The Lentil Intervention Podcast

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!In this episode, we discuss:Andre’s work since the release of Envoy: Shark CullHis relocation to SingaporeThe imperative of safeguarding sharks for ocean healthShark control (culling) methods still used in Australia and more appropriate alternativesGovernment reluctance to change their culling programsEthical considerations of current programs, including huge concerns regarding bycatchThe fantastic work of the Envoy Foundation – it is conservation reimagined!Recent Envoy Foundation reports including the NSW Shark Meshing Program and the QLD Shark Control Program reviewsAndre’s involvement in the Norwegian Whale Reserve and the project’s missionWays to support the Norwegian Whale Reserve and Envoy FoundationAndre's upcoming projects - watch this space! 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 movementThe generational shift occurring within the climate psychology spaceThe high percentage of Australians impacted by climate disastersMental health impacts for disaster survivorsThe huge burdens on local agencies providing mental health support servicesSystemic causes that have driven the climate and environmental crisesA need to honour Indigenous knowledge for a truly inclusive community approachLooking to grassroots community movements to help foster a sense of empowermentCreating safe spaces for sharing stories and trauma, including the importance of ceremonyDealing with eco grief, doomerism and burnoutUtilising grounded narratives when initiating climate conversationsIf 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. 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 cofFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 KenyaThe power of education, and being the first in her family to attend universityThe colonisation of Kenya and consequent impacts on communitiesLoss of cultural and community identity and intergenerational traumaThe exploitative nature of capitalismEthical and sustainability issues in business supply chainsThe story of SawubonaThe benefits of supporting social enterprisesEthical considerations as a consumerThe importance of protecting cultural art 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 researchVarious hypotheses which may explain the rise in allergiesThe work of AdriftLab, led by the wonderful Dr Jennifer Lavers‘Plasticosis’ – evidence for a new plastic-induced fibrotic diseaseThe types of plastics commonly found in seabirds and the global marine plastic loadPlastics, microplastics and their unique inflammatory potentialHow inflammation impacts the body and how plastic can make its way into cells throughout the bodyPotential implications of these findings for both humans and other wildlifeThe need for an interdisciplinary approach when researching pollution’s impact on wildlife and human healthIdentifying laboratory sources of microplastic and nanoplastic contaminationTop tips for reducing plastic exposure in daily lifePlastics as a delivery mechanism for a wide range of toxic chemicalsFuture research projects for Jack and AdriftLabTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 environmentNeal’s motivation for pivoting to photography after 20 years in academiaCommunicating science via photographyPersuasion and the importance of storytellingMental health risks associated with climate researchProject 'Hope?' And how to grieve for the planetClimate scientists and the pressure to be perfectBuilding systems of support for environmental scientistsClimate anxiety as a Western conceptEnvironmental crises due to our current economic, political and social systemsThe true cost of our food - the story of the salmon and the tomatoCoal Scars – The long-term landscape trauma of our obsession with coalHow we can be more effective advocates for the planetTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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.In this episode, we discuss:Max’s background and love of paintingRetracing his grandmother’s travels and artworkCommunicating climate and environmental science through artImportant considerations for impactful filmmaking and storytellingMax’s relationship with many of the world’s top trail runnersKatmai National Park and its sizeable marine debris problemMax’s previous film No Lost Shoes and his upcoming release Footprints on KatmaiThe ocean’s oxygen factories (phytoplankton) and concerns with microplasticsInspiring behaviour change while living in an imperfect worldMaking a change by starting at homeTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 have a frank discussion about the necessary actions that can result in a better future for all. From climate change to degrowth, Dr Joy provides valuable insights and expertise that sheds light on the challenges our planet is currently facing, and 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.In this episode, we cover:Mike’s research and achievements in the past yearThe carbon cycle, our net zero delusion and the impossibilities of offsettingThe problems with green growthUnderstanding the concept of energy return on invested (EROI)Our multiple crises (it’s not just climate!) as a symptom of overshootOur use of energy and the inevitability of DegrowthA reality check on renewablesLack of environmental truth and reality in mainstream mediaDegrowth Aotearoa New ZealandAn update on the nitrate levels in New Zealand’s freshwaterDr Mike answers Listener questionsTaking action in 2024Previous episodes:Dr Mike Joy, Freshwater EcologistDr Mike Joy, Growth, Emissions and Our WaterwaysDr Mike Joy, Protecting Our Planet’s Life Support NetworksDr Mike Joy and The Rubbish Trip, Translating Science to Real-World ActionTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 backgroundThe diversity of topics that fall under the umbrella of the economics of disasters and climate changeThe driving force behind establishing the Journal Economics of Disasters and Climate ChangeLack of consideration towards climate change in the field of economicsThe deficiencies of current assessment methods regarding the financial costs of climate changeConsidering the wide-ranging damage costs associated with climate change, as well as the costs associated with the loss of human lifeThe need to reduce vulnerabilities and exposure to avoid increased costs associated with anthropogenic extreme weather eventsHow economists attach a dollar value to human lifeWhich countries and regions of the world feel the impact mostThe lack of economist engagement with the IPCCChanging the dialogue in future COPsPrioritising financial support where it’s truly neededTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 workThe work of biodynamos, the Biodiversity Dynamics Research GroupFire as fundamental to human civilisation and the earth's systemsBenefits and risks of fire for biodiversity and threatened speciesLuke’s recent paper Understanding Fire Regimes for a Better AnthropoceneSurprising findings regarding global fire activityFire regime changes in Australia, including an upward trend in mega-firesKey anthropogenic drivers of fire regime changesThe consequences for humans, flora, and fauna due to changing fire regimes in AustraliaHow we best move forward while living with fire in the Anthropocene, including practical recommendations for people in high-risk areasThe importance of a proactive approach, rather than a reactive responseHow fire can help us achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development GoalsTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Peri Zee is an urban planner and sustainable transport professional working towards more inclusive and connected communities that are supported to live good lives within planetary boundaries. Peri is head of mobility at Pollock Consulting Limited and was previously the climate action pathway lead and healthy city design lead at Hutt City Council.Peri covers some essential topics in this episode, discussing the concepts of planetary boundaries and degrowth, and the importance of public transport in connecting our communities while providing a pathway to a more sustainable future. Peri leaves us with some inspiring words about becoming our own changemakers – the more people that see the big picture and act on it, the greater the transformation will be, and there is a role for everyone.In this episode, we discuss:Peri’s background and passion for a sustainable futureThe important concept of planetary boundariesHow a degrowth approach could help us live within safe planetary boundariesThe fallacy of green growthAcknowledging the importance of technology while adhering to degrowth principlesAchieving an equitable transition to degrowthNew Zealand’s public transport crisisBuilding community trust to ensure more successful public transport projects in futureThe importance of bike and footpaths, and public transport access in urban areasThe sprawling cities of Australia and New Zealand vs the 15-minute city concept ‘Keep cup smugness’ vs advocating for effective change individually and as a communityTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 runningWhat sparked Damian’s environmental activismDamian’s latest book We Can’t Run Away From ThisThe surprising ecological impact of runningPositive environmental initiatives within the trail-running spaceThe Game Changer Sponsorship Pledge and walking your climate talk as an athleteEmbracing imperfect climate advocacy and the inevitability of being a climate hypocriteThe sustainability of large-scale sporting eventsThe power of sports and athletes to influence and change societyThe Green Runners; A running community making changes for a fitter planetEstablishing Into Ultra to reduce the barriers to participation in ultrarunningThe importance of partaking in climate action for outdoor enthusiastsTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 FrontierReceptivity to alternative proteins in heavy meat-eating countries such as Australia and New Zealand and the target markets of the plant-based meat sectorAlternative protein options, technological innovations, and challenges in meeting consumer demandsAlternative proteins and health considerations – potential pros, cons, and misconceptionsThe current environmental impact of our global food system and the expected benefits of reducing meat consumptionAnimal welfare concerns associated with modern-day animal farmingFeeding the world’s population; alternative proteins as a food security solutionAlternative Proteins and Asia - market insights for Australian and New Zealand companies looking to AsiaFood labelling for plant-based productsDriving market change and shifting eating behaviours; Food Frontier’s Theory of ChangeFood Frontier’s upcoming AltProteins 23 ConferenceTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 wasteLocalised NZ and Auckland’s Zero Waste HubsThe scale of the plastic waste problem in New ZealandThe source of beach rubbish found on New Zealand beachesEmma’s establishment of The Clean Up Crew AotearoaCommonly found rubbish items littering Auckland’s shorelines, and how it gets thereAdvocacy and education work of The Clean Up CrewHow to support The Clean Up Crew and get involved in their regular clean-upsTop tips for minimising personal wasteTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 researchKate’s work at the Global Centre for Preventative Health (GLOBE)Red and processed meat production and consumption trendsShifting meat consumption patterns – influences on consumer behaviourMeat consumption and nutritional adequacy versus potential health risksZoonotic disease and antimicrobial resistance risksFood safety risks and food-borne diseases associated with animal-sourced foodsKey environmental concerns associated with red and processed meatsPracticalities of feeding the world with regenerative farming methodsPotential alternatives to red and processed meats in the dietThe consideration of sustainability in food-based dietary guidelinesThe power of the food industry, links to government, and consequent impact on policymakingMedia framing and meat consumption – who has a beef with reducing red and processed meat consumptionChanges needed to achieve sustainable food systemsTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 backgroundSpearheading Transition Town Ōtaki and The Ōtaki TimebankThe Degrowth movement in New Zealand and establishing Degrowth AotearoaChampioning change towards degrowth economic principlesTradable energy quotas vs Emission trading schemesPotential benefits of Tradable Energy QuotasThe importance of considering dietary choices as an environmentalistThe dairy industry in New ZealandTips for effective lobbying and the importance of visual mediumsTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Dr Jennifer Lavers is an Indigenous scientist and seabirds and plastic pollution expert, working as a Healthy Country Plan Coordinator for the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC) and as the coordinator of Adrift Lab.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 rangerImportance and purpose of Registered Native Title Bodies Corporations (RNTBCs)Cultural history, significance, and unique beauty of Esperance area/Wudjari Nyungar countryHonouring 50,000 years’ worth of Indigenous knowledge and scienceHow ETNTAC blends modern technology and research with knowledge from Australia’s first scientistsThe pros and cons of technology for preserving cultureThe need for long-lasting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations within science, industry and governmentsETNTAC’s statement regarding the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021What we can all learn from 50,000 years of caring for countryReconnection 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 overseasDegrowth Aotearoa NZ (DANZ)Degrowth 101 – definitions, common misconceptions, and the concept of throughputShifting mindsets and societal values for systemic changeThe concepts and goals of DANZDegrowth community action and fostering a collectivism mindsetChanges required in industrialised nations vs developing nationsGetting degrowth into the national conversationThe upcoming DANZ conferenceTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 engineerBiophysical constraints vs wishful thinkingDegrowth Aotearoa New Zealand and their advocacy workDegrowth 101 – what is degrowth?The challenges and limitations of green growthThe concept of net energy, and its decrease over timeThe impact of renewables on total energy consumptionAre renewable energy technologies truly renewable or scalable?Promoting and transitioning to a degrowth paradigm in Western societiesPercentage growth rates and the rule of 70Taking action: Community level resilience and the fallacy of individual self-sufficiencyNathan 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 Catch The RainTo Catch The SunTo 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 sustainabilityThe gradual decline of biodiversity in cities around AustraliaThe benefits of urban greening, but the need to consider biodiversity while doing so The fundamental flaws of using offsets as an approach to biodiversityHow many cities are actually hotspots for threatened speciesSustainable midrise housing as a way forward in urban areasUrban growth boundaries and nature corridorsEquitable access to green spaces within citiesIndigenous-led biodiversity projects within urban areasSarah’s involvement with Biodiversity Council and Bush Heritage AustraliaThe need for reliable green building codes10 easy ways we can all act for nature and help biodiversityFind 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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.In this episode, we discuss:John’s background and involvement in Men’s Health Trust NZGiving power to the consumer by using money as a tool for goodThe development of ethical Investing and ESGSteps for assessing the ethical stance of businesses in an ever-complex worldUnderstanding ethical certifications like ‘B Corp’, ‘social enterprise’ etcEasier ways to find investments that match your value setsThe purpose of a company – profit vs purpose?How the concept of degrowth relates to ethical investingPathfinder’s point of difference including their charitable givingThe 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.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.