Kate shares insights into the profound effects of climate change on the health of Australians while highlighting the importance of proactive measures.
Despite the multitude of challenges posed by climate change, Dr Wylie’s message remains resolute: Our planet is worth saving, and so are we. It’s not game over, it’s game on.
In this episode, we discuss: • Kate’s shift from general practice to becoming Executive Director of DEA • Hiking the Larapinta Trail to raise money for DEA • The recent 2024 iDEA conference • Fossil Fuels as a health hazard • DEA’s lobbying work and recent submissions • The Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity Bill and Senate Inquiry • Why we should consider the health impacts of proposed fossil fuel projects • Health impacts of vehicle emissions • The increase in allergens due to climate change • The carbon footprint of various asthma inhalers • Climate change and health hazards: Heatwaves, extreme heat, flooding and storms, bushfires • Key messages from the 2023 MJA-Lancet Countdown on health and climate change • Healthcare sustainability – transitioning to an environmentally sustainable healthcare sector in Australia • Kate’s suggestions on how we can all advocate for change
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Andre Borell - Shark Culling And Whale Conservation
14 Apr 2024
00:59:48
Andre Borell is not just a filmmaker and investor, he’s a catalyst for change and a maker of good trouble! We first chatted with Andre in season two of the podcast, hot on the heels of the release of Envoy: Shark Cull, a documentary that sheds light on the long-running ‘shark safety’ programs in place in QLD and NSW. In this episode, we catch up with Andre and delve into his work since the film’s debut, including the establishment of the Envoy Foundation and their recent annual reports. We revisit the critical importance of protecting sharks as a keystone species in our oceans, highlighting the shortcomings and environmental consequences of current shark control methods while exploring more sustainable solutions.
But that’s not all! In addition to his work with Envoy Foundation, Andre has taken on a new role as a board member of the Norwegian Whale Reserve. (Does he ever sleep? We’re not sure…) This visionary conservation initiative is to be an open sea sanctuary nestled in the pristine fjords of Norway, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing captive whales. We dive into the details of this project and their vision for the future.
Prepare to be inspired by this insightful conversation with an extraordinary human being!
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dr Sally Gillespie - Building Climate-Resilient Communities
31 Mar 2024
01:05:26
Dr Sally Gillespie is an author, lecturer, workshop facilitator, and trainer for Psychology for a Safe Climate. We first spoke with Sally in season 2, episode 27 about her book Climate Crisis and Consciousness: Re-imagining Our World and Ourselves and how to deal with eco-anxiety. Since speaking with Sally in 2021, the changing climate continues to impact our communities and our mental health. Many communities have endured bushfires, floods, storms, coastal erosions and heatwaves, yet important community resilience-building actions are still lacking in many areas.
Sally’s recent article in Explorations in Climate Psychology Journal explores the significant mental health impacts associated with the escalating climate disasters in Australia - often overlooked when discussing climate change. So, in this episode, we unpack her article in more detail as Sally highlights the need for trauma-informed care and community-based practices to address this worsening crisis.
In the face of such uncertainty, holistic, resilience-building approaches, that integrate traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern psychological insights are now more important than ever, when it comes to supporting individual and community health.
In this episode, we discuss:
Sally’s recent work and involvement in the Climate Psychology movement
The generational shift occurring within the climate psychology space
The high percentage of Australians impacted by climate disasters
Mental health impacts for disaster survivors
The huge burdens on local agencies providing mental health support services
Systemic causes that have driven the climate and environmental crises
A need to honour Indigenous knowledge for a truly inclusive community approach
Looking to grassroots community movements to help foster a sense of empowerment
Creating safe spaces for sharing stories and trauma, including the importance of ceremony
Dealing with eco grief, doomerism and burnout
Utilising grounded narratives when initiating climate conversations
If this story has raised concerns for you or someone you know, you can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636 in Australia or Lifeline at 0800 LIFELINE (0800 54 33 54) or free text HELP (4357) in New Zealand.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Esther Gathambo - Impacts of Colonialism on Inequity
17 Mar 2024
00:49:00
Esther Gathambo, originally hailing from Kenya and now calling New Zealand home, is a social entrepreneur and businesswoman driven by a powerful mission. In 2020 Esther founded Sawubona, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering African artisans, promoting fair trade and sustainability practices, and nurturing a sense of community and shared experiences.
In this conversation, we delve into Esther’s upbringing in Kenya, exploring the enduring impacts of colonialism and her insights into the transformative potential of business. We learn the inspiring story behind Sawubona and how Esther’s venture is actively improving the lives of artisans and communities while forging meaningful connections between Africa and New Zealand.
In this episode, we discuss:
Esther’s background and experience growing up in Kenya
The power of education, and being the first in her family to attend university
The colonisation of Kenya and consequent impacts on communities
Loss of cultural and community identity and intergenerational trauma
The exploitative nature of capitalism
Ethical and sustainability issues in business supply chains
The story of Sawubona
The benefits of supporting social enterprises
Ethical considerations as a consumer
The importance of protecting cultural art
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dr Jack Auty - Plastic-Induced Fibrosis And Inflammation
03 Mar 2024
01:27:02
Joining us for his second appearance on the show, Dr Jack Auty is a lecturer in the Medical Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Tasmania. Jack leads research on the intricate connections between inflammation and disease. With a diverse array of interests, ranging from the impact of microplastics on lung and gut inflammation to the potential use of common anti-inflammatories in treating Alzheimer's disease, Jack's work is at the forefront of medical research.
If this is your first introduction to Dr Auty, please take time to listen to his first podcast episode with us here, as it will give you a more detailed background on his fascinating work to date. In this episode we focus in on Jack’s work with AdriftLab, where he’s been looking at wildlife impacted by microplastic exposure and the ability of plastic to directly induce severe, organ-wide scar tissue formation.
In this episode we discuss:
Jack’s background and previous research
Various hypotheses which may explain the rise in allergies
Top tips for reducing plastic exposure in daily life
Plastics as a delivery mechanism for a wide range of toxic chemicals
Future research projects for Jack and AdriftLab
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dr Neal Haddaway - Storytelling To Start Conversations Of Science
17 Feb 2024
00:56:59
Dr Neal Haddaway is a photojournalist and environmental photographer whose work highlights the damaging impacts of capitalism and unchecked economic growth. With a PhD in environmental science and a 20-year career in environmental research and academia, Neal boldly chose to transition his career to photography fuelled by a desire to inspire others visually and reconnect with his passion for environmental conservation.
Neal makes a strong argument for the importance of storytelling in science communication. Through his work, he aims to bridge the gap between science and public perception, recognising the significance of compelling narratives in driving positive change. Here we discuss his poignant photojournalism projects and publications, and the mental health toll on those working in environmental academia, and much more.
While many of the topics we cover are quite heavy, they are important to be aware of. Neal encourages us all not to look away, but rather to keep learning, keep broadening our understandings and keep engaging in discussions with others. Knowledge is power and serves as our armour against misinformation. It provides us with the tools to challenge falsehoods and build a better society and future for both people and the planet.
In this episode, we discuss:
Neal’s background and passion for the environment
Neal’s motivation for pivoting to photography after 20 years in academia
Communicating science via photography
Persuasion and the importance of storytelling
Mental health risks associated with climate research
Coal Scars – The long-term landscape trauma of our obsession with coal
How we can be more effective advocates for the planet
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Max Romey - Art And Film To Connect People To The Planet
28 Jan 2024
00:46:23
And we’re back! Welcome to Season 5 of The Lentil Intervention Podcast. We are thrilled to be bringing you more insightful discussions, inspiring stories and scientific snapshots this year, and we are certainly kicking things off with a bang with our first guest, Max Romey.
Max is a phenomenal artist, filmmaker, producer, educator, trail runner and environmental advocate based in Anchorage, Alaska. Max uses his unique blend of watercolours and videography to highlight the complexities of environmental problems impacting both local and global communities.
We learn about Max’s background and inspiring outlook on life, as well as discuss his latest works which focus on the once pristine wilderness of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Unfortunately, even with its remoteness, the world’s rubbish problem has come knocking on Katmai’s shores. Even though the debris on Katmai might come from a world away, when it comes to ocean plastics we are all in the same boat, so this conversation with Max only serves to underscore the need for global action – no matter where we are located, we’ve all got a role to play.
The ocean’s oxygen factories (phytoplankton) and concerns with microplastics
Inspiring behaviour change while living in an imperfect world
Making a change by starting at home
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dr Mike Joy - Science-Based Climate Action
17 Dec 2023
01:12:20
We’ve reached the Season 4 finale of The Lentil Intervention podcast! In our last episode for 2023, we sit down with podcast favourite Dr Mike Joy to recap the pressing environmental and climate concerns that have defined the past year. We also had a frank discussion about the necessary actions that could result in a better future for all. From climate change to degrowth, Dr Joy provides valuable insights and expertise that shed light on the challenges our planet is currently facing. He discusses concepts and principles that can help us transition towards a more sustainable future.
In a special segment, we address listener questions about effective environmental activism, where Mike lends his perspective on the actionable steps we can all take to make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change and environmental disasters.
As we wrap up Season 4, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our incredible listeners for joining us again this year. Your support fuels our passion for environmental and health advocacy and knowledge-sharing. We look forward to coming back for Season 5, where we will continue to explore new health and environment topics and amplify the voices of those inspiring positive change. To everyone in the TLI community, we wish you a safe and happy end of year, and we’ll be back - just after a little break.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Professor Ilan Noy - Economics of Disasters and Climate Change
03 Dec 2023
01:01:10
Professor Ilan Noy is the Chair in Economics of Disasters and Climate Change - Te Āwhionukurangi, at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. Ilan’s research and teaching focus on the economic aspects of natural hazards, disasters, climate change, and other related topics in environmental, development, and international economics. Ilan is also the founding Editor-in-Chief of the SpringerNature journal Economics of Disasters and Climate Change. Having previously worked at the University of Hawai’i and consulting for the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank (to name a few!), Ilan brings a wealth of knowledge to this conversation.
Professor Noy recently co-authored an article, published in Nature Communications, assessing the global cost of extreme weather attributable to climate change. Their findings revealed that extreme events attributable to climate change cost the world US$143 billion per year, yet the loss and damage funding agreement arrived at from COP27 will only offer an average of US$10 billion a year – a drop in the bucket compared to what’s truly needed. Ilan unpacks the paper’s findings and much more in our conversation.
In this episode, we discuss:
Ilan’s personal and professional background
The diversity of topics that fall under the umbrella of the economics of disasters and climate change
The driving force behind establishing the Journal Economics of Disasters and Climate Change
Lack of consideration towards climate change in the field of economics
The deficiencies of current assessment methods regarding the financial costs of climate change
Considering the wide-ranging damage costs associated with climate change, as well as the costs associated with the loss of human life
The need to reduce vulnerabilities and exposure to avoid increased costs associated with anthropogenic extreme weather events
How economists attach a dollar value to human life
Which countries and regions of the world feel the impact most
Prioritising financial support where it’s truly needed
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
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To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Associate Professor Luke Kelly - Fire And Biodiversity
05 Nov 2023
00:43:34
Dr Luke Kelly is an Associate Professor in Quantitative Ecology at the University of Melbourne, leading teams both locally and internationally. Luke studies the dynamics of plant and animal populations, educates about biodiversity and human well-being, and collaborates with diverse stakeholders to prevent species extinction.
With expertise in ecological and evolutionary dynamics, Luke recently led a team of researchers that assessed how human activities are reshaping patterns of fire across the globe. Some of the findings were quite surprising, with our planet now burning in unexpected ways. In this conversation we talk shop on fire fundamentals, key fire changes both globally and locally, and how we can coexist with fires in the Anthropocene, by moving forward and working together to generate ideas and solutions.
In this episode, we discuss:
Luke’s scientific background and current research work
The work of biodynamos, the Biodiversity Dynamics Research Group
Fire as fundamental to human civilisation and the earth's systems
Benefits and risks of fire for biodiversity and threatened species
Surprising findings regarding global fire activity
Fire regime changes in Australia, including an upward trend in mega-fires
Key anthropogenic drivers of fire regime changes
The consequences for humans, flora, and fauna due to changing fire regimes in Australia
How we best move forward while living with fire in the Anthropocene, including practical recommendations for people in high-risk areas
The importance of a proactive approach, rather than a reactive response
How fire can help us achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
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To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Damian Hall - Environmentalism Through Ultra Trail Running
08 Oct 2023
01:03:02
In this episode, we chat with running legend Damian Hall, a record-breaking ultramarathon runner and athletics coach who has represented Great Britain and continues to achieve competitive results in some of the world’s toughest and gruelling races.
Damian is an experienced journalist and author of several books, including the award-nominated We Can’t Run Away From This, which examines the impact of running on our climate and ecological emergency. Damian is also a passionate (and very busy!) climate activist, a member of several environmental organisations and initiatives, and co-founder of The Green Runners.
Damian inspires any climate-conscious runner and prompts us to seriously consider our kit, food, and travel. Moreover, Damian helps us all identify - whether we are athletes or not - simple changes we can make to our behaviour for a cleaner, greener world and future.
In this episode, we discuss:
Damian’s background and achievements in ultramarathon running
Embracing imperfect climate advocacy and the inevitability of being a climate hypocrite
The sustainability of large-scale sporting events
The power of sports and athletes to influence and change society
The Green Runners; A running community making changes for a fitter planet
Establishing Into Ultra to reduce the barriers to participation in ultrarunning
The importance of partaking in climate action for outdoor enthusiasts
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dr Simon Eassom - Food Frontier: The Future of Alternative Proteins
24 Sep 2023
01:48:57
In this episode, we discuss alternative protein with Dr Simon Eassom, Executive Director at Food Frontier, Australia and New Zealand’s independent think tank on alternative proteins.
Simon is an experienced leader, business executive, and strategic thinker and has had a distinguished career as a university professor with a Ph.D. in applied ethics and a background in health and nutrition as Head of a large university School of Physical Education and Sport Science. As a freelance investigative journalist, Simon was a regular media commentator on numerous issues, including the political economy of food and the public presentation of information and advice on diet and health. He has been an in-demand public speaker on technology and change and currently serves on the Board of the Australian Council of Professions as its Chief Futurist.
In this conversation, Simon brings his passion and knowledge to help us understand alternative proteins and their role in delivering a sustainable protein supply that supports people and the planet.
In this episode, we discuss:
Simon’s fascinating background and his work as Executive Director at Food Frontier
Receptivity to alternative proteins in heavy meat-eating countries such as Australia and New Zealand and the target markets of the plant-based meat sector
Alternative protein options, technological innovations, and challenges in meeting consumer demands
Alternative proteins and health considerations – potential pros, cons, and misconceptions
The current environmental impact of our global food system and the expected benefits of reducing meat consumption
Animal welfare concerns associated with modern-day animal farming
Feeding the world’s population; alternative proteins as a food security solution
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Emma Wingrove - The Clean Up Crew
10 Sep 2023
00:34:13
Emma Wingrove is a reuse specialist, passionate about bringing New Zealand to the forefront of sustainability and climate change solutions. In 2014, while undertaking her university degree, Emma established The Clean Up Crew Aotearoa, after identifying the hideously overlooked problem of litter and neglected beaches of the beautiful North Shore of Auckland. Thinking that someone should really address the problem, she realised that someone could be her.
From humble beginnings, the Clean up Crew continues to grow. Emma inspires hope for a better future by proving that one person can make a difference. Anybody can see a problem and start working towards fixing it - solutions don’t need vast acts of grandeur, just passion and determination!
In this episode, we discuss:
Emma’s background from environmental science to zero waste
The source of beach rubbish found on New Zealand beaches
Emma’s establishment of The Clean Up Crew Aotearoa
Commonly found rubbish items littering Auckland’s shorelines, and how it gets there
Advocacy and education work of The Clean Up Crew
How to support The Clean Up Crew and get involved in their regular clean-ups
Top tips for minimising personal waste
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dr Kate Sievert - Meat And Sustainable Food Systems
27 Aug 2023
00:58:07
Dr Kate Sievert is a Research Fellow at GLOBE at Deakin University with a special interest in power and politics with regard to food systems and their relationship with population and planetary health. Kate is also a co-founder of Healthy Food Systems Australia, an advocacy group dedicated to bettering food systems for all Australians and the land.
Dr Sievert was responsible for leading The World Health Organisation’s recent Information Brief titled Red and Processed Meat in the Context of Health and the Environment: Many Shades of Red and Green, which synthesized the current evidence on the role of red and processed meat production and consumption in health and environmental outcomes, and in different social and political contexts.
In this episode, we discuss this recent publication in addition to some of Kate’s other fascinating work regarding transparency within the food industry, corporate power, and political influence. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, so you may want to listen through it twice. However, one thing that Kate makes clear is that in transitioning to a sustainable food system we need to think more deeply than economics and consider concepts that are best for humans, animals, and the planet.
In this episode, we discuss:
Kate’s background and the path that led to her current research
Kate’s work at the Global Centre for Preventative Health (GLOBE)
Red and processed meat production and consumption trends
Shifting meat consumption patterns – influences on consumer behaviour
Meat consumption and nutritional adequacy versus potential health risks
Zoonotic disease and antimicrobial resistance risks
Food safety risks and food-borne diseases associated with animal-sourced foods
Key environmental concerns associated with red and processed meats
Practicalities of feeding the world with regenerative farming methods
Potential alternatives to red and processed meats in the diet
The consideration of sustainability in food-based dietary guidelines
The power of the food industry, links to government, and consequent impact on policymaking
Changes needed to achieve sustainable food systems
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Deirdre Kent - Fixing The Economic System
13 Aug 2023
00:39:21
Deirdre Kent is a long-time environmental activist with a background in teaching, campaigning, and lobbying and is also a prolific author, having written six books. Deirdre has been involved in numerous research and political campaigning efforts and has established various organisations such as Transition Town Ōtaki, the Ōtaki Timebank and The New Economics Party.
Being involved in green economics for many years, Deirdre has most recently co-founded Degrowth Aotearoa New Zealand and talks extensively about various economic concepts, currency design, money and the environment on her website. Not only that, Deirdre is an ardent supporter of a whole food plant-based diet for the associated environmental and health benefits and speaks passionately on this subject.
In this episode, we discuss:
Deirdre’s diverse background
Spearheading Transition Town Ōtaki and The Ōtaki Timebank
The Degrowth movement in New Zealand and establishing Degrowth Aotearoa
Championing change towards degrowth economic principles
Tradable energy quotas vs Emission trading schemes
Potential benefits of Tradable Energy Quotas
The importance of considering dietary choices as an environmentalist
The dairy industry in New Zealand
Tips for effective lobbying and the importance of visual mediums
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Dr Jenn Lavers & Jennell Reynolds - Esperance Tjlatjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
Jennell Reynolds is a community engagement officer and previous Tjaltjraak Ranger, also with ETNTAC. Kepa Kurl Wudjari Peoples' ancestral lands span over 30,000 square kilometres of Southern Western Australia, encompassing Esperance and beyond. Kepa Kurl Wudjari people are descended from seven apical ancestors, of which Jennell is recognised as a direct descendant, having the rights and responsibility for the practice of Wudjari Nyungar culture and for passing it on to future generations.
Here we learn about the critical work of ETNTAC and how they preserve culture and care for country in this modern age of science and technology. Australia’s First Nations people are the original scientists, land managers, engineers, ecologists and so much more, drawing on 50,000 years’ worth of knowledge. In the face of our current climate and environmental emergencies, we learn the importance of respecting and honouring the past in guiding us towards a better future.
In this episode, we discuss:
Jenn’s background and work with Adrift Lab and the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC)
Jennell’s work with ETNTAC as a community engagement officer and ranger
Importance and purpose of Registered Native Title Bodies Corporations (RNTBCs)
Cultural history, significance, and unique beauty of Esperance area/Wudjari Nyungar country
Honouring 50,000 years’ worth of Indigenous knowledge and science
How ETNTAC blends modern technology and research with knowledge from Australia’s first scientists
The pros and cons of technology for preserving culture
The need for long-lasting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations within science, industry and governments
ETNTAC’s statement regarding the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021
What we can all learn from 50,000 years of caring for country
Reconnection to place and country – when we belong to something we take care of it.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Sahra Kress - Degrowth For Nature And Collective Wellbeing
16 Jul 2023
01:10:33
Sahra Kress is a committee member of Degrowth Aotearoa NZ and comes to this conversation about degrowth drawing passionately from her position as a midwife, deeply concerned about the future of the children she delivers.
Sahra has spent years working at the interface of social, cultural, and environmental complexity. Her work includes 18 years of Lead Maternity Practice, regular emergency skills teaching in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea and leading a research study on family planning in the Solomon Islands.
Unable to continue flying due to the obvious environmental impacts, she felt her work needed to focus locally and expand from protecting mothers and their children to advocating for nature and collective wellbeing within ecological limits. In this conversation, Sahra argues passionately for the benefits of Degrowth and the need to rediscover what it means to truly lead a meaningful life – going far beyond our materialistic 21st-century thinking.
In this episode, we discuss:
Sahra’s fascinating background and her experience midwifing in Aotearoa and overseas
Degrowth Aotearoa NZ (DANZ)
Degrowth 101 – definitions, common misconceptions, and the concept of throughput
Shifting mindsets and societal values for systemic change
The concepts and goals of DANZ
Degrowth community action and fostering a collectivism mindset
Changes required in industrialised nations vs developing nations
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Nathan Surendran - The Inevitable Resource Depletion
02 Jul 2023
01:10:02
Nathan Surendran is a Transition Engineer and principal consultant at Schema Consulting Limited, bringing with him an extensive knowledge of macro-scale systems and risks, and synthesising economic, energetic, and environmental factors.
Nathan is an active member of Degrowth Aotearoa New Zealand and passionately advocates for realistic, fact-based strategic decisions on issues of resilience and strong sustainability across all levels. Here Nathan helps bring much-needed understanding to some key concepts around energy efficiency and limits, degrowth, renewables and so much more!
In this episode, we discuss:
Nathan’s background and his work as a transition engineer
Biophysical constraints vs wishful thinking
Degrowth Aotearoa New Zealand and their advocacy work
The concept of net energy, and its decrease over time
The impact of renewables on total energy consumption
Are renewable energy technologies truly renewable or scalable?
Promoting and transitioning to a degrowth paradigm in Western societies
Percentage growth rates and the rule of 70
Taking action: Community level resilience and the fallacy of individual self-sufficiency
Nathan has also generously provided links to his ‘Distributed Energy Generation in Southland’ presentation and his recent submission to a draft regional energy strategy if you are keen to dig deeper into the facts, figures and scientific concepts mentioned in this episode.
Further resources mentioned by Nathan in this episode:
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Professor Sarah Bekessy - Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design
17 Jun 2023
00:57:33
Sarah Bekessy is a Professor in Sustainability at RMIT University and a Lead Councillor of The Biodiversity Council. Sarah leads the ICON science research group, working to understand better and manage the interactions between society and our natural environment.
A leading expert in biodiversity-sensitive urban design, Professor Bekessy co-developed the Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design protocol, which has now been used by numerous developers, governments and NGOs, helping us work towards cleaner, greener more biodiverse cities. Amid this biodiversity crisis, and with ever-expanding urban areas, the pressures on nature and biodiversity are immense. But here Sarah shows us how cities can actually be part of the solution in sustaining species—an essential and timely chat.
In this episode, we discuss:
Sarah’s extensive background in biodiversity and sustainability
The gradual decline of biodiversity in cities around Australia
The benefits of urban greening, but the need to consider biodiversity while doing so
The fundamental flaws of using offsets as an approach to biodiversity
How many cities are actually hotspots for threatened species
Sustainable midrise housing as a way forward in urban areas
Urban growth boundaries and nature corridors
Equitable access to green spaces within cities
Indigenous-led biodiversity projects within urban areas
10 easy ways we can all act for nature and help biodiversity
Find the Biodiversity Council’s factsheet on the impact of roaming pet cats on Australian wildlife here. A must-read for any cat owner!
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
John Berry - Ethical Investing
04 Jun 2023
00:41:38
John Berry is Co-Founder, CEO and Resident Wayfinder at Pathfinder Asset Management. John also serves as a Trustee for Men’s Health Trust New Zealand and an advisory board member of The Mind Lab. John is committed to making ethical investment accessible to all NZ investors.
But dive a little deeper into the subjective world of ethical investing and you can soon find yourself trying to navigate a minefield of myths, misconceptions, and greenwashing. So, in this conversation, John breaks it down for us and talks about positive investing for a positive future, and how we can use our hard-earned cash to create a better world.
The Banking on Climate Chaos report was mentioned in this episode while discussing fossil fuel financing and investing– find the latest report here.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Shaun Lee - Auckland's Hauraki Gulf
21 May 2023
00:46:19
Shaun Lee is an Auckland-based designer, illustrator and photographer. Shaun started his career as a web designer and then co-founded Auckland’s foremost business-to-business design studio. Shaun now only works on environmental initiatives and has dedicated his life to improving the state of the planet. A true eco-warrior in every sense.
His environmental advocacy work is extensive and varied, including serving as Co-Founder and Trustee of Revive Our Gulf, New Zealand’s only large-scale, active marine restoration initiative. In this conversation, Shaun shines a light on the damage done to the Hauraki Gulf, and the causes, and also discusses the ambitious plans of Revive our Gulf for large-scale restoration of the area.
In this episode, we discuss:
Shaun’s background and passion for saving the planet!
The importance of visual mediums in communicating climate concerns
The water quality degradation and ecosystem decline of the Hauraki Gulf
The current state of the water quality
What’s contributing to the Gulf’s decline
Green-lipped mussels fishery collapse
Impacts of trawling and dredging on marine life
Bottom trawling and sediment plumes
The potential for dead zones within the Gulf
Scientific trawling conducted by fisheries in New Zealand
Revive our Gulf – restoring the mussel reefs that once dominated the Hauraki Gulf
The benefits and logistics of ‘re-musseling’
How listeners can get involved in active restoration
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Chloe Price - Protecting Our Waterways
07 May 2023
01:03:11
Chloe Price is a freshwater ecologist and environmental scientist based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. Chloe has an interdisciplinary academic and professional background in freshwater and terrestrial ecology and is passionate about ecological restoration and regeneration, catchment enhancement, and fostering collaboration within and between communities.
Outside of her day job Chloe is also a member of Project Blue, a New Zealand not-for-profit organisation with the purpose of raising awareness of the harms of plastic pollution on our environment and the failures of Western recycling systems. Chloe brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this fascinating chat and leaves us with examples of actions we can all take to help make this world a little cleaner and greener.
In this episode, we discuss: • Chloe’s background and passion for environmentalism • Biodiversity offsets and the true effectiveness of these measures • The main causes of degradation to New Zealand’s waterways • Project Blue, their mission to reduce the harms of plastic pollution and their recent documentary ‘For The Blue’ • Limitations of current recycling systems • The enormous scale of our rubbish problem, resulting in the offshore processing of waste • Community engagement, education, and advocacy for driving effective change • Environmental restoration projects and how to get involved
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.
To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.
Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.