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OCEAN IDEAS PODCAST
EPISODES

EP 22 I Unbroken Whispers - The ripples connecting sea-kin
🐋 What if whales weren’t just wildlife - but family?
In this powerful Ocean Ideas Podcast episode, Dr. Jodi Edwards shares deep cultural stories of Sea Country, orcas as kin, and the matriarchal knowledge systems that have cared for Australia’s oceans for thousands of years.
Featuring:
👣 Dr. Jodi Edwards - Walbunja woman, artist, educator & Indigenous Research Fellow, University of Wollongong
In this powerful Ocean Ideas Podcast episode, Dr. Jodi Edwards shares deep cultural stories of Sea Country, orcas as kin, and the matriarchal knowledge systems that have cared for Australia’s oceans for thousands of years.
Featuring:
👣 Dr. Jodi Edwards - Walbunja woman, artist, educator & Indigenous Research Fellow, University of Wollongong

EP 21 I Tooth or Dare: Why we fear sharks, forgive orcas, and forget polar bears
A shark bite happened. But public opinion shifted in a totally unexpected direction…
And it wasn’t what researchers predicted.
In this episode of Ocean Ideas: Tooth or Dare, Dr. Chris Pepin-Neff of the University of Sydney shares a surprising discovery from a real-world study in Cape Town - and what it reveals about how we assign blame after predator encounters.
From orcas to polar bears to sharks, this episode explores:
🔍 Why perception matters more than danger
🌡️ How climate change is reshaping predator behaviour
🧠 And how one simple question at an aquarium reduced shark fear by 30%
And it wasn’t what researchers predicted.
In this episode of Ocean Ideas: Tooth or Dare, Dr. Chris Pepin-Neff of the University of Sydney shares a surprising discovery from a real-world study in Cape Town - and what it reveals about how we assign blame after predator encounters.
From orcas to polar bears to sharks, this episode explores:
🔍 Why perception matters more than danger
🌡️ How climate change is reshaping predator behaviour
🧠 And how one simple question at an aquarium reduced shark fear by 30%

EP 20 I Stepping up: Sustainable Solutions to Fashion's Fail
Fast fashion is flooding Australia - and we’re leading the world in the worst way.
Aussies buy more new clothes per person than any other country. Most of it made from fossil fuels. Bad for the planet, our oceans, and our health.
But there’s hope. In this week’s Ocean Ideas Podcast, four trailblazers share real solutions - from circular design to AI and Aussie science breakthroughs.
👗 Featuring:
- Lisa Lake, University of Technology Sydney
- Kit Willow, Fashion Designer
- Christopher Hurren, Deakin University
- Danielle Haj-Moussa, Main Sequence
Aussies buy more new clothes per person than any other country. Most of it made from fossil fuels. Bad for the planet, our oceans, and our health.
But there’s hope. In this week’s Ocean Ideas Podcast, four trailblazers share real solutions - from circular design to AI and Aussie science breakthroughs.
👗 Featuring:
- Lisa Lake, University of Technology Sydney
- Kit Willow, Fashion Designer
- Christopher Hurren, Deakin University
- Danielle Haj-Moussa, Main Sequence

EP 19 I Supernatural Seadragons & Seahorses
Dive into the world of Supernatural Seadragons and Seahorses! ✨
These magical marine creatures captivate us with their otherworldly beauty - but did you know they’re also at the heart of vital conservation work in Sydney Harbour?
🎧 Tune in to hear from the passionate scientists working to study and protect them. Described here as some of the most unique and charismatic creatures int the ocean - find out the best place in Sydney to spot them in the wild!
These magical marine creatures captivate us with their otherworldly beauty - but did you know they’re also at the heart of vital conservation work in Sydney Harbour?
🎧 Tune in to hear from the passionate scientists working to study and protect them. Described here as some of the most unique and charismatic creatures int the ocean - find out the best place in Sydney to spot them in the wild!

EP 18 I Young Ocean Crusaders: The Next Generation Saving Our Seas
🌊 Meet the young leaders fighting for our ocean's future! 🌍✨
“The youth represent 100% of the future.” - Sophia Skarparis (AKA PlasticFreeSophia)
In this powerful episode of Ocean Ideas, hear from passionate young changemakers who are standing up, speaking out, and taking action to protect our blue planet.
“The youth represent 100% of the future.” - Sophia Skarparis (AKA PlasticFreeSophia)
In this powerful episode of Ocean Ideas, hear from passionate young changemakers who are standing up, speaking out, and taking action to protect our blue planet.

EP 17 I Life After Shark Nets: A Shark-Smart Future
What does a future without shark nets look like? 🦈 In this episode, we dive deep into shark-smart strategies that are making our beaches safer—for people and marine life.
🎙️ Hear real stories, expert insights, and the urgent steps we need to take to drive political change.
Plus, ever wondered what to do if you come face to face with a shark? Stick around for a hot tip from Jason!
🎙️ Hear real stories, expert insights, and the urgent steps we need to take to drive political change.
Plus, ever wondered what to do if you come face to face with a shark? Stick around for a hot tip from Jason!

EP 16 I The Urchin Invasion
Sea urchin populations are exploding along the south-eastern corner of the Great Southern Reef—devouring kelp forests, disrupting ecosystems, and accelerating marine decline. But what if the solution lies not just in science… but on our plates?

EP 15 I Can Coral Reefs Save Themselves
🌊 The time to act is now—our reef ecosystems need us.
As climate change and extreme heating events threaten coral reefs around the world, scientists are racing to understand how these incredible ecosystems can survive—and how we can help.
As climate change and extreme heating events threaten coral reefs around the world, scientists are racing to understand how these incredible ecosystems can survive—and how we can help.

EP 14 I Saving the Grey Nurse Shark
The Grey Nurse Shark is critically endangered, and it needs your help! 🦈💔
Catch the latest episode of the Ocean Ideas Podcast to discover incredible citizen science projects you can join to support the conservation of this iconic species. 🌊
You'll learn about their behaviours, population, and breeding habits, plus how Valerie Taylor’s “String of Pearls” initiative is creating a network of Marine Sanctuaries to ensure these sharks have safe migration, resting and breeding grounds. 🌟
Catch the latest episode of the Ocean Ideas Podcast to discover incredible citizen science projects you can join to support the conservation of this iconic species. 🌊
You'll learn about their behaviours, population, and breeding habits, plus how Valerie Taylor’s “String of Pearls” initiative is creating a network of Marine Sanctuaries to ensure these sharks have safe migration, resting and breeding grounds. 🌟

EP 13 | Algae Gold
Could algae be the new gold?
In this episode, ABC's Natasha Mitchell sits down with leading researchers and innovators to explore why algae is being hailed as a game-changer for a sustainable planet. From reducing methane in animal feed to replacing plastics and even helping with beer production, algae is proving to be more valuable than we ever imagined!
In this episode, ABC's Natasha Mitchell sits down with leading researchers and innovators to explore why algae is being hailed as a game-changer for a sustainable planet. From reducing methane in animal feed to replacing plastics and even helping with beer production, algae is proving to be more valuable than we ever imagined!

EP 12 | High Seas, Deep Seas
What’s really happening in the high seas?
Join ABC's Natasha Mitchell and a panel of experts as they explore who owns the ocean, who gets to exploit it, and how we can balance preservation with exploitation for future generations.
Join ABC's Natasha Mitchell and a panel of experts as they explore who owns the ocean, who gets to exploit it, and how we can balance preservation with exploitation for future generations.

EP 11 | Demystifying Sustainable Seafood
Marine Stewardship Council campaigner Alex Webb dives deep into the myths and facts surrounding sustainable seafood in this latest episode of the Ocean Ideas Podcast - Demystifying Sustainable Seafood.
From the truth behind the claim that all big boats are bad, to misconceptions about imported seafood and which species are truly sustainable—Alex sets the record straight.
From the truth behind the claim that all big boats are bad, to misconceptions about imported seafood and which species are truly sustainable—Alex sets the record straight.

EP 10 | What are Whales Telling Us?
Take a deep dive into the world of whales with the latest episode of the Ocean Ideas podcast: What Are Whales Telling Us? 🎙️ Listen as experts discuss everything from current threats and population changes to fascinating behaviours of these majestic creatures.

EP 9 | VR Shipwreck Dives
Dive into an innovative talk with Australian National Maritime Museum Archaeologist James Hunter to hear how he is using Virtual Reality to invite the public to explore shipwrecks and discover their mysteries. 🛳
Speaker:
James Hunter, Australian National Maritime Museum
Special thanks to Impressive Immersive for the stellar audio and video quality.
Filmed at Bondi Pavilion.
Speaker:
James Hunter, Australian National Maritime Museum
Special thanks to Impressive Immersive for the stellar audio and video quality.
Filmed at Bondi Pavilion.

EP 8 | Shark Nets What's Next?
The NSW Government is considering phasing out shark nets in NSW, a massive step to update this heritage solution that many say is no longer fit for purpose.
Tune in to the latest episode of Ocean Ideas - Shark Nets, What’s Next? to hear from experts about the politics, psychology, history and future for shark nets. Hear the outrageous facts distilled from the real ones, and learn more about the alternatives.
This conversation is one not to be missed!
Tune in to the latest episode of Ocean Ideas - Shark Nets, What’s Next? to hear from experts about the politics, psychology, history and future for shark nets. Hear the outrageous facts distilled from the real ones, and learn more about the alternatives.
This conversation is one not to be missed!

EP 7 | The 101 on the 30 x 30
Do you know what the 30 by 30 target is? Find out from expert Jason Peers of Marinas Guardian during this week’s Ocean Ideas Podcast!
Guess how much of the ocean is currently protected? You’ll be shocked!!
Find out about global ambitions and some hope for success.
The time to act is NOW!
Guess how much of the ocean is currently protected? You’ll be shocked!!
Find out about global ambitions and some hope for success.
The time to act is NOW!

EP 6 | Going with the flow
This week we hear from University of Sydney researcher Tristan Salle, who sheds new light on how river systems over hundreds of millions of years have driven life on the planet
Speaker:
Tristan Salle, USYD
Special thanks to Impressive Immersive for the stellar audio and video quality.
Filmed at Bondi Pavilion.
Speaker:
Tristan Salle, USYD
Special thanks to Impressive Immersive for the stellar audio and video quality.
Filmed at Bondi Pavilion.

EP 5 | Eating with a Conscience
Hear from our experts to find out how science and innovation are helping us navigate the complexities of sustainable seafood and how you, the consumer, can make more informed choices around seafood.
Speakers:
Mat Goddard, AquaCultr
Dr Adrain Gutteridge, MSC
Special thanks to Impressive Immersive for the stellar audio and video quality.
Filmed at Bondi Pavilion.
Speakers:
Mat Goddard, AquaCultr
Dr Adrain Gutteridge, MSC
Special thanks to Impressive Immersive for the stellar audio and video quality.
Filmed at Bondi Pavilion.

EP 4 | Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science
Do you want to learn about traditional and contemporary Indigenous ocean conservation?
Tune in to this week's Ocean Ideas Podcast - Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science, to hear an interesting discussion about Indigenous ocean governance working with modern science to benefit the health of our ocean.
Tune in to this week's Ocean Ideas Podcast - Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science, to hear an interesting discussion about Indigenous ocean governance working with modern science to benefit the health of our ocean.

EP 3 | Fish Pods Helping Nature
We are joined by Professor David Booth to discover how artificial fish pods and new coral habitats can boost fish biodiversity in Sydney. Listen in to learn about how ocean restoration projects are taking place right under the Sydney Opera House!

EP 2 | Solutions to Ending Plastic Pollution
We know our oceans are literally drowning in our plastic waste. This discussion ranges from innovative solutions to collective action - tune in to gain valuable insights, inspiration and tips on reducing the use of plastics, allowing you to be a greater part of the solution!

EP 1 | Restoring Sydney Harbour
A Blueprint for Global Seascape Restoration! Find out about about this exciting world first approach to seascape restoration. Project Restore focuses not only on individual habitats but also on fostering connections between habitats. This innovative approach aims to provide a blueprint for future seascape restoration globally.
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