This is a "podcast share" with 'If I Ruled The World' - a show all about system change, with the brilliant Gillian Burke. What that means is that we've recorded this episode together, to sit on both of our platforms. It's a slightly different format to what you might be used to on Our Ocean - a little bit longer, and less of an interview, more of a conversation. Less facts and figures, and more exploring concepts.
It's by far the most challenging episode we've recorded so far - stepping into the realm of the impacts of war on the ocean and the environment, but also a conversation about why it can be so difficult to speak up against the atrocities we see in our world. Gillian is the perfect guide to help us navigate these conversations. You might recognise her from BBC's Springwatch - she's a biologist and presenter, who has stepped away from traditional Natural History filmmaking towards what felt more authentic for her - into exploring, understanding and changing the systems that govern the status quo. She shares her incredible story, braveness and insights with such eloquence.
We touch on many different topics in this episode, and through the lens of the terrible war in the Middle East, explore why it's so challenging to use our voices, why we're not being listened to, a concept called 'Learned Helplessness', what role the environmental movement does, can and needs to play in this, and why it is so vital that we don't ignore assaults on International Law.
If you're an ocean or nature lover, there are essential overlapping ideas here - from advocacy, democracy, changing tack when it's needed to how to hold and navigate the feelings of helplessness that can be so pervasive. Our hope for this episode is to spark conversation and empower you to use your voice, even when it feels scary.
Huge thank you to Gillian Burke - you can listen to If I Ruled the World on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and learn more about it here, or head to Gillian's Instagram here.
The Our Ocean Podcast is brought to you by Seaful - the UK charity dedicated to connecting people to our ocean.
For more information about Seaful, please visit our Website, Instagram or Facebook.
