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Welcome to Shark Stories, the podcast that dives beneath the surface of one of the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures. Hosted by award-winning shark conservationist and filmmaker Madison Stewart, this show transforms her years of underwater exploration, frontline conservation, and encounters with both sharks and shark fishermen into captivating, eye-opening stories. Whether you're shark-obsessed or simply shark-curious, dive deep into an interview with the world's most famous shark hunter, hear from a navy diver turned cyborg after a shark attack learn about Shark attack First Aid or policy battles and conservation wins. You’ll hear firsthand what it means to coexist with predators, challenge fear with facts, and turn storytelling into action. Through raw conversations and real experiences, this podcast gives sharks a voice and gives you the tools to protect them, no matter where you live. Forget what you thought you knew about sharks. This is their story and yours.
25 Episodes
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2What is it like to survive a shark attack? Is it true that some governments use tax dollars money to exterminate sharks? Where and when do shark bites most often occur? How can we protect ourselves while surfing in the home of these apex predators? Provocative and raw, Shark Stories shares the reality of the ones who can’t speak for themselves. Join Madison Stewart, award-winning shark conservationist and passionate filmmaker as she explores sharks related topics with world-renowned sc...
In Australia, sharks aren’t considered “animals” under the animal welfare legislation act. Therefore extreme acts of cruelty are commonplace. From the shark fin trade to the treatment of these animals, we lift the veil on Australia’s contribution. In this podcast, we look deep into the consequences of a system that doesn’t protect these animals with the founder of shark conservation Australia, an environmental lawyer, and my best friend, Ashley Avci. Have we too much faith in our...
“If they take my life, don’t take theirs.” - Mike Coots Words from a man who nearly lost his life to a shark but grew into one of their biggest advocates. As he recounts the details of his attack, he goes on to explain how the day he nearly lost his life to a shark, was the start of his life lived in service to the plight of the species. A personal hero of mine, Hawaii-born and raised Mike Coots is the definition of inspirational. His story is not only important for surfers arou...
The world-famous protected vibrant ecosystem of the Galapagos may not be protected at all. Nicknamed the Great Wall of China, the Chinese fishing fleet that descended on the Galapagos in 2020 made news around the world, but what is it going to take to actually stop it? The fleet could be seen from space, spanning almost double the length of the Galapagos archipelago itself. The most frightening thing about the situation was the fact that this is not the first time, nor the only country, that ...
What's a great white shark getting up to in 1000 meters of water? What happens when Dr. Michael Domeier went to sea to find out? In this episode, Doc shows a side of great whites you never knew existed. You may have seen him on TV, doing groundbreaking and controversial research on Great White sharks… You may have read him speaking his mind on behalf of the Great Whites that move through Hawaiian waters. For me, it was hearing him talk of the surprising and elusive movements of the Grea...
Referenced more than once in the surfing guide to sharks, scientist Alison Towner is an unreal source of information relating to the hunting habits of Great White sharks. From individual personalities to the threats they face, look no further for all you need to know about this species. As great whites are disappearing from notorious parts of South Africa where they have always dominated, the real question remains, why are we all still looking at Great Whites like the enemy and not the victi...
Sneaking me into auction rooms of fish markets, filling me in on the worse in the trade, and confirming all my fears of the shark industry my insider, William Bunker, tells all. Will comes from a background of carefully and sustainably sourced seafood, but before that, he witnessed some horrific things in the industry. His help lead me to conduct several genetics and mercury tests on shark meat throughout Australia. When I started the testing, I had no idea what I would find. I ce...
The film making fisheries nervous ENVOY: Shark Cull is giving the Australian public its first-ever, uncut view of the horrific shark control program that has plagued the Australian coastline for more than 30 years. Andre Borell, the film's creator, talks to me about the process of creating the film that finally exposes Australia’s longest-running shark cull. Hidden under the guise of “bather protection”, the SCP aka "shark control program", involves a series of baited hooks and set...
Lawrence is in charge of all things shark-related at the humane society of Australia. With his brilliant answers and explanations, he prepares us for any argument you could imagine getting into on behalf of sharks. Imagine heading up a court case against the Australian government on behalf of sharks and winning. Well, Lawrence did. He comes up against every imaginable advisory and knows exactly what to say and how to say it. This episode is my personal favorite as it contains those lit...
The story of 19-year-old hunter Helton joining me for two weeks. No land, no people. Sleeping, eating, going to the bathroom, and living on a boat that is heading to sea to fish sharks with five Indonesian shark fishermen. No reception, never touching land, watching sharks being killed every day. I couldn’t do it alone, I needed help filming, I needed help staying safe. Hunter was a guest on one of my trips but showed much promise with his shooting skills and desire to help the cause. So I to...
A re-examination of the way we approach the shark attacks through the arming of surfers with essential shark knowledge. This podcast is a reading of the surfing guide to sharks written by myself with the help of oceanographers, scientists, surfers, and paramedics. This podcast will give you some information about sharks that may influence when, where, and how you enter the water to surf. The information in this podcast is essential for every ocean goer to know, yet our government and e...
In my most controversial podcast yet, we enter a conversation with the world’s most infamous shark hunter. Listen in as he takes pride in the number of sharks he’s removed from the ocean over his lifetime, but also be prepared to hear a side of Mark that’s never before been portrayed. As the conversation transpires, we enter the debate on toxins in shark meat, if sharks feel pain and why the business of taking people to kill sharks off the coast of Miami is still thriving. The en...
Navy clearance diver Paul De Gelder was taking part in a standard training exercise in Sydney harbor when he was attacked by a bull shark. He now lives with one arm and one leg, recounting horrific details from his attack alongside inspiring memories from his recovery. Paul's movement towards the advocacy of sharks is a story that will stay with you forever. Listen as he describes in detail the moment he looked down and realized he was in a bull shark's mouth, then recounts the moment h...
Emperors of the deep is an insightful and moving book by William Mckeever. It examines four species: Mako, Tiger, Hammerhead, and Great White, as never before. Yet it’s the section on slavery at sea that catches my attention. William goes deep into the murders, beatings, kidnappings and forced drug consumption men are forced into, all to provide us with fish. There is a good chance that this podcast is the most important yet. A common occurring yet vastly underreported crime against hu...
Of the 470 shark species, only 30 species of sharks have been found to have attacked humans, and only 4 of the 30 species make up the majority of attacks. Yet with everything we know about sharks, with everything we do in their home, whether it's surfing, diving, or spearfishing as a mere few examples… why do we not talk about first aid for shark attacks as commonly as we do CPR or vinegar for jellyfish stings? Alongside an Australian paramedic who has treated shark attack victim...
The one shark we all wish was still with us… well, maybe not all of u: The Megalodon. The only thing left of this revered species is its fossilized teeth, which scientists use to measure its total length… It's been the subject of horror films and conspiracy theories but the evidence of its disappearance is perhaps the scariest thing of all. Using advanced scientific methods, we are able to estimate how they hunted, what they hunted, their evolution based on their teeth alone, and even w...
Welcome back to Shark Stories! After a long break, join us for a good old-fashioned rant as I ask my social media following to tell me… has social media screwed our sharks? In this episode, I read your answers and give you my personal take on the issues. From redirecting shark videos to recreational shark fishing, has social media screwed our sharks? Support the show
This episode is ideal for anyone pursuing a career in marine biology as we sit down with Richard Fitzpatrick, an Australian marine biologist, award-winning cinematographer, and shark expert. Based in Queensland, he has spent decades studying marine life, particularly sharks and other large predators, contributing to scientific research and conservation efforts. Fitzpatrick is well known for his work with National Geographic, the BBC, and Discovery Channel, where his stunning underwater cinema...
In this episode, we dive into the ongoing debate about whether shark populations are truly booming or if this claim is based on misconceptions. With growing concerns from fishermen, particularly in the U.S. and viral discussions on social media, we explore whether sharks are increasing in numbers or simply recovering to historical baseline levels. Joining the conversation is marine ecologist and investigative journalist Spencer Roberts, who provides insights into the factors fuelling the "sha...
In today’s very special episode, I sit down with my partner, Tanner, to discuss how his attempt to save sharks and do the right thing nearly landed him in jail. We recorded this episode a week after learning that Tanner had been pardoned by President Donald Trump. In August 2020, Tanner Mansell, a crew member on a shark-diving charter boat off the coast of Jupiter, Florida, came across a longline fishing setup approximately three miles offshore. Believing it to be part of an illegal operation...
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I could tear this one to threads.
I hope this awesome podcast is going to continue.