Explore every episode of the podcast The Seed Pod.

In Episode 39 of The Seed Pod, guest Sam Ludden and I kōrero about art inspired by deep connections to tuna and awa ecosystems, mahi with iwi, mokopuna decisions, programmes that are healing intergenerational trauma through nature connection, and his adventures with whānau through syntropic food forestry and unschooling.

In Episode 38 of The Seed Pod, guest Julia Palmer and I take a deep dive into the wild and wonderful world of invertebrates. We nerd out over bug fieldwork, common misconceptions, the vital roles they play, and how species ID doesn't have to be daunting. Julia shares stories from her after-dark mountain adventures, her time exploring the Sub-Antarctic Islands, and how iNaturalist and nature clubs foster community and connection. We also chat about photography, fascinating species interactions, and why observing who’s hanging out with whom can reveal more than searching for the bugs sometimes... and how parasitic worms can hypnotise spiders?! You don’t want to miss this one.

In Episode 37 of The Seed Pod, guest Vitor Velez (@theheadlessketcher) and I dive deep into his unique nature art style that blends scientific drawing and nature journaling. We discuss adventures, sources of inspiration, nature observation, fascinating facts, the finer details, colours, layers and style, and how outside of the page is one of the most important parts of any drawing. We also share in our love for native birds of Aotearoa and the unique ecological context present.

In Episode 36 of The Seed Pod, guest Abby Patterson and I kōrero/chat about conservation and advocacy through online science communication, her alphabet elevator pitches, wellbeing and nature connection, the overcomplication of climate action leading to disengaged citizens... and we reminisce about birthday parties as children.

In Episode 35 of The Seed Pod, guest Ryan Yohler shares stories from his studies in geology/geophysics and evolution. We discuss glaciers, slow slip events (similar energy release as earthquakes over time), mass extinction events, museums, Human evolution, and fossil discoveries. Ryan has been all over the world as part of these studies, and has met 'Lucy' and 'Ardi' our early human-like ancestors found in Africa. We talk about tracing history from apes to humans through bones, and the impacts of transitioning from climbing to being bipedal. As a passion project on the side, Ryan and his friends have studied the fossil record to investigate what our future records could look like... and let's just say future paleontologists may be a bit stumped!

In Episode 34 of The Seed Pod, Julie and I kōrero about all things conservation dogs and biosecurity in Aotearoa/New Zealand, including the rigorous training and testing required to become a conservation dog, what it's like working with a dog day-to-day, the biosecurity work they have taken part in, some great success stories, and her dreams for conservation here in Aotearoa.

In Episode 33 of The Seed Pod, Benji and I have a kōrero about the earth sciences, volcanology and geology field trips, submarine volcanoes (underwater volcanology), youth engagement, developing pro-environmental behaviours, storytelling, mātauranga māori, policy development, collaboration and more!

In Episode 32 we have collected together kōrero/stories from a range of incredible people in the community who take part in sports similar to those seen in the 2024 Paris Olympics. These sports showcase a diversity of opportunities for building mind and body connection as well as connection to the environment, places, people and identity.

Ngā mihi nui/Thank you very much to our contributors:

- Hana Tapiata (Amora ofa'ai/Tahitian Rock Lifting)

- Jaeda Ala’alatoa-Dale (Archery)

- Jess Lamb (Trail Ultramarathon Running)

- Hannah Thomas (Canoe Slalom)

- Ella Walmsley (Mountain Biking)

- Lisa Chahine (Equestrian)

- Brenda Lawson (Rowing)

- Jono Kidson (Sailing)

- Angus & Sian Crowley (Sport Climbing)

- Sian Crowley (Target Shooting)

- Alice McCullough (Surfing)

In Episode 31 of The Seed Pod, we have a kōrero with guest Anthea Ibell about her incredible scuba diving experiences including her love for sharks and her conservation work overseas with sea turtles and community education! Anthea is a sustainable business founder/owner with several businesses which tackle waste reduction and advocacy utilising plastic 'waste' to create beautiful products, and breaking into the toy industry! She talks about her experiences in business, and some of the challenges, as well as her parenting experiences through nature connection.

In Episode 30 of The Seed Pod, we feature our second guest host - Taylor Davies-Colley, and hear from guest Samuel Purdie. Taylor and Sam kōrero/chat about Aotearoa's incredibly diverse reptiles and the threats they face, adventures up in the mountains, the way that Sam has been able to capture the essence of wildlife and wild spaces through photography, science communication as an author, ways that we can work together to protect Aotearoa's critters, and so much more!

In Episode 29 of The Seed Pod, we feature our first guest host - Ella Walmsley, and hear from guest Wednesday Davis. Wednesday and Ella kōrero/chat about the moana/marine environment, research, utilising artificial intelligence, and technology in species identification, experiential education opportunities, nature tattoos, and so much more!

In Episode 28 of The Seed Pod. we kōrero/chat with guest Maya Templer about all things illustration, and animation! Maya shares about her deep love for gardening, and how nature has inspired her creative process. We share exciting news about our new science communication comics, talk working with clients, film festivals, education through play, hiking, Australian nature... and Bluey (the TV show).

In Episode 27 of The Seed Pod. guest Holly Turner talks all things birds of prey! She has been lucky enough to work with a variety of incredible birds both overseas (including vultures, eagles, owls, hawks, and more) and right here in Aotearoa/NZ with the kārearea/NZ Falcon. We discuss how unique our falcons are here, release programmes, human-wildlife conflict, bird training, zookeeping, community projects, education, and adventures with Griffin (@gooodboygriffin) her beautiful Golden Retriever!

In Episode 26 of The Seed Pod. guest Ruud Kleinpaste a.k.a. The Bug Man takes us on a journey of connection through the fascinating would of bugs. We kōrero about his life purpose of building our network of nature-literate teachers and students, some notable bug experiences that both he and those he teaches have had, as well as the incredible things that come out at night! We talk deep connection in nature, critter intelligence, youth empowerment, myths about bugs, and so much more!

In Episode 25 of The Seed Pod. guest Charlie Thomas returns to tell us all about their recent expedition to South Georgia Island, Antarctica! We kōrero/chat about wild, remote places, the incredible young expedition crew, the powerful landscapes, and the abundance of animals that Charlie is capturing through their art and written word, officially getting to name a leopard seal, their incredible nature tattoo collection, and so much more!

In Episode 24 of The Seed Pod guest Lisa Chahine shares stories of jellyfish migration in Lebanon, the difficulties of trying to mimic beauty through art, natural cycles in nature, insect sampling and bush bashing in West Coast forests which she compares to Jurassic park, and animals behaving in unexpected ways. In this episode we also discuss the pet/wildlife trade, poaching and animal testing in Liberia and the deep underlying systemic issues that drive these markets.

In Episode 23 of The Seed Pod. guest Rose Todd and I kōrero/chat about bringing nature inside through indoor plants, the art and practice of caring for houseplants, the power of plant propagation, landscape architectures' role in urban development, climate resilient landscapes and gorilla planting, as well as the downfalls of the plant industry.

In Episode 22 of The Seed Pod. guest Sam Gibson and I kōrero/chat about living as part of nature, and being inherently connected to the whenua/land. We discuss the deep knowledge that 'bush people' including hunters, fishers and foragers have. Sam talks about the importance of mahinga kai/food gathering sites for identity, connection and culture and how he and a group of hunting friends started the Eastern Whio Link Project to protect crucial habitat and mahinga kai areas. We talk conservation tools, the catastrophic impacts of wild cats and dogs, raising kids in the bush, and mokopuna decision making - decisions with future generations in mind.

In Episode 21 of The Seed Pod. guest Oscar Thomas and I kōrero about some of the unique manu/birds found here in Aotearoa/NZ. Oscar shares captivating tales of his encounters with rare bird species, including the majestic Tokoraki/King penguin, and his thrilling adventures with Kōkako, Kākāpō, and seabirds. He also offers insights into his journey as an author, with his latest work, "A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of New Zealand 2nd edition," now available. Oscar takes us on a virtual tour of some incredible wildlife hotspots... and he unveils his bird of choice for the Bird of the Century competition!

In Episode 20 of The Seed Pod. guest Amber Sisaričh and I share in the fascinating world of fungi, the symbiotic mycorrhizal networks underneath our feet that form the 'wood-wide web', treating bush walks as "fungi treasure hunts", science communication through illustrations and murals, the Kiwi Conservation Club magazine, life on Rakiura/Stewart Island, working with kiwi and tuatara and the opportunities which have opened doors for her career in conservation.

In Episode 19 of The Seed Pod. guest Noah Fenwick and I nerd-out about invertebrates, in particular the largest and the smallest of Aotearoa's moth species. We talk invertebrate surveys, light-trapping, photography, host-plant dependence, mimicry, an expedition to the Sub-Antarctic Islands, beautiful rare manu/flying creatures, and why we need our wonderful repo/wetlands!

In Episode 18 of The Seed Pod. guest George Hobson and I kōrero/chat about the role law and policy can have in environmental protection, as well as the systems change needed to ensure laws/policies are improved from what we currently have. We discuss the disappointment we have felt in the inadequate policy brought forward by all parties leading up to this year's general election, a 10-step plan for progress in climate change reduction, adaptation and mitigation, as well as the role of sanctuaries and zoos in nature connection, conservation and advocacy.

In Episode 17 of The Seed Pod. guest Charlie Thomas and I talk about conservation in very remote locations; including Kure Atoll, processing the grief of natural selection as well as conservation work through art communication, the impact of rubbish on the moana/sea, burnout and imperfect environmentalism, an upcoming expedition to South Georgia in Antarctica, Sooty Terns, Albatross, and finding the owner of a stolen umbilical cord?!

In Episode 16 of The Seed Pod. guest Connor Wallace and I talk about making a difference through setting up successful restoration projects, biodiversity monitoring, extreme weeding, working with native bats and kākāriki (parakeets), youth leadership and wellbeing, fossil hunting, computer science, storytelling for funding projects, and the impact and dedication of community volunteers.

In Episode 15 of The Seed Pod. guest Courtney Davies and I kōrero about showing and judging animals- in particular her beautiful cows, sustainable agriculture, discovering new bacteriophages and the impacts they can have on human health and conservation, youth leadership and development, overseas nature connection... and a cute surgeon fish?!

In Episode 14 of The Seed Pod. guest Kaitlyn Lamb and I discuss the impact community gardens can have on food security and social connection. We hear about two of her passion projects- Ikigai Urban Farm and Kai Compost, and learn about biodynamic composting and why we should all LOVE worms! Kai Compost on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaicompost

In Episode 13 of The Seed Pod. guest Nate Wilbourne and I discuss the use of social media as an advocacy tool, the importance of opening doors for passionate young people to connect with nature, lead and volunteer, and the challenges he has faced as a young leader. We talk bird banding, climate strikes, and the impact of planting his first tree back in primary school!

In Episode 12 of The Seed Pod. guest Dr. Jenny Allen and I nerd out about marine megafauna discussing humpback whale song complexities, learning and animal behaviour, life as a scientist in Antarctica, some cool Antarctic research projects which include diving (wow), oceanography and penguin diet sampling, wildlife interactions, and the most unexpected experience she has had out in the field. This is one not to be missed!

In Episode 11 of The Seed Pod. guest Carrie Duggan and I discuss the role nature plays in her creative process as a photographer specialising in capturing love. We hear about her journey to discovering a passion for photography as an adult after studying psychology, art therapy and eco-therapy, and how she has been able to help people through creativity. We talk elopement, her passion for the mountains, and how she discovered a love for the ocean at 21yrs old.

A glimpse into The Seed Pod.

In Episode 10 of The Seed Pod. I am joined by my wonderful parents - Gail and David Moffitt. David tells us his stories from growing up on an orchard, learning how to grow kai/food on a large-scale, and our camping trips through various cyclones and storms. Gail talks about her time on Tiritiri Matangi Island before it became predator free and the transformation she has watched happen over the last 10yrs, she also speaks to the incredible benefits of Bush School experiences as a primary school teacher. We share stories from some of the wonderful adventure sports we like to take part in such as geocaching, archery, hunting and smallbore rifle-shooting, and discuss the beginnings of my nature connection journey, learning how that passion was fostered through experience, questioning, photography and holidays.

In Episode 9 of The Seed Pod. guest Sophie Handford and I discuss the impact of people power and the hope that can be created through purpose, vision, and community resilience. Sophie shares stories of her swims in the moana, community social events, and her role in inspiring not only the next generation, but her peers into positive climate action. Join us for this kōrero filled with hope for our future as one with nature.

In Episode 8 of The Seed Pod. guest Elizabeth Werner and I discuss tracking and trapping of introduced mammalian predators, navigating some of the controversies within conservation here in Aoteroa, some huge successes that she has been part of working with both Kākāpō and Takahē (two of Aotearoa's taonga/treasured native birds), and utilizing art and dance for science communication.

In Episode 7 of The Seed Pod. guest Jess Lamb and I discuss the magic of composting and creating nutrient-rich soils, the behind the scenes of a recycling centre, biking to zero waste food stores, foraging, trail running and wallabies in NZ?!

In Episode 6 of The Seed Pod. guest Simran Rughani and I discuss the intertwined nature of social justice and environmental restoration, Hinduism and inherent stewardship for the environment as part of identity and worldview, theatre and the arts as a means for communication, and so much more!

In Episode 5 of The Seed Pod. I am joined by guest Taylor Davies-Colley. We talk about native lizards, science communication, career pathways, youth leadership, perfectionism as a detrimental mindset in activism, and the phenomenal personalities of plants... including the 'the uno reverse card of plants'... what might that be? Any guesses?

In Episode 4. of The Seed Pod I chat with Spencer Potbury about dinosaurs, paleoart, scuba diving, freshwater macroinvertebrates, eDNA, and the benefits of nature connection as a neurodivergent individual!

In Episode 3 of The Seed Pod. I am joined by guest Ella Walmsley and we talk about freshwater and marine environmental education, adventures and a little bug found in the river that "looks like a person in a sleeping bag with just their head and arms sticking out?!... can anyone guess what that little critter might be?

In The Seed Pod. Episode 2, I hear from my husband Angus about his nature connection journey overseas. In this episode, we talk about camping in the desert, snakes in school, the valley of whales, and more!

Welcome to The Seed Pod. Episode 1. In this episode, host Sian Crowley takes listeners on a journey through her nature connection both as a child and later in life. If you love forest invertebrates, and frogs, this episode is not to be missed!