Planet Pulse Pacific

Kal Glanznig - Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership

Mon, 04 May 2026 04:00:00 +1200

Kal Glanznig is one of Australia’s leading youth ocean and climate champions, a true powerhouse inspiring a new generation of hopeful, action-driven environmental leaders. In the past year alone, he has reached more than 20,000 people through keynote talks, school programs, and Q&A screenings of his documentary Rising Up. Elected in 2024 as the youngest independent Councillor in the Sutherland Shire, he is now driving local climate action through practical and forward-thinking sustainability initiatives.

Kal first made headlines in high school after delivering a $100,000 solar project that inspired more than 20 schools to follow suit. He went on to co-found Plastic Free Cronulla, contributing to New South Wales’ ban on single-use plastics, and Blue Minds, a national program supporting young Australians with eco-anxiety and environmental leadership. An award-winning speaker, he has also represented Australia in water polo at the Youth World Championships. Kal reminds us that while no one person can change the world alone, the future is still unwritten—and every action we take creates a ripple. Take a listen and feel inspired to be part of that change.

In this episode, we discuss:

Kal’s background in high-level sport and how it sparked his passion for the environment
Why meaningful change starts at home, no matter how wicked the problem
His documentary Rising Up, including its screening at COP30 in Brazil and its role in sharing Pacific stories
Driving change through the ballot box and his journey into local council
The importance of genuinely engaging young people, and the powerful perspectives they bring
The role of athletes in activism and advocacy
Eco-anxiety and its impact on young people, and how Blue Minds is helping build resilience and leadership
Key lessons Kal has learned from young people, and his advice for those wanting to make a difference in their communities
Why we don’t have to do everything, but we can all do something, starting in our own backyard
What’s next for Blue Minds and his upcoming documentary, The Plastic Country

To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.

Dr Kate Wylie - The Health Hazards of Water Bankruptcy

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Kate Wylie, GP and Executive Director of Doctors for the Environment Australia, and a long-time friend of the show. One of Australia’s leading voices on climate and health, Kate helps us unpack the United Nations’ Global Water Bankruptcy report and what it means for all of us.

Put simply: we are running out of water. We’re using more than we have in supply, so much that in many places we’re pushing past the point of recovery and can’t repay our debts. Driven by climate change, over-extraction, and pollution, this growing ‘water bankruptcy’ is fuelling food and water insecurity, disease, and deepening global inequities.

Closer to home, we explore what this looks like in Australia, from the declining Murray-Darling to pressures on the Great Artesian Basin, and why this crisis is as much about public health as it is about the environment.

A sharp, urgent conversation about one of the defining challenges of our time and the role we all must play in protecting the resource that underpins life itself.

In this episode, we discuss:

Kate’s background and her work at the intersection of human and planetary health
The UN’s Global Water Bankruptcy report and Kate’s recent InSight+ article outlining what this means for us in Australia
Our unsustainable water use and the industries driving the greatest extraction
The deep inequities of water insecurity, with the Global South bearing the greatest burden
Key health concerns, including unsafe drinking water, food insecurity, and the mental health effects of drought
Rising risks of vector-borne diseases like Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Ross River Virus
The dual extremes of drought and flooding, and their impact on food systems and livelihoods
Australia’s unique challenges as the driest inhabited continent, and the need for more sustainable agriculture
Growing strain on critical systems, from the Murray-Darling Basin to the Great Artesian Basin, and flow-on effects like South Australia’s algal bloom
The hidden water and energy costs of modern technology, including AI and cloud computing, and why we can’t ‘tech’ our way out of this
The critical role of health professionals in advocating for climate and water security
Why climate and environmental health must be embedded in medical education
The vital work of Doctors for the Environment Australia and their latest advocacy efforts, including an open letter to Australian governments calling for an end to our dependence on global oil—add your name to the submission here

Clancy Lester - Native Bee Conservation

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we’re joined by Clancy Lester (AKA Bee Man), a passionate environmental educator, documentary director, and native bee advocate, whose work is dedicated to protecting pollinators and rewilding the places we live.

Specialising in native bee conservation, native plants, and science communication, Clancy combines hands-on ecological research with a gift for making complex ideas accessible and engaging. Through his social enterprise Bees and Blossoms, Clancy creates native bee habitats, delivers workshops, and champions nature-based climate solutions across urban and regional Australia.

Driven by a deep commitment to restoring biodiversity, he shares practical, hopeful insights into how Australia’s native bees are faring, and what we can all do to support pollinators and wildlife, no matter where we live.

In this episode, we explore:

Clancy’s background, his connection to the natural world, and how his fascination with native bees began
His experience in the Wattle Fellowship at the University of Melbourne and working with remote Aboriginal communities in north-east Arnhem Land
Bee Hotels 101: What they are and why they matter
The challenges pollinators face in urban environments, and how cities can better support them through habitat and native planting
Clancy’s workshops, what gives him hope for the future, and how he inspires people to connect with nature
His role as Director of 7 Seasons, and key moments from making the documentary that reshaped his thinking
The importance of genuine collaboration and two-way learning with Indigenous communities
Why honouring thousands of years of on-Country knowledge is essential for climate adaptation
Staying connected to Country in urban environments
Using social media for climate advocacy
A fun breakdown of Bee Movie—what it got right (and wrong) about pollinators

Richard Neville - Regenerative Design Through Landscape Architecture

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we’re joined by Richard Neville, NZILA Registered Landscape Architect and Director of Neville Design Studio. Richard’s work is grounded in regenerative design and a deep respect for the relationship between people and land. Driven by a belief that landscapes can reconnect us, both with nature and with each other, Richard creates spaces that are both meaningful and enduring.

An award-winning landscape architect, his work spans residential, rural, community, and commercial projects, and has been featured in several magazines, including Landscape Architecture Aotearoa. Alongside his practice, Richard is an active voice in the industry, most recently delivering the keynote at the 2025 New Zealand Gardens Trust Conference, sharing his perspective on how our cultural relationship with land and gardens is evolving.

In this episode, we explore:

Richard’s background and passion for nature
What led him to landscape architecture
Landscape architecture as an interconnected system of ecology, people, and place
The evolution of the discipline: from controlling nature to embracing wildness, beauty, and ecological complexity
Rewilding gardens—why less paving, fewer lawns, and more plants create healthier, more resilient spaces
How small, everyday moments in nature can have a lasting impact
The ecological and human benefits of thoughtful landscape design, and how it fosters a deeper connection
Richard’s work in schools and the importance of openness, curiosity, and unstructured interaction with nature
Our relationship with Papatūānuku, and why biodiversity is essential for life
The power of positive storytelling in reconnecting people with the environment
Practical ways to bring nature into daily life, even in small or urban spaces

Andre Borell - The Future of Shark Protection

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +1300

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Andre Borell, an impact filmmaker, investor, and co-founder and director of the Envoy Foundation. A self-described maker of good trouble (and one of our all-time favourites here at the podcast), Andre is driven by a deep love of marine life and a determination to leave the world better than he found it. He builds businesses, brands and films that challenge the status quo and create meaningful, measurable impact.

After witnessing the devastating effects of shark nets in Australia, Andre turned conviction into action with his powerful documentary Envoy: Shark Cull. His work shines a spotlight on Australia’s outdated and brutal shark control methods, exposing their ecological consequences and challenging the policies that allow them to persist.

In this episode, we explore:

An update on Andre’s work, global adventures, and relocation to Aotearoa
Practical strategies to bring Australia’s shark control programs out of the dark ages
Innovations in shark safety—from deterrent wetsuits to AI drone surveillance on our beaches
Current narratives around sharks and shark bites—separating fact from fiction
The importance of shark education and understanding the conditions that increase risk
Andre’s upcoming book projects, including Great White Lies
The UN’s recently adopted High Seas Treaty and what it means for marine protection
Policy-driven change and the influence of business in accelerating reform
Progress on the Nordic Whale Reserve
How to support the ongoing work of the Envoy Foundation

Jess Lamb - Waste Minimisation As An Athlete

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +1300

Jessica Lamb is the Christchurch Hub Leader for Athletes for Nature and the Sustainability Coordinator at Without Waste. Jess holds a strong connection to te taiao and is passionate about caring for both people and planet. With a background in environmental science and geography, she works to support a shift towards a circular economy and the rewilding of cities through thriving urban ngahere.

A committed nature and zero-waste advocate, Jess combines big-picture thinking with practical, community-led action. Outside of her professional roles, she is a plant-powered trail runner, avid hiker, and enthusiastic ‘compost queen’, using her love of the outdoors to inspire others to reconnect with and protect the environments they move through.

In this episode, we discuss:

Jess’s background and what sparked her passion for nature and sustainability
Her studies in environmental science and geography
New Zealand’s waste problem and why it matters
Jess’s journey into trail running and how it shapes her environmental advocacy
Her extensive volunteering background, including Forest & Bird Youth
Stepping into the role of Christchurch Hub Leader for Athletes for Nature, and why she got involved
How composting can be a practical, change-making solution at the local level
Her work as Sustainability Coordinator at Without Waste
The role of athletes as advocates for climate action and conservation
Jess’s goals for Athletes for Nature in 2026, including plans for the Christchurch hub
How trail runners (and outdoor athletes more broadly) can reduce their environmental footprint
Personal ambitions over the next few years—both athletic and sustainability-focused

Abby Patterson - The Future of Science Communication

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +1300

Abby Patterson is an aspiring climate storyteller and science communicator, and our brand-new co-host on the Planet Pulse Pacific podcast!

Over the past two years, Abby has grown her Instagram platform Outdoors with Abby, where she breaks down the often tough (and sometimes overwhelming) realities of climate change and environmental science into content that’s engaging, relatable, and easy to understand.

Her postgraduate research focused on how climate science and emerging innovations can be communicated in ways that not only inform people but help them feel empowered to support meaningful change. Deeply passionate about sustainability and science communication, Abby hopes to build a career at the intersection of research, storytelling, and environmental advocacy.

She dreams of a future where endangered species are thriving, human impacts on ecosystems are minimised, and she’s proud to be part of the movement working towards that future.

Given all that, we’re absolutely pumped to welcome Abby on board as our new co-host!

In this episode, we discuss:

A season 7 check-in and what’s ahead for 2026
Welcoming our new podcast presenter, Abby Patterson
Abby’s background and studies in environmental communication
Why translating science for the wider community really matters
Outdoors with Abby and her work in environmental advocacy on social media
Battling climate doom to prevent disengagement
Her volunteering with Forest & Bird Youth and Athletes for Nature
Why solutions already exist—and how we often focus on the wrong things
Abby’s personal goals as a podcast host
The impact of positive interactions that reach the right people and spark meaningful conversations
Navigating the role of AI in communication and the power of parody when used in the right context

Amy Steel - Wildfires And Interventions on Ecosystems

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +1200

Amy Steel is a climate adaptation expert and PhD candidate with Adrift Lab at Curtin University, Western Australia. With over a decade of experience advising on decarbonisation and climate resilience, Amy is now focused on a vital question: should humans intervene to help ecosystems on the verge of collapse—and if so, how, where, and when?

Amy's research centres on the Yowli (otherwise known as Flesh-footed Shearwaters) breeding on islands in the Recherche Archipelago off Kepa Kurl, Esperance. These seabirds face increasing and worsening threats from lightning-ignited wildfires during their peak breeding season, impacted by climate change. Working with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Rangers, Amy is exploring how Wudjari cultural burning can protect these fragile habitats. Amy also reflects on moving from high-level strategy to hands-on fieldwork, the importance of Indigenous knowledge, and what it means to protect ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate.

In this episode, we discuss:

Amy’s diverse background and what led her from leadership roles in climate strategy to research
The long-term impacts of heat stroke that ended her competitive netball career and influenced her path
Joining the Adrift Lab team and what inspired her to undertake a PhD
Why islands and seabirds like the Yowli are critical indicators of ecosystem health
The increasing severity of wildfires and extreme weather, and their impacts on vulnerable species
Whether seabirds and other wildlife can adapt to human-driven climate change, and if natural checks and balances are breaking down
The ethical and ecological questions around human intervention in collapsing ecosystems
Working closely with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Rangers, and the role of Wudjari cultural burning in ecosystem resilience
The importance of place-based policy and honouring Indigenous knowledge in climate responses
How to communicate climate and conservation issues effectively, and create lasting change within communities
Staying motivated in advocacy through collaboration and community action
The role of athletes in climate conversations, and how to stay safe while being active in a changing climate
What gives Amy hope as an environmental researcher

Christelle Bakhache - Ecological Impact of Nature Recreation

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Christelle Bakhache is a climber, conservationist, Lagoped ambassador, and Nature Sports Project Manager at Asters, the Conservatory of Natural Spaces in Haute-Savoie, France. With a background in environmental science and fieldwork that includes time with global organisations like WWF, Christelle brings a deep, practical understanding of conservation to her current work protecting some of France’s most fragile alpine environments.

Christelle works where outdoor adventure and environmental protection meet. She focuses on making sure that people can still enjoy the mountains without causing lasting harm to the ecosystems that make these places so special. Whether it’s shaping policy, supporting grassroots projects, or helping athletes think differently about their impact, she’s passionate about finding practical ways to balance human presence in these special and unique environments.

In this conversation, Christelle shares how her love for wild spaces fuels her mission, what she’s witnessing firsthand in the face of climate change, and how outdoor athletes and everyday adventurers alike can reduce their impact. She also reflects on her personal journey—blending exploration, advocacy, and a commitment to low-impact living to pursue a more sustainable future.

In this episode, we discuss:

Christelle’s path into conservation and her drive to protect the natural world
Life and work in Haute-Savoie, and how the region shapes her environmental outlook
Her role at Asters and their mission to safeguard mountain biodiversity
The rapid and visible impacts of climate change in the European Alps
Conservation wins, persistent challenges, and reasons for hope
The hidden environmental toll of large-scale sporting events
What genuinely low-impact outdoor events could look like
Sustainable training and travel tips for athletes and adventurers
Practical ways we can all reduce our footprint in nature
The influence of individual athletes and institutions advocating for change
Christelle’s year of travelling simply and living with intention
Steps toward becoming a more thoughtful, respectful presence in the outdoors

Joseph Boctor - Micro- And Nanoplastics In Agricultural Soils

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +1200

Joseph Boctor is a PhD researcher at Murdoch University’s Bioplastics Innovation Hub and a passionate advocate for sustainable environmental solutions. Originally from Egypt, Joseph’s work is driven by a personal mission to address the growing plastic pollution crisis in the Nile River and other regions where waste management and recycling systems are underdeveloped or ineffective.

At the Bioplastics Innovation Hub — a collaborative initiative between Murdoch University, CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and industry partners — Joseph’s research focuses on developing innovative ways to break down plastics in environments where traditional approaches fall short. With expertise in chemical sciences and biotechnology, he’s helping pioneer next-generation strategies for plastic degradation and sustainable materials.

Together with the team at the Hub, Joseph is contributing to Australia’s efforts to rethink the plastic lifecycle, to create a cleaner, more resilient future for ecosystems around the world.

In this episode, we discuss:

Joseph’s background and what sparked his passion for tackling plastic pollution
The shocking scale of plastic waste in the Nile River and its broader implications
The two sides to the plastic problem—beginning and end of life strategies
His lead authorship on the paper “Microplastics and nanoplastics: fate, transport, and governance from agricultural soil to food webs and humans”
Why micro- and nanoplastics are so concerning, and how their size makes them nearly impossible to escape
From soil to salad: How micro and nanoplastics enter agricultural soils and what that could mean for our health
The urgent need for regulation and standardised risk assessments of plastics in food webs
Packaging solutions that don’t leave a legacy: The groundbreaking work of the Bioplastics Innovation Hub
Australia’s love affair with plastic, and the alarming statistics behind our consumption
Joseph’s lead authorship on the review “Nature’s Plastic Predators: A Comprehensive and Bibliometric Review of Plastivore Insects”
The intriguing insects that can feed on plastics—and how they could revolutionise waste management
The Hub’s Smart Sprays Project and its potential to transform the agricultural industry
Practical steps we can take as consumers to reduce our plastic footprint and avoid contamination

Gareth Hughes - Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +1200

Gareth Hughes is a former Member of Parliament, political commentator, author, and passionate advocate for economic transformation. With a decade of experience in Parliament representing the Green Party, Gareth held key roles including Party Whip, strategist, and Chair of the Social Services and Community Select Committee. Before his time in politics, Gareth led climate campaigns with Greenpeace, helping to drive awareness and action on critical environmental issues.

Gareth now serves as Director of WEAll Aotearoa Wellbeing Economy Alliance, a Te Tiriti-led, non-partisan ‘think and do’ tank focused on reimagining Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy to prioritise the wellbeing of people and te taiao (the natural world). Through research, advocacy, and coalition-building, the WEAll Aotearoa team are helping to shape a future where thriving communities and ecosystems are at the heart of economic decision-making.

In this episode, we discuss:

Gareth’s journey from climate activism to Parliament to economic systems change
How his personal and political experiences shaped a deep commitment to systemic economic change
Why the current economic model is failing—and why change is urgent
What a well-being economy really means (and what it’s not)
Challenging common myths about economic growth and prosperity
Why Aotearoa needs an economy that works for everyone, within planetary boundaries
The mission and work of WEAll Aotearoa—empowering communities, policymakers, and businesses to co-create change
The Wellbeing Economy Alliance—a global movement, now in 19 countries
Tools and frameworks for action, including the Wellbeing Economy Policy Design Guide
Business as a force for good
Gareth’s nationwide listening tour—hearing how everyday New Zealanders want the economy to work
Barriers to shifting the system, and how we can overcome them
What success could look like, and Gareth’s message of hope and action
How you can support WEAll Aotearoa and get involved in the movement

Gareth offers a hopeful, grounded, and inspiring conversation about how we can reimagine the economy to truly serve both people and the planet.

Dr Catherine Knight - An Uncommon Land

Mon, 12 May 2025 05:00:00 +1200

Dr Catherine Knight is an award-winning author, environmental historian, and policy expert with extensive experience in both strategic and operational environmental governance. Currently working in strategic policy in the government sector, Catherine is also an Honorary Research Associate at Massey University’s School of People, Environment and Planning. Her writing on wellbeing, post-growth economics, and environmental policy frequently appears on platforms such as Newsroom, The Spinoff, and Substack.

Catherine has authored several acclaimed books exploring the relationships between people, nature, and politics, including Nature and Wellbeing in Aotearoa, which we explored with her in a previous podcast episode. Her latest work, An Uncommon Land, is her most personal to date, tracing Aotearoa’s environmental and social history through the lens of her own ancestors. It explores powerful themes like enclosure, colonisation, and the gradual denaturing of landscapes.

In this episode:

Her background in policy and current work beyond authorship
Auckland’s lost tram network and the role of holistic city design
Rethinking the economy to serve both people and planet
What inspired Catherine to write An Uncommon Land
The personal journey of understanding her ancestors to shape present-day insights
The vulnerability of writing a deeply personal book
The concept of The Commons—its historical significance and near-erasure in modern Aotearoa
Debunking the myth of the "tragedy of the commons"
How the shift to enclosure and private property continues to shape society today
The enduring systems of war, colonisation, and environmental degradation—and their modern parallels
Our complicity in an economy driven by exploitation and consumption
How New Zealand’s celebrated progress has often depended on the extraction of resources and environmental destruction
Envisioning alternative futures: post-growth models, food security, and land as a shared inheritance
Why we must redirect public investment toward collective wellbeing
What Catherine and her daughter learned from travelling together in the process of researching this book.

Sheena Chhabra - Plant Based Treaty

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +1200

We are joined by Sheena Chhabra, campaigner for the Plant Based Treaty—a groundbreaking global initiative tackling the climate and ecological crises by putting food systems at the heart of the solution.

The Plant Based Treaty is calling for a shift toward a just, plant-based food system that respects planetary boundaries, protects biodiversity, reforests the Earth, and creates a more resilient and equitable future. Recently, Sheena and the Plant Based Treaty team celebrated a major milestone: helping Darebin City Council become the first local government in Australia to endorse the Treaty, joining the ranks of progressive cities like Los Angeles and Amsterdam.

With a vision to see a global Plant Based Treaty adopted alongside the Paris Agreement, the organisation is driving policy change, strengthening networks, and supporting communities to transition to healthier, climate-friendly food systems.

In this episode, we discuss:

Sheena’s journey into plant-based advocacy and environmental campaigning
How the Plant Based Treaty came to be and what it aims to achieve
The critical connection between food systems, climate change, and biodiversity loss
Why reducing reliance on animal agriculture is key to cutting methane emissions
How and why Australia is one of the world’s worst hotspots for land clearing and species extinction
The vulnerabilities in our current food systems and how to build resilience with a plant-based shift
The links between animal agriculture, antibiotic resistance, and zoonotic disease risks
An introduction to The Safe and Trust report: The Plant Based Treaty’s Vegan Donut Economics Approach to the Food System
The Treaty’s five core programs and what they’re doing to drive real change
How individuals and institutions can support the movement
What’s ahead for the Plant Based Treaty in 2025 and beyond

Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop - Agriculture & Climate Change

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +1300

Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop is a former Principal Scientist with the Queensland Government Natural Resources, where he spent three decades using satellite data to monitor vegetation cover and deforestation. Since leaving that position, he has co-authored the Beyond Zero Emissions’ Land Use Plan, worked with the NGO World Preservation Foundation, and serves as Director of Replant Byron. We had the privilege of closing out our last season with a chat with this incredible human, and we’re thrilled to welcome Gerard back for an update on his latest groundbreaking research!

In this episode, we explore Gerard’s latest paper, Increased Transparency in Accounting Conventions Could Benefit Climate Policy. He breaks down three major shifts in climate science and emissions accounting that challenge conventional thinking about what drives climate change—revealing that agriculture, particularly animal agriculture, is the leading cause of present-day warming.

This is a paradigm-shifting conversation, so grab your pen and notepaper (you’ll want to take notes, trust us!), and check out Gerard’s brief explainer video here.

In this episode, we discuss:

A recap of Gerard’s previous research on the need for consistent carbon accounting
Contentious gases and how we measure them – Global Warming Potential vs Effective Radiative Forcing
The impact of cooling aerosols from fossil fuel emissions and why they complicate climate calculations.
How we have undervalued the impact of deforestation, underestimated methane’s impact, and failed to account for cooling emissions.
A game-changing revelation: updated metrics show agriculture is responsible for 60% of today’s global warming—with animal agriculture alone accounting for 53%.
The overlooked power of natural drawdown—how nature has looked after us right from the start
Why these improved methodologies haven’t been widely applied before, and what’s been standing in the way
The expected response from the animal agriculture industry and how to navigate the greenwashing.
The bigger picture: what role does animal agriculture play in humanity’s future?

Join us as we unpack the science, the solutions, and why a major shift in climate policy is needed—now more than ever!

Nina Trinquet - Plant-Based for Health and Performance

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +1300

Nina Trinquet is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and PhD candidate based in Melbourne. Take a listen as Nina shares her wisdom on how a whole food plant-based diet can prevent and manage chronic disease. Nina works with individuals aiming to improve their health through diet, with a particular focus on cardiovascular health.

She is also an avid endurance runner with a passion for sports nutrition, making this a must-listen episode for athletes and health-conscious individuals alike.

Nina packs this episode full of evidence-based insights, practical nutrition tips, and inspiring discussions on creating a healthier, more sustainable future through food.

In this episode, we discuss:

Nina’s background in prosthetics and orthotics, and how this led to plant-based dietetics
Her love for endurance running and marathon goals for 2025
The importance of strength training & nutrition in running performance
Nina’s crucial work in transforming food systems in youth justice
Why young men are obsessed with protein & what they’re missing
Whole food plant-based vs. standard vegan diets—what’s the difference?
How diet can prevent, manage & even reverse chronic disease
Maximising iron & protein intake on a plant-based diet
The importance of calorie density for plant-based athletes
Common myths & misconceptions about plant-based eating
Carbohydrates, saturated fat and insulin resistance in Type 2 Diabetes
Nina’s PhD research at Monash University and how you can volunteer to support her work
Her personal goals for 2025 & beyond

Dakota Jones - Footprints: Camps for Climate Action

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:00:00 +1300

Dakota Jones is more than just a world-class trail runner—he’s a passionate environmental advocate on a mission to drive meaningful climate action. As a professional athlete for NNormal and the Founder and Executive Director of Footprints, an environmental nonprofit, Dakota is dedicated to empowering individuals to create tangible change in their local communities.

Footprints provide mentorship, networks, and self-development opportunities. It uses shared outdoor experiences to foster environmental awareness and cultivate confident, value-driven changemakers. Founded by trail runners, the organisation also works to make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive, reinforcing the powerful link between environmental stewardship and sport.

This year, Dakota is taking on some of his biggest challenges yet—including an attempt at the 100-mile American record at the upcoming Jackpot Ultras in Las Vegas, all while raising critical funds to support Footprints’ mission of building a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.

In this episode, we discuss:

Dakota’s journey into ultrarunning and rise as one of the sport’s top competitors.
His experiences racing some of the world’s toughest trail events.
Competing in Australia, winning the Buffalo Stampede, and earning the King of the Mountain title!
What sparked his passion for environmental activism.
First-hand experiences witnessing climate change and his responsibility for protecting wild places.
The origins of Footprints and how it empowers grassroots climate action.
The impact of Footprints Camps and the inspiring projects launched by some of the camp’s graduates.
Personal lessons learned from leading Footprints Camps and supporting emerging changemakers.
Footprints fundraising efforts for 2025, including Dakota’s upcoming 100-mile record attempt.
His upcoming personal and professional plans for 2025—both in racing and environmental advocacy.

Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop - Deforestation And Carbon Accounting

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 04:00:00 +1300

Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop worked as a Principal Scientist with Queensland Government Natural Resources, using satellite data to monitor three decades of vegetation cover and broadscale deforestation. He left the government in 2010 to co-author the Beyond Zero Emissions’ Land Use Plan, a plan to take Australia’s land use and agriculture emissions beyond zero.

He now works pro bono with the NGO World Preservation Foundation, focusing on deforestation, land degradation and biodiversity loss. Gerard is also on the Zero Emissions Byron Land Use Advisory Panel and a Director of Replant Byron. Recently he co-authored a book for the Eating Our Way To Extinction documentary and has produced a series of explanatory videos on the climate impact of animal agriculture. Recent research includes carbon emissions from deforestation, with explanatory video.

In this episode, we dive into Gerard's latest scientific article, "Deforestation—a Call for Consistent Carbon Accounting." The article shakes up how we think about carbon emissions, arguing that the current system for measuring deforestation’s impact doesn’t tell the full story. Gerard makes a strong case for a gross accounting approach across all industries, to provide us with a clearer picture of the damage and solutions. This discussion highlights the urgent need to totally revalue the environmental harms of agriculture – in a nutshell, Gerard urges us all to eat plants and plant trees!

In this episode, we discuss:

Gerard’s work with the Queensland Government monitoring deforestation
Shocking stats on Australia’s clearing rates
His involvement with the Eating Our Way to Extinction documentary and associated resources
The work of Plant-Based Treaty
A deep dive into Gerard’s latest paper on consistent carbon accounting
Gross vs. net carbon accounting explained
How the carbon cycle really works
The overlooked value of forest drawdown potential
The true environmental toll of animal agriculture
Rethinking climate policy with Gerard’s insights
A sneak peek at his upcoming research
Translating the numbers into meaningful action

John Jurko II - RHINO MAN

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +1300

John Jurko II is the lead director and producer of RHINO MAN, a powerful documentary that highlights the courage and dedication of field rangers who risk their lives to protect South Africa's rhinos from poaching. More than just a conservation film, RHINO MAN tells a universal story of resilience, bravery, and the human spirit—a heroic tale of individuals striving to leave the world a better place.

Since 2018, John has been at the helm of RHINO MAN, guiding its completion with passion and purpose. A graduate with a BA in Film Production and Philosophy, John began his career in Los Angeles, working in the camera department on numerous indie films. He later moved to Atlanta, where he was drawn to the compelling story of RHINO MAN and its potential as a catalyst for social impact.

In addition to the film, John launched The Rhino Man Podcast, expanding the conversation around the vital role of rangers, the rhino poaching crisis, and the importance of connecting local communities to protected areas. His advocacy has reached esteemed audiences, including His Royal Highness Prince William, government officials, international financial crime delegates, law enforcement agencies, and conservation NGOs.

Through his work, John continues to raise awareness and inspire action for one of the most critical conservation issues of our time. Join us in this episode for a thought-provoking conversation about conservation, courage, and the power of storytelling to drive change.

In this episode, we discuss:

John’s background in film, philosophy, and storytelling—and his path to joining RHINO MAN
Startling statistics on rhino populations and the poaching crisis in Africa
Misconceptions and myths about rhino horn, including its unsubstantiated health claims
The inspiration behind RHINO MAN—sharing the powerful stories of South African field rangers
Challenges and lessons from the demanding filmmaking process
The evolving and perilous role of field rangers in South Africa
The gruelling recruitment and training process for becoming a field ranger
The work of Global Conservation Corps and the importance of connecting children with nature
Tackling the wicked problem that is wildlife poaching
John’s personal reflections from filming the documentary
The story of Anton Mzimba—a heroic field ranger whose legacy continues to inspire
Honouring Anton Mzimba and supporting his family through the Anton Mzimba Education Trust
John’s ongoing fight for justice in Anton’s unsolved murder investigation and how we can support his efforts
Why wildlife conservation matters to everyone and how we can support rangers and protect rhinos
Future projects for John

Professor Niki Harré - Psychology for a Better World

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +1300

Professor Niki Harré, Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland, and author of Psychology for a Better World: Working with People to Save the Planet and The Infinite Game: How to Live Well Together, shares her vision of resilient, compassionate, and creative communities as the foundation for sustainability. As discussed in her recent TEDx talk, Niki is particularly interested in promoting deep dialogue, constructive decision-making, and collective action for human and ecological flourishing. In this episode, she underscores how psychology—often overlooked in environmental work—is vital for fostering a people-focused approach and driving meaningful systems change.

Niki emphasises the power of stories and behaviours to inspire action, advocating for narratives of hope and compassion rather than focusing solely on crisis. To combat negativity amid the constant messages of environmental doom and gloom, Dr Harré discusses the importance of working with others and sharing positive values, to build resilient communities. We also explore how common identity points can strengthen communication on sustainability issues, fostering understanding and commitment.

At the heart of her philosophy is an “infinite game” mindset, where the goal is to keep what we most value in play, while inviting others to join – for it is together that we can create resilient social movements, sustain hope, and work toward a more generous, equitable world, with a flourishing environment and compassionate communities.

In this episode, Niki discusses:

What initially drew her to psychology and her passion for community well-being and sustainability
The shift away from community-based approaches as society moves more online
Her two books, Psychology for a Better World: Working with People to Save the Planet and The Infinite Game: How to Live Well Together
Concerns with “problem-focused” approaches in sustainability circles
The concept of “copying” behaviours to foster a more sustainable future
The impact of positive and negative emotions on facilitating change and transformation
Tips for staying emotionally buoyant in the face of apocalyptic narratives
The critical importance of self-identity and living in accordance with one’s values
Being a ‘tidy person’, practising mindfulness, and taking extreme care with material resources
Moving away from “us vs. them” mentalities and instead asking what kind of world we want to live in
The importance of engaging with young people in sustainability efforts
Her “Secular Priest” experiment and what it taught her about community
Her parting thoughts for advocates and communities on building resilience and maintaining hope

Lydia Green - Manta Watch Aotearoa New Zealand

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +1300

Lydia Green is the Founder and Project Director of Manta Watch New Zealand, a charitable trust dedicated to protecting and studying manta rays. With a Marine Biology degree (Hons) and over 15 years of experience in marine science, Lydia has worked in waters across the globe, from Fiji to Mexico, bringing a wealth of expertise to New Zealand's manta ray research.

Since establishing Manta Watch Aotearoa New Zealand in 2017, Lydia has become a local leading figure in marine conservation, driving groundbreaking efforts to protect these majestic creatures. Manta rays, known for having the largest brain of any fish, are highly interactive and sociable, making their conservation vital for marine ecosystems. Under Lydia’s leadership, the organisation has focused on innovative research, public education, and conservation initiatives to safeguard manta rays and their habitats.

In this episode, Lydia shares her journey from global marine researcher to spearheading manta conservation in New Zealand. We dive deep into Manta Watch’s recent projects and explore the incredible intelligence and behaviour of manta rays, along with the vital role they play in ocean ecosystems.

Despite the growing threats to marine life, Lydia’s message is clear: With continued research, education, and global action, we can ensure that manta rays—and our oceans—continue to thrive.

In this episode, Lydia discusses:

Her background and passion for marine science
Her love for manta rays and marine megafauna
Manta Ray 101: An overview of their biology and behaviour
The inspiration behind founding Manta Watch NZ
The conservation status of manta rays in New Zealand and globally
Surprising research findings about oceanic mantas in Aotearoa’s waters
The biggest threats to manta rays and best practice guidelines for protection
The role of citizen science in manta conservation and the importance of sharing findings
The search for manta cleaning and feeding stations in New Zealand waters
The upcoming Wellington screening of Manta Watch’s short film, Discovering Aotearoa New Zealand’s Gentle Giants
Ways to support Manta Watch NZ
Advice for aspiring marine scientists

Emma Strutt - Athletes Thriving On A Plant-Centred Diet

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we bring you a recording of Emma Strutt's presentation as part of the recent 2024 Athletes for Nature Webinar Series.

Emma is Ben's partner in crime here at The Lentil Intervention, but for anyone not familiar with her professional background, she is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine and the founder of Greenstuff Nutrition. Emma also holds a certificate in plant-based nutrition, a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training qualification, a Diploma in Sustainable Living and a Grad Cert in Climate Change Adaptation.

In this presentation, Emma explores how athletes can reduce their ecological footprint through their food choices. She provides the ins and outs of transitioning to and thriving with a plant-powered eating pattern while avoiding the more common pitfalls.
You can watch the video presentation of this episode here.

In this episode, Emma covers:
• An overview of the current ecological crisis
• Greenhouse gas emissions of our food system and why methane matters so much
• Ecological impact of our food choices
• Solutions to feed the world within planetary boundaries
• Safety and efficacy of plant-based diets for athletes
• Meeting carbohydrate and protein needs with plants
• Key micronutrient considerations
• Meal planning tips and tricks
• Common pitfalls to avoid
• Plants, fibre and gut health

Damian Hall - Climate And Environmental Actions for Athletes

Mon, 27 May 2024 04:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we bring you a recording of Damian Hall’s appearance as part of the recent 2024 Athletes for Nature Webinar Series.

Damian is a renowned ultramarathon runner and athletics coach who has represented Great Britain, consistently achieving remarkable results in some of the world’s most challenging races. He is also a seasoned journalist and the author of several acclaimed books, including the award-nominated We Can’t Run Away From This, which delves into the effects of running on our climate and ecological crisis. Beyond his athletic and literacy achievements, Damian is a dedicated climate activist, participating in multiple environmental organisations and initiatives, and co-founding The Green Runners.

If you love what you hear and want to listen to more of Damian’s wisdom, he first appeared on the podcast last year in season 4, episode 19.

In this presentation, Damian chats with our co-host Ben about the surprising ecological impacts and considerations of sports, and prompts us to identify changes for a lighter footprint.
You can watch the video presentation of this episode here.

In this chat, Damian covers:
• His background, foray into ultrarunning and passion for the environment
• The inspiration behind Damian’s latest book, We Can’t Run Away From This
• Ecological impact of sports shoes and clothing, and travel for sporting events
• Ethical considerations regarding sports sponsorship
• Progressive environmental action within the trail running space
• Damian’s experience in the Barkley Marathon
• Embracing imperfect climate advocacy and being a climate hypocrite
• The influence of athletes and how we can use that power for good!
• The mission of The Green Runners and their four key pillars

Dr Mike Joy - Our Current Ecological And Climate Concerns

Mon, 13 May 2024 04:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we bring you a recording of Dr Mike Joy’s presentation as part of the recent 2024 Athletes for Nature Webinar Series. This was the first of a 3-part online webinar series for outdoor enthusiasts about the current climate emergency and the actions we can take to protect our playground.

Mike is a leading freshwater ecologist, researcher, and award-winning science communicator, fearlessly championing awareness and action to tackle our planet’s urgent environmental concerns. Mike’s upcoming memoir The Fight for Freshwater provides a first-hand look at the pressures and challenges faced by those who dare to raise their voices, especially when debating issues as critical as the health of Aotearoa’s waterways. Dr Joy is a regular guest of the podcast, most recently appearing in our season 4 finale here.

In this presentation Mike discusses our current ecological and climate crises, providing valuable insights about the challenges confronting our planet. Dr Joy also outlines the essential steps needed for transitioning to a more sustainable future.
You can watch the video presentation of this episode here.

In this episode, Mike covers:
• De-escalating economic growth to stay within ecological limits
• Agriculture’s contribution to our overstep of planetary boundaries
• New Zealand’s poor environmental performance
• Intensive agriculture and nitric oxide
• Water pollution in New Zealand
• Realities of renewable energy
• The energy density of fossil fuels vs renewables
• Understanding energy return on investment (EROI)
• The dangerous illusion of net zero

Dr Kate Wylie - The Health Hazards of Climate Change

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +1200

Dr Kate Wylie is an Adelaide-based GP, the founder of Climate Medicine, and the Executive Director of Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), a not-for-profit advocacy organisation that recognises human health depends on a healthy environment. Dr Wylie is a master communicator who has emerged as a leading voice in Australia for highlighting the health implications of climate change while championing change and actionable solutions.

This is Kate’s second full episode and third appearance on the podcast, first chatting with us in season 1 episode 22 and contributing to our end-of-year wrap-up in 2021. With significant developments in planetary health and Dr Wylie’s professional journey since our last conversation, catching up was long overdue!

In this episode, we had the opportunity to delve into DEA's recent endeavours and discuss our climate's current state. Kate shares insights into the profound effects of climate change on the health of Australians while highlighting the importance of proactive measures.

Despite the multitude of challenges posed by climate change, Dr Wylie’s message remains resolute: Our planet is worth saving, and so are we. It’s not game over, it’s game on.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Kate’s shift from general practice to becoming Executive Director of DEA
• Hiking the Larapinta Trail to raise money for DEA
• The recent 2024 iDEA conference
• Fossil Fuels as a health hazard
• DEA’s lobbying work and recent submissions
• The Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity Bill and Senate Inquiry
• Why we should consider the health impacts of proposed fossil fuel projects
• Health impacts of vehicle emissions
• The increase in allergens due to climate change
• The carbon footprint of various asthma inhalers
• Climate change and health hazards: Heatwaves, extreme heat, flooding and storms, bushfires
• Key messages from the 2023 MJA-Lancet Countdown on health and climate change
• Healthcare sustainability – transitioning to an environmentally sustainable healthcare sector in Australia
• Kate’s suggestions on how we can all advocate for change

Andre Borell - Shark Culling And Whale Conservation

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 03:00:00 +1200

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 Cull
His relocation to Singapore
The imperative of safeguarding sharks for ocean health
Shark control (culling) methods still used in Australia and more appropriate alternatives
Government reluctance to change their culling programs
Ethical considerations of current programs, including huge concerns regarding bycatch
The 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 reviews
Andre’s involvement in the Norwegian Whale Reserve and the project’s mission
Ways to support the Norwegian Whale Reserve and Envoy Foundation
Andre's upcoming projects - watch this space!

Dr Sally Gillespie - Building Climate-Resilient Communities

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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 movement
The generational shift occurring within the climate psychology space
The high percentage of Australians impacted by climate disasters
Mental health impacts for disaster survivors
The huge burdens on local agencies providing mental health support services
Systemic causes that have driven the climate and environmental crises
A need to honour Indigenous knowledge for a truly inclusive community approach
Looking to grassroots community movements to help foster a sense of empowerment
Creating safe spaces for sharing stories and trauma, including the importance of ceremony
Dealing with eco grief, doomerism and burnout
Utilising grounded narratives when initiating climate conversations

If 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.

Esther Gathambo - Impacts of Colonialism on Inequity

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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 Kenya
The power of education, and being the first in her family to attend university
The colonisation of Kenya and consequent impacts on communities
Loss of cultural and community identity and intergenerational trauma
The exploitative nature of capitalism
Ethical and sustainability issues in business supply chains
The story of Sawubona
The benefits of supporting social enterprises
Ethical considerations as a consumer
The importance of protecting cultural art

Dr Jack Auty - Plastic-Induced Fibrosis And Inflammation

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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 research
Various hypotheses which may explain the rise in allergies
The work of AdriftLab, led by the wonderful Dr Jennifer Lavers
‘Plasticosis’ – evidence for a new plastic-induced fibrotic disease
The types of plastics commonly found in seabirds and the global marine plastic load
Plastics, microplastics and their unique inflammatory potential
How inflammation impacts the body and how plastic can make its way into cells throughout the body
Potential implications of these findings for both humans and other wildlife
The need for an interdisciplinary approach when researching pollution’s impact on wildlife and human health
Identifying laboratory sources of microplastic and nanoplastic contamination
Top tips for reducing plastic exposure in daily life
Plastics as a delivery mechanism for a wide range of toxic chemicals
Future research projects for Jack and AdriftLab

Dr Neal Haddaway - Storytelling To Start Conversations Of Science

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 04:00:00 +1300

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 environment
Neal’s motivation for pivoting to photography after 20 years in academia
Communicating science via photography
Persuasion and the importance of storytelling
Mental health risks associated with climate research
Project 'Hope?' And how to grieve for the planet
Climate scientists and the pressure to be perfect
Building systems of support for environmental scientists
Climate anxiety as a Western concept
Environmental crises due to our current economic, political and social systems
The true cost of our food - the story of the salmon and the tomato
Coal Scars – The long-term landscape trauma of our obsession with coal
How we can be more effective advocates for the planet

Max Romey - Art And Film To Connect People To The Planet

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:00:00 +1300

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 painting
Retracing his grandmother’s travels and artwork
Communicating climate and environmental science through art
Important considerations for impactful filmmaking and storytelling
Max’s relationship with many of the world’s top trail runners
Katmai National Park and its sizeable marine debris problem
Max’s previous film No Lost Shoes and his upcoming release Footprints on Katmai
The ocean’s oxygen factories (phytoplankton) and concerns with microplastics
Inspiring behaviour change while living in an imperfect world
Making a change by starting at home

Dr Mike Joy - Science-Based Climate Action

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 03:00:00 +1300

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 had a frank discussion about the necessary actions that could result in a better future for all. From climate change to degrowth, Dr Joy provides valuable insights and expertise that shed light on the challenges our planet is currently facing. 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 year
The carbon cycle, our net zero delusion and the impossibilities of offsetting
The problems with green growth
Understanding the concept of energy return on investment (EROI)
Our multiple crises (it’s not just climate!) as a symptom of overshoot
Our use of energy and the inevitability of Degrowth
A reality check on renewables
Lack of environmental truth and reality in mainstream media
Degrowth Aotearoa New Zealand
An update on the nitrate levels in New Zealand’s freshwater
Dr Mike answers Listener questions
Taking action in 2024

Previous episodes:

To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our

Professor Ilan Noy - Economics of Disasters and Climate Change

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 03:00:00 +1300

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 background
The diversity of topics that fall under the umbrella of the economics of disasters and climate change
The driving force behind establishing the Journal Economics of Disasters and Climate Change
Lack of consideration towards climate change in the field of economics
The deficiencies of current assessment methods regarding the financial costs of climate change
Considering the wide-ranging damage costs associated with climate change, as well as the costs associated with the loss of human life
The need to reduce vulnerabilities and exposure to avoid increased costs associated with anthropogenic extreme weather events
How economists attach a dollar value to human life
Which countries and regions of the world feel the impact most
The lack of economist engagement with the IPCC
Changing the dialogue in future COPs
Prioritising financial support where it’s truly needed

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.

Associate Professor Luke Kelly - Fire And Biodiversity

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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 work
The work of biodynamos, the Biodiversity Dynamics Research Group
Fire as fundamental to human civilisation and the earth's systems
Benefits and risks of fire for biodiversity and threatened species
Luke’s recent paper Understanding Fire Regimes for a Better Anthropocene
Surprising findings regarding global fire activity
Fire regime changes in Australia, including an upward trend in mega-fires
Key anthropogenic drivers of fire regime changes
The consequences for humans, flora, and fauna due to changing fire regimes in Australia
How we best move forward while living with fire in the Anthropocene, including practical recommendations for people in high-risk areas
The importance of a proactive approach, rather than a reactive response
How fire can help us achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

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.

Damian Hall - Environmentalism Through Ultra Trail Running

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +1300

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 running
What sparked Damian’s environmental activism
Damian’s latest book We Can’t Run Away From This
The surprising ecological impact of running
Positive environmental initiatives within the trail-running space
The Game Changer Sponsorship Pledge and walking your climate talk as an athlete
Embracing imperfect climate advocacy and the inevitability of being a climate hypocrite
The sustainability of large-scale sporting events
The power of sports and athletes to influence and change society
The Green Runners; A running community making changes for a fitter planet
Establishing Into Ultra to reduce the barriers to participation in ultrarunning
The importance of partaking in climate action for outdoor enthusiasts

Dr Simon Eassom - Food Frontier: The Future of Alternative Proteins

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 03:00:00 +1300

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 Frontier
Receptivity to alternative proteins in heavy meat-eating countries such as Australia and New Zealand and the target markets of the plant-based meat sector
Alternative protein options, technological innovations, and challenges in meeting consumer demands
Alternative proteins and health considerations – potential pros, cons, and misconceptions
The current environmental impact of our global food system and the expected benefits of reducing meat consumption
Animal welfare concerns associated with modern-day animal farming
Feeding the world’s population; alternative proteins as a food security solution
Alternative Proteins and Asia - market insights for Australian and New Zealand companies looking to Asia
Food labelling for plant-based products
Driving market change and shifting eating behaviours; Food Frontier’s Theory of Change
Food Frontier’s upcoming AltProteins 23 Conference

Emma Wingrove - The Clean Up Crew

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +1200

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 waste
Localised NZ and Auckland’s Zero Waste Hubs
The scale of the plastic waste problem in New Zealand
The source of beach rubbish found on New Zealand beaches
Emma’s establishment of The Clean Up Crew Aotearoa
Commonly found rubbish items littering Auckland’s shorelines, and how it gets there
Advocacy and education work of The Clean Up Crew
How to support The Clean Up Crew and get involved in their regular clean-ups
Top tips for minimising personal waste

Dr Kate Sievert - Meat And Sustainable Food Systems

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 01:00:00 +1200

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 research
Kate’s work at the Global Centre for Preventative Health (GLOBE)
Red and processed meat production and consumption trends
Shifting meat consumption patterns – influences on consumer behaviour
Meat consumption and nutritional adequacy versus potential health risks
Zoonotic disease and antimicrobial resistance risks
Food safety risks and food-borne diseases associated with animal-sourced foods
Key environmental concerns associated with red and processed meats
Practicalities of feeding the world with regenerative farming methods
Potential alternatives to red and processed meats in the diet
The consideration of sustainability in food-based dietary guidelines
The power of the food industry, links to government, and consequent impact on policymaking
Media framing and meat consumption – who has a beef with reducing red and processed meat consumption
Changes needed to achieve sustainable food systems

Deirdre Kent - Fixing The Economic System

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +1200

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 background
Spearheading Transition Town Ōtaki and The Ōtaki Timebank
The Degrowth movement in New Zealand and establishing Degrowth Aotearoa
Championing change towards degrowth economic principles
Tradable energy quotas vs Emission trading schemes
Potential benefits of Tradable Energy Quotas
The importance of considering dietary choices as an environmentalist
The dairy industry in New Zealand
Tips for effective lobbying and the importance of visual mediums

Dr Jenn Lavers & Jennell Reynolds - Esperance Tjlatjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +1200

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 ranger
Importance and purpose of Registered Native Title Bodies Corporations (RNTBCs)
Cultural history, significance, and unique beauty of Esperance area/Wudjari Nyungar country
Honouring 50,000 years’ worth of Indigenous knowledge and science
How ETNTAC blends modern technology and research with knowledge from Australia’s first scientists
The pros and cons of technology for preserving culture
The need for long-lasting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations within science, industry and governments
ETNTAC’s statement regarding the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021
What we can all learn from 50,000 years of caring for country
Reconnection to place and country – when we belong to something we take care of it.

Sahra Kress - Degrowth For Nature And Collective Wellbeing

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +1200

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 overseas
Degrowth Aotearoa NZ (DANZ)
Degrowth 101 – definitions, common misconceptions, and the concept of throughput
Shifting mindsets and societal values for systemic change
The concepts and goals of DANZ
Degrowth community action and fostering a collectivism mindset
Changes required in industrialised nations vs developing nations
Getting degrowth into the national conversation
The upcoming DANZ conference

Nathan Surendran - The Inevitable Resource Depletion

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +1200

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 engineer
Biophysical constraints vs wishful thinking
Degrowth Aotearoa New Zealand and their advocacy work
Degrowth 101 – what is degrowth?
The challenges and limitations of green growth
The concept of net energy, and its decrease over time
The impact of renewables on total energy consumption
Are renewable energy technologies truly renewable or scalable?
Promoting and transitioning to a degrowth paradigm in Western societies
Percentage growth rates and the rule of 70
Taking action: Community level resilience and the fallacy of individual self-sufficiency

Nathan 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:

Professor Sarah Bekessy - Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 03:00:00 +1200

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 sustainability
The gradual decline of biodiversity in cities around Australia
The benefits of urban greening, but the need to consider biodiversity while doing so
The fundamental flaws of using offsets as an approach to biodiversity
How many cities are actually hotspots for threatened species
Sustainable midrise housing as a way forward in urban areas
Urban growth boundaries and nature corridors
Equitable access to green spaces within cities
Indigenous-led biodiversity projects within urban areas
Sarah’s involvement with Biodiversity Council and Bush Heritage Australia
The need for reliable green building codes
10 easy ways we can all act for nature and help biodiversity

Find 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.

John Berry - Ethical Investing

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 03:00:00 +1200

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 NZ
Giving power to the consumer by using money as a tool for good
The development of ethical Investing and ESG
Steps for assessing the ethical stance of businesses in an ever-complex world
Understanding ethical certifications like ‘B Corp’, ‘social enterprise’ etc
Easier ways to find investments that match your value sets
The purpose of a company – profit vs purpose?
How the concept of degrowth relates to ethical investing
Pathfinder’s point of difference including their charitable giving

The 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.

Shaun Lee - Auckland's Hauraki Gulf

Mon, 22 May 2023 03:00:00 +1200

Shaun Lee is an Auckland-based designer, illustrator and photographer. Shaun started his career as a web designer and then co-founded Auckland’s foremost business-to-business design studio. Shaun now only works on environmental initiatives and has dedicated his life to improving the state of the planet. A true eco-warrior in every sense.

His environmental advocacy work is extensive and varied, including serving as Co-Founder and Trustee of Revive Our Gulf, New Zealand’s only large-scale, active marine restoration initiative. In this conversation, Shaun shines a light on the damage done to the Hauraki Gulf, and the causes, and also discusses the ambitious plans of Revive our Gulf for large-scale restoration of the area.

In this episode, we discuss:

Shaun’s background and passion for saving the planet!
Shaun’s creative advocacy work including MOST New Zealand and NZ Tracker
The importance of visual mediums in communicating climate concerns
The water quality degradation and ecosystem decline of the Hauraki Gulf
- The current state of the water quality
- What’s contributing to the Gulf’s decline
- Green-lipped mussels fishery collapse
- Impacts of trawling and dredging on marine life
- Bottom trawling and sediment plumes
- The potential for dead zones within the Gulf
- Scientific trawling conducted by fisheries in New Zealand
Revive our Gulf – restoring the mussel reefs that once dominated the Hauraki Gulf
The benefits and logistics of ‘re-musseling’
How listeners can get involved in active restoration

Chloe Price - Protecting Our Waterways

Mon, 08 May 2023 03:00:00 +1200

Chloe Price is a freshwater ecologist and environmental scientist based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. Chloe has an interdisciplinary academic and professional background in freshwater and terrestrial ecology and is passionate about ecological restoration and regeneration, catchment enhancement, and fostering collaboration within and between communities.

Outside of her day job Chloe is also a member of Project Blue, a New Zealand not-for-profit organisation with the purpose of raising awareness of the harms of plastic pollution on our environment and the failures of Western recycling systems. Chloe brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this fascinating chat and leaves us with examples of actions we can all take to help make this world a little cleaner and greener.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Chloe’s background and passion for environmentalism
• Biodiversity offsets and the true effectiveness of these measures
• The main causes of degradation to New Zealand’s waterways
• Project Blue, their mission to reduce the harms of plastic pollution and their recent documentary ‘For The Blue’
• Limitations of current recycling systems
• The enormous scale of our rubbish problem, resulting in the offshore processing of waste
• Community engagement, education, and advocacy for driving effective change
• Environmental restoration projects and how to get involved

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.

Dr Emily Flies - Nature, Biodiversity and Human Health

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Emily Flies is an award-winning science communicator and researcher in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Tasmania. Emily has co-founded two successful Science in the Pub non-profit organisations (in Adelaide and Hobart), is the founder and director of Tasmania's Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship Program and co-leads the Healthy Landscapes research group at UTAS.

As a health ecologist, Emily blends field, molecular and statistical techniques to understand how the environment shapes human health, particularly the health benefits of engaging with biodiverse natural habitats. Emily brings a wealth of knowledge to this conversation, including some practical pointers on how we can all reap the benefits of immersing in, protecting and restoring the natural world.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Emily’s impressive background and a keen interest in the health benefits of nature exposure
• The profound importance of a biodiverse environment
• Biodiversity concerns in Australia and New Zealand
• Australia’s Strategy for Nature: Australia’s national biodiversity strategy and action plan
• Managing and connecting with nature in both urban and rural environments
• How and why immersing in nature supports our mental and physical health
• Biodiverse environments, the human microbiome and immune function
• Benefits of participating in ecological restoration programs
• Backyard Biodiversity: How to make your backyard more biodiverse

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.

Harrison Talarico - Critically Endangered Southern New Zealand Dotterel

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 03:00:00 +1200

Harrison Talarico is a Field Ranger with the New Zealand Department of Conservation, working as a member of the Southern New Zealand Dotterel/Tūturiwhatu Recovery Team on Rakiura.

For long-term listeners however, Harrison will be a familiar name, as he first joined us in season 2 episode 43 – at that time as an honours student with Adrift Lab, where he studied acoustic indices and their usefulness in tracking the migratory arrival of short-tailed shearwaters.

From one bird species to another, Harrison is now focused on helping save the critically endangered Southern New Zealand Dotterel. Being found only on Stewart Island and with less than 145 birds left in the wild, this is a crucial race against the clock.

In this episode we discuss:
• Harrison’s background and update on his honours project
• The complexities and usefulness of acoustic monitoring in ecology
• Important advice for students considering a research pathway
• Harrison’s work and internship with the not-for-profit Arid Recovery
• Current work with the Department of Conservation
• The critically endangered Southern New Zealand Dotterel
• Dotterels and issues with pests, pets, genetic diversity and human interactions
• Plans moving forward to help save this important bird species and other wildlife

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.

Lauren Sandeman - Sea Shepherd's Shark Defence Campaign

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 03:00:00 +1300

Lauren Sandeman is a dedicated ocean campaigner, whose current work focuses on transforming Australia's shark culling programs into scientifically-supported non-lethal mitigation programs as the campaign head of Sea Shepherd's Shark Defence Campaign.

Lauren is also a TEDx speaker and co-founder of Cosplay Clean Up Global, inspiring people to embrace their inner superheroes to combat marine plastic pollution and support marine conservation through everyday changes. As if that’s not enough, Lauren also serves as Operations Director for Envoy: Shark Cull. It’s safe to say Lauren is a shark expert!

Sea Shepherd’s Shark Defence Campaign sheds much-needed light on the destructive nature of state-sanctioned shark ‘control’ programs in Australia, and here we chat with Lauren about why we should all love sharks and what their loss would mean for ocean biodiversity. There are many important take-home messages in this chat, including how every single one of us can use our voice or our actions to elicit change – even if the task at hand is a big one.

In this episode we discuss:
• Lauren’s background and love of the ocean
• Founding Cosplay Clean Up Global
• Lauren’s involvement in Envoy: Shark Cull
• Sea Shepherd’s mission, significant wins, and current campaigns
• The enormous extent of marine plastic pollution
• Why sharks are critical for the health and biodiversity of our oceans
• The realities of current shark control measures and shark-human interactions
• Alternative shark protection methods
• The value of media for driving change
• The United Nations high seas treaty
• Australian shark conservation – what needs to change
• The importance of individual actions – becoming an everyday superhero
• How you can support Sea Shepherd’s work

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.

Associate Professor Martin Brook - Climate Change and Geological Hazards

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 03:00:00 +1300

Associate Professor Martin Brook is a Chartered Geologist (CGeol) and director of the Master of Engineering geology degree at the University of Auckland. Martin was part of the landslide emergency response team for the Gisborne state of emergency in November 2021 and has published over 80 journal articles with many focusing on landslide investigations and satellite monitoring, particularly on urban landslides in New Zealand’s North Island.

Following the deadly storm, and consequent widespread damages, that impacted Auckland and its surrounds earlier this year, Martin penned several thought-provoking articles on just why so many landslides occurred and what can be done moving forward for the anxious communities recovering from these tragic events. We discuss this and more.

In this episode we discuss:
• Martin’s background in Applied Geology and land stability assessment
• Geology basics
• Soil variability and risks of geohazards
• Seasonal changes, climate change and the risk of landslides
• Land use change and increased geohazards – the impact of forestry and agriculture
• Previous and current policies and planning acts and the lack of consideration for geohazards
• Potential changes to insurance policies moving forward
• Lessons not learnt from past geohazard events
• The need for spongy cities
• Climate change adaptation and how to build back smarter

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.

Professor Corey Bradshaw - Climate Change And Biodiversity

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 03:00:00 +1300

Professor Corey Bradshaw is the Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology at Flinders University, Director of the Global Ecology Laboratory and a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage. Corey is a master communicator and prolific researcher, having hundreds of scientific papers to his name.

Here we discuss a paper Corey recently co-authored with Giovanni Strona, examining the extent of climate change on species extinction and the consequent potential for food web collapse. The heavy impact climate change and land use change have had, and will continue to have, on biodiversity really places us in uncharted waters – Corey puts a strong argument forward as to why we should all give a shit about biodiversity loss, and what we can do about it.

This is Corey’s second full episode and third appearance on the show – so if you haven’t listened yet, do go back and check out Season 2 Episode 10 and his contribution to our Season 2 Wrap-Up for more of his wise words.

In this episode we discuss:
• Corey’s background and work in Ecology
• Biodiversity basics and the important ecosystem services provided
• The interconnectedness of species and the concept of co-extinctions, zombie species and extinction debts
• The concerning rate of current extinctions compared to previous mass extinction periods
• Climate Change vs Land Use Change for species loss
• Loss of mammals and birds in Australia and New Zealand
• What the high rates of species loss could mean for humanity – from food shortages to political instability
• Corey’s hope for the future and what we can all do to cultivate positive change

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.

Dr Niyati Sharma - Nutrition and Skin Health

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 03:00:00 +1300

Dr Niyati Sharma is a Dermatologist with a sub-speciality in paediatric dermatology, extensive clinical experience with skin of colour and a Master of Public Health where she specialised in nutrition, policy and advocacy. Dr Sharma is also the founder of Inside Out Dermatology clinic in Melbourne. Given her diverse training and qualifications, Niyati helps patients approach their skin concerns in a truly holistic manner.

We chat with Dr Sharma about all things diet and skin and dispel some common myths and misconceptions about various beauty products, including an important conversation around sun exposure and sunscreen. Niyati will also be a speaker at the upcoming Doctors For Nutrition, Nutrition in Healthcare conference in Melbourne, February 17-19th.

In this episode we discuss:
• Niyati’s globetrotting background and journey to Dermatology
• The importance of taking a holistic approach to skin health (or any health condition!)
• Being your own health advocate
• Niyati’s contribution to Plant-Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice
• Traditional diets vs western diets and their impact on skin health
• Dietary and lifestyle factors in the development of acne and rosacea
• The growing research linking skin conditions and the microbiome
• Resistant starch and the hungry microbiome
• Beauty products worth your time vs ones you could leave on the shelf
• Sunscreen 101 – dispelling myths, what to look for and how to use it
• The upcoming Doctors For Nutrition conference

For our listeners, we have an exclusive discount to attend the Australasian Nutrition in Healthcare Conference, virtual or in person. Use the code DFN25NIHC for 25% off registration.

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.

Dr Michael Greger, MD - Plant-Based Nutrition Facts

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 03:00:00 +1300

Dr Michael Greger is a licensed general practitioner specialising in clinical nutrition He is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine, and a founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. In 2017 Dr Greger was honoured with the Lifestyle Medicine Trailblazer Award and became a diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.

Dr Greger is the founder of the very popular website NutritionFacts.org and author of New York Times bestselling books 'How Not to Die' and 'How Not to Diet', 5 books in total, with a 6th due to be published later this year.

In this episode we discuss:
• What we can expect from Dr Greger’s presentation at the Nutrition In Healthcare Conference
• The importance of a whole food plant-based diet for effective and safe weight loss
• Other lifestyle measures that impact one's health
• An update on the Blue Zones
• The relevance of a plant-based diet for our planet
• A teaser to the upcoming book ‘How Not to Age’
• The motivation behind NutritionFacts.org and the immense research required to maintain its creditability

Some valuable resources:
• The Broad Study
• Lifestyle Heart Trial
• Dr Greger’s Daily Dozen

Dr Greger will be one of the leading experts on whole food plant-based eating that will be presenting at the Nutrition In Healthcare Conference, hosted by Doctors For Nutrition, in Melbourne on 17–19 February.
For our listeners, we have an exclusive discount to attend the conference, virtual or in person. Use the code DFN25NIHC for 25% off registration.

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.

Dr Mike Joy and The Rubbish Trip - Translating Science To Real-World Action

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 03:00:00 +1300

We’re rounding out season three with a bang, marking our 100th podcast episode!
We have two popular return guests joining us and one fresh face; we speak to our favourite freshwater ecologist and science communicator Dr Mike Joy as well as zero-waste extraordinaires Hannah Blumhardt and Liam Prince. Hannah is a Senior Associate at the Institute of Governance and Policy Studies at Victoria University of Wellington and Liam is Chair of Aotearoa Plastic Pollution Alliance, and together they founded The Rubbish Trip in 2017.

This year on the podcast we’ve covered some heavy climate science, and for many, the sense of urgency around climate change is so great it almost seems tangible. Yet enacting the necessary changes remains difficult. So, in this episode, our esteemed guests give their two cents on how we can go about translating environmental science into real-world action.

While there are no simple solutions or one size fits all approaches, when we work together collectively, we can live the change we want to see. We end this season with the words of Greta Thunberg: ‘When we start to act hope is everywhere. So instead of looking for hope - look for action. Then the hope will come.’

In this episode we cover:
• The background of our guests
• How The Rubbish Trip came to be and their car-free journey around Aotearoa
• The Takeaway Throwaways campaign and the call for the government to ban single-use service ware for NZ food and drink establishments
• An update on Mike’s latest work and award-winning research
• The huge environmental cost of every glass of milk
• Limitations for behaviour change within our current economic and business paradigms and the need to reduce GDP to achieve climate targets
• Greenwashing traps to watch out for
• Issues with the current academic model: Pressure to publish and issues with industry funding in climate and agricultural science
• Effective climate advocacy and framing of narrative – it’s not a one size fits all approach
• The importance of community - using the skills you have to build coalitions and connections, ultimately enhancing climate action and outcomes
• Not staying quiet -the need to have those uncomfortable climate conversations

We hope you find value in this 100th episode, our last of season three. To all our listeners a huge thank you again for joining us on this ride so far. Stay safe and well over the break and we’re looking forward to joining you all again next year for more important conversations around personal and planetary health.

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.

The Lentil Express - Reflections

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 03:00:00 +1300

In our 99th episode, Ben and Emma take a moment to reflect on the past 3 years and inform listeners on plans for The Lentil Intervention moving forward in 2023 and beyond! We provide an update on our major campaigns and our plans for climate and health advocacy moving forward.

Next year we aim to showcase more local success stories and highlight the amazing work happening in your community – so if you have a story you want to share, let us know!

Additionally, what topics do you want to hear more of next year? Drop us a line and let us know so we can make this the best podcast possible for our listeners.

We’d like to take a moment to say a massive thank you to all our guests and listeners, we are so appreciative of your support. Also, if you love what we’re about and would like to volunteer to help us with various campaigns or social media next year please get in touch.

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.

Dr Anis Ta'eed - Diet for Healthy Kidneys

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 03:00:00 +1300

Dr Anis Ta’eed is a nephrologist and general physician (FRACP) working in Fiji since 2020. Dr Ta’eed works as the head of Nephrology at CWM Hospital in Suva and serves as director of the Fiji National Kidney Centre. Anis is also a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician (IBLM) and is passionate about the benefits of plant-based diets for kidney health (and health in general!).

In this episode, Anis brings his wealth of knowledge to provide us with a Kidney Health masterclass.

In this episode we cover:
• Anis’s background in medicine, what sparked his interest in nutrition, and the decision to move to Fiji for work
• Kidney function 101 – How they work and the importance of keeping them healthy
• Acute Kidney Injury, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and the current burden on the population
• The relationship between hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease
• Symptoms and causes of CKD and the importance of diet for prevention and management
• Total protein intake, animal protein, plant protein and kidney disease risk
• Dietary Potassium and phosphate and what you need to know about these nutrients if you have CKD
• Burden of kidney disease in Fiji and the increased risk in certain population groups
• The groundswell of support behind the plant-based movement in Fiji
• The upcoming Doctors For Nutrition conference, where Anis will be presenting

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.

David Spratt - Climate Code Red

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 03:00:00 +1300

David Spratt has been Research Coordinator for the independent think tank Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration since 2014. He was co-founder of the Climate Action Centre in Melbourne and co-authored Climate Code Red; the case for emergency action. David is a prolific climate science communicator, writing regularly for popular publications and blogging at climatecodered.org.

In this frank conversation, David discusses the climate emergency and the realities of climate modelling and acceptable risk, putting forward a strong case for more drastic climate action. One way or another disruption is inevitable, and he calls on us to have the courage to speak the truth and act accordingly - because it is necessary and fair.

In this episode we cover:
• What inspired David’s journey to climate communication
• Climate dominoes: The importance of understanding climate tipping points and positive feedback loops
• Temperature projections and the dangers already existing with earth’s current warming
• Realities and limitations of climate modelling
• The intersections of politics and climate science
• Adaptation, mitigation and drawdown
• Cooling the arctic and global flow on effects of the warming poles
• The case for emergency action and disruption
• Whether the goal of net zero by 2050 is appropriate
• The greenwashing and accountancy tricks involved in reaching net zero
• How to effectively communicate the climate emergency and what we can learn from health promotion principles

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.

Geoff Reid - Toitū Te Whenua: Environmental Documentation of The Bay of Plenty & Lakes District

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 03:00:00 +1300

Environmentalist, campaigner, content creator and all-around legend, Geoff Reid joins us again on the podcast for an update on his latest work. If you’re new to Geoff’s work we suggest checking out our first conversation with him (S1 Ep25) – but not until you take a listen to this one, because Geoff has an exciting project launching into the world very soon!

Geoff has been working incredibly hard behind the scenes on his upcoming documentary Toitū Te Whenua; an environmental documentation of the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District. This documentary explores the impacts of industrial land use and poorly enforced environmental regulations on human and environmental health. A must-watch for anyone in Aotearoa.

In this episode we cover:
• Geoff’s background and passion for environmental conservation and restoration in Aotearoa
• Geoff’s current projects, campaigns, and advocacy work
• The true state of New Zealand’s forests and waterways and the greenwashing that occurs on a regular basis
• Geoff’s latest major project collaborating with Timothy Firkin and Grant Nicholson; Toitū Te Whenua – a documentary film exploring the state of the natural environment in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District
• Some of the challenges Geoff experienced making the film
• The importance of traditional knowledge systems and engaging with kaumātua in the making of the documentary
• Industry influence on local councils and how this translates to lack of repercussions for poor environmental management
• A better way forward for the environment, human health, society, and the economy through better land stewardship – and how we can all help create a better, healthier future!

Upcoming screenings for the documentary with Q&A sessions are happening soon; Tauranga on 18th October, Rotorua on 19th October and Christchurch on 20th October. Check the website for more details and updates.

Geoff manages to achieve an incredible amount on a shoestring budget. If you’d like to support Geoff’s important work consider donating to his patreon.

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.

Dotsie Bausch - Olympic Medallist And Founder of Switch4Good

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Dotsie Bausch is a plant-powered athlete, an Olympic medallist, renowned public speaker, podcast host and founder of the non-profit organisation Switch4Good. Her achievements are nothing short of phenomenal. After overcoming an eating disorder and cocaine addiction, her therapist suggested taking up an activity, which ultimately set Dotsie on the path to winning an Olympic silver medal – becoming the oldest athlete in her discipline to ever compete at the Olympics, let alone fuelled by plants!

Following on from a successful cycling career Dotsie founded Switch4Good, after becoming increasingly frustrated by the dairy industry’s infiltration of Team USA. Since its beginnings in 2018, Switch4Good has gone from strength to strength by not only helping people ditch dairy for ethical and planetary health reasons but also focusing strongly on food justice issues; campaigning the government to ditch dietary racism within the school system. Dotsie is such a passionate advocate for dietary justice, planet earth and earth’s animals. There’s a fire burning in Dotsie’s belly and her determination to create a better world is contagious. We hope you love this conversation as much as we did!

In this episode we discuss:
• Dotsie’s background of overcoming anorexia, cocaine addiction and suicide attempts, going on to become a champion cyclist
• Her journey to the Olympic podium - as the oldest Olympic athlete in history in her cycling discipline!
• Dotsie’s dietary change to veganism while in heavy training
• Her involvement in The Game Changers and Personal Gold: An Underdog Story documentaries
• The motivation behind establishing Switch4Good and their controversial launch into the world
• The amazing work of Switch4Good and their fantastic resources - including the podcast Dotsie co-hosts with Alexandra Paul
• Dietary racism within the American school system and current Switch4Good campaigns to change this

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.

Associate Professor Simon Michaux - Replacing Fossil Fuels And Limits To Growth

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Simon Michaux is an Associate Professor of Geometallurgy at the Geological Survey of Finland in the Circular Economy Solutions Unit. Holding a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Physics and Geology and a PhD in Mining Engineering from the University of Queensland, Simon has extensive experience in mining research and development, circular economic principles, industrial recycling, and mineral intelligence. Through his recent publications, Simon has outlined the many challenges facing the global industrial ecosystem. He notes our world is currently energy and minerals blind and transitioning to renewable energies is not as straightforward as it appears.

We’ve been growing without care to planetary limits for too long and change is coming, whether we like it or not. We need a completely new energy paradigm to address the challenges ahead, and as Simon says, it all starts with a conversation. We cover a lot of ground in this one, so grab a notebook and strap in for an important conversation – this is one you’ll want to listen to more than once.

In this episode we discuss:
• Simon’s diverse work background from R&D in the Australian mining industry, to organic farming, involvement in the circular economy sector and now his important work at the Geological Survey of Finland
• A wake-up call; Simon’s detailed reports outlining the quantity of minerals needed to phase out fossil fuels and the shortage of critical raw materials that will impose limits on growth
• The need to restructure the circular economy into the resource balanced economy
• Leaving oil before it leaves us and the limitations of alternative energies like biofuels and renewables
• Simon’s commentary on current geopolitical tensions and past resource wars
• How technology is inextricably linked to commodities and why this means technology can’t completely bridge the energy gap
• Community strategies for overcoming our minerals and energy blindness and adapting to our lower energy future
• And SO much more!

• There was a lot we simply couldn’t cover in this podcast episode due to time constraints but we urge you to find out more about Simon’s work and recommend viewing his recent presentation at the University of Queensland’s JKMRC Friday Seminars.

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Thomas Tothill - From Oil Rigs To Reefs And Indigenous Knowledge Systems For Research

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Thomas Tothill is a passionate environmental consultant, research technician and PhD candidate with Marine Futures Lab at the University of Western Australia. With a diverse background in marine and environmental sciences, Thomas is now undertaking his PhD where he is working in collaborative partnership with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, pairing indigenous cultural values and marine research to understand Sea Country in the Recherche Archipelago.

Thomas has previously studied the ecology and potential biodiversity benefits of offshore oil and gas platforms. Surprisingly some offshore platforms are amongst the most ecologically productive ecosystems and with more than 12,000 rigs worldwide, many soon reaching their end-of-life, there is a myriad of considerations for decommissioning these structures with minimal harm to the marine environment.

Here we have a fascinating discussion about both topics:

Thomas’s background and his passion for research and the environment
His Masters Thesis concerning offshore oil and gas rigs and their potential biodiversity benefits
The complexities of decommissioning these rigs once they reach their end-of-life
The need to assess decommissioning considerations on a case-by-case basis
Translating knowledge about oil and gas rig marine ecology to renewable offshore structures such as windfarms
Thomas’s PhD research identifies sites and species of cultural importance in the Recherche Archipelago
The benefits of a yarning approach for engaging with Indigenous Australians in research
The western approach to science vs Indigenous knowledge systems and the importance of a paired approach
The unfortunate ‘publish or perish’ mentality in research and the need to make space for alternative knowledge systems and world views
The importance of ongoing collaborative partnerships and cultural leadership models

If you’d like to take a deeper dive into some of the important topics covered by Thomas in this episode, here are some further resources recommended by Thom that complement our discussion:

Offshore platforms as novel ecosystems (from the Marine Futures Lab):
Yarning methodology
Two-eyed seeing
Karparti approach
Decolonising methodologies (with a strong Aotearoa perspective)

To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget

Josh Uluilakeba - Maoli Chef

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 03:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we’re chopping it up with the inspiring Josh Uluilakeba, AKA the Maoli Chef. Josh is a plant-based chef and entrepreneur, who’s on a mission to bring more plant-based cuisine to Fiji! Like many other Pacific Islands, Fiji has undergone economic and nutrition changes that have contributed to a dramatic rise in non-communicable diseases over the last few decades. In fact, over the last 30 years, the prevalence of these health conditions has risen faster in the Pacific region compared to the rest of the world.

And this is where Josh comes in! Raised in a plant-based family and having successfully overcome a chronic health issue of his own, Josh now keeps incredibly busy educating his fellow Fijians about plant-based cooking via his social media platforms and supplying vegan products locally. Josh’s goal is to inspire fellow Islanders to embrace healthy, plant-based lifestyles, one meatless dish at a time. And with his infectious positivity and zest, it’s a goal we’re pretty sure he’ll be ticking off his checklist in no time.

In this episode we discuss:
• Josh’s background, being raised in a plant-based family
• Dietary ‘rebellion’ during his teen years and consequent health problems
• Josh’s family pioneering the plant-based movement in Suva, opening one of the first vegan cafes
• Fiji’s Covid lockdown and the impact on local food supply
• The inspiration behind Maoli chef and Josh’s typical workday in ‘the lab’
• The move away from traditional dietary patterns and coinciding sharp rise in non-communicable diseases in Fiji
• Josh’s advocacy of healthy plant-based cuisine in Fiji
• Josh’s tips for making his tofu taste good! (Maoli Chef tofu is now stocked at Kundan Singh Supermarket for anyone who is local!)
• Plans for the future

Josh has also very kindly agreed to contribute one of his delicious traditional Fijian recipes to our Plan(e)t Cuisine campaign. Be sure to check it out on our website!

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.

Chris Darwin - Behavioural Change And The Darwin Challenge

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Chris Darwin’s mission is a life of love – and what a life he’s led so far! With a background in advertising and a career as a mountain guide, Chris is what you would call a certified adrenaline junkie, having been involved in two world-first expeditions: The world’s highest dinner party on Peru’s highest peak and the first round-Britain windsurfing expedition.

Chris is also an enthusiastic nature conservationist, with the audacious goal of preventing the global mass extinction of species. Chris is working towards this goal in a number of ways. Firstly, he acts as an Ambassador for Bush Heritage Australia, has raised millions for charities, and was instrumental in establishing the Charles Darwin Reserve in Western Australia.

More recently he became a founder and CEO of The Darwin Challenge charity and its associated (award-winning) app. Oh, and did we mention he’s Charles Darwin’s great-great-grandson?! Talk about honouring a family legacy…

In this episode we discuss:
• Chris’s adventurous background and work in advertising
• The importance of working out your purpose and emotional resilience
• Chris’s path to conservation
• Keys to sustainable behaviour change
• The Darwin Challenge App, for making meat reduction easy
• The multiple benefits of plant-based eating for people and planet
• Consumer motivation for choosing meat vs plant-based foods
• Chris’s passion for conservation and work with Bush Heritage Australia

Summer Wright - Food Sovereignty and Tikanga Māori

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Summer Wright (Ngāti Maniapoto, Pākehā) is a dietitian, Co-Convenor of OraTaiao, and current PhD candidate at Massey University. Passionate about food sovereignty and social justice issues, Summer’s PhD will investigate the social and economic opportunities for Māori businesses in plant-based foods, under the umbrella of the Future Foods Catalyst Programme.

Her research will also assess overseas demand for these products and generate insights for alternative land-use decisions for Māori businesses and landowners. Summer’s research will help carve a path forward, moving us towards a brighter future – one where food systems aren’t so exploitative of people, planet or animals!

In this conversation we discuss:
• Summer’s background and interest in nutrition
• Motivation behind Summer’s PhD thesis; ‘Unique Value Proposition of Māori Plant-based Foods’
• How Summer’s research aligns with Tikanga Māori
• Land as vital to Māori prosperity and history of land alienating policies
• Key concerns regarding consumer choice of plant-based proteins
• The need to better integrate education around sustainable food systems into the nutrition and dietetic curriculum
• The disconnect between food system intensification and impact on planetary health
• Opportunities for plant-based foods to foster social and environmental justice
• Summer’s role as co-convenor of Ora Taiao; NZ Climate and Health Council
• Summer’s hope for the future

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.

Dr Peter Johnston - What Is The Perfect Human Food

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Peter Johnston is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, lifestyle medicine practitioner and wellness coach with a PhD in Human Genetics. Peter is also a fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine acting as a facilitator with Melbourne Lifestyle Medicine and running his private practice; Perfect Human Food.

We chat with Peter about the benefits of a whole food plant-based diet and the common learning curves experienced as people transition. Peter brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation and rounds out our chat with a sombre look at the ecological impacts of our current food system and what needs to change to secure a prosperous future for people and the planet.

In this episode we discuss:
• Peter’s background working in shearing gangs and venturing into slaughterhouses
• Peter’s previous research, his ‘obsession’ with not aging and his motivation for transitioning to a plant-based diet
• The changes in plant-based offerings in supermarkets and cafes in the last 30 years and what that has meant for health outcomes
• Processed foods, cravings, and weight management
• Salt, sugar and fat and their role in our diets
• The importance of cooking skills and learning to enjoy foods as grown
• Peter’s private practice work and his facilitator role with Melbourne Lifestyle Medicine
• Peter’s involvement in educating the next generation of health professionals about the benefits of plant-based nutrition
• The current food system’s immense impact on the planet and risk to long-term food security

Please note: In our conversation we mentioned the Melbourne Lifestyle Medicine upcoming July immersion, however, due to a change in scheduling the next available immersion runs 4th-11th September.

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.

Professor Diana Sarfati - Understanding Cancer And Its Challenges

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Professor Diana Sarfati (MBChB, MPH, PhD, FNZCPHM) is a public health physician, cancer epidemiologist and health services researcher. Serving as Tumuaki, Chief Executive and National Director of Cancer Control New Zealand, Diana discusses the goals of the Cancer Control Agency and their aims to both assist and challenge the cancer care sector to achieve fewer cancers, better survival and equity for all.

Professor Sarfati brings her wealth of knowledge to the conversation and provides us with an understanding of cancer and its many challenges, including an important discussion around the unequal burden of disease within our society.

In this episode we discuss:
• Diana’s background in medicine and her passion for public health
• Te Aho o Te Kahu, Cancer Control Agency
• An overview of cancer statistics in Aotearoa and elsewhere
• Heath disparities between population groups
• Key drivers of health inequality
• Cancer prevention and modifiable risk factors
• The importance of both individual and systemic changes for cancer prevention, treatment and management
• What we can all do to reduce cancer risk for ourselves and our loved ones

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Jack Santa Barbara - Ecological Cost of Renewable Energy

Mon, 30 May 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Jack Santa Barbara, PhD is a retired CEO, academic, philanthropist, author, and environmental and peace activist. Jack has long been writing and educating on environmental and energy issues and the consequent impacts on people and the planet.

Here Jack discusses the current predicament we find ourselves in regarding energy use and our limits to growth. We have within reach an opportunity to carve a new and better path forward and Jack argues that for our future to be truly sustainable our thinking needs to be bigger and bolder…but that our economy should not be. To seriously engage with the overshoot issue, we need to think differently.

In this episode we discuss:
• Jack’s background - from conflict resolution to business to ecological economics
• Reconceptualising economics to acknowledge biophysical limits to growth
• The role of fossil fuels in the development of our civilisations and economies
• The importance of understanding net energy and the changing net energy return of our current energy sources
• Our carbon ‘tunnel vision’ with a tendency to overlook other aspects of living sustainably within planetary boundaries
• The pros and cons of current renewable energy options
• The framing of needs vs wants in a lower energy future
• Individual and community actions to accelerate change

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Angela Egan - Health Inequities in Our Community

Mon, 16 May 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Angela Egan is a trained GP, now working in a highly specialised team undertaking major heart and lung surgery in Townsville. Angela is a passionate advocate of lifestyle medicine, health equity and climate action in her community. In fact, her determination for stronger changes in these areas has motivated Dr Egan to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Australian federal election.

Angela discusses the health and social issues facing regional, rural and remote areas and we learn more about Cardiovascular Disease and Rheumatic Heart Disease in Australia, noting the high Indigenous burden, which necessitates urgent and transformational change.

In this episode we discuss:
• Angela’s background; from a career in the army to medicine, and now running for politics!
• Her passion for preventative and lifestyle medicine principles and her work in the community encouraging this
• Multiple factors that contribute to the health disparities still seen between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, and how we work towards closing that gap
• Heart health primer: An overview on the prevention, treatment and management of both Cardiovascular Disease and Rheumatic Heart Disease
• Food insecurity in rural and remote areas
• The impacts of climate change on the social and environmental determinants of health
• Angela’s motivations for standing for the federal election and her policy priorities

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Lennart Bach - Ocean-Based Solutions for the Climate Crisis

Mon, 02 May 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Lennart Bach is an ARC Future Fellow for Climate intervention at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, at the University of Tasmania. As a Marine Biogeochemist, Lennart has a special interest in marine plankton communities, the carbon cycle, and ocean-based solutions for the climate crisis.

Here Lennart provides a nuanced overview of the ocean-based climate intervention strategies currently being considered.

In this episode we discuss:
• Lennart’s background and his work as a biogeochemist
• Carbon basics in the context of climate change
• The marine carbon cycle, ocean acidification, calcification and what this all means for ocean life
• The complexity of the ocean’s food web and climate change impacts
• The current state of carbon sequestration science
• Climate change and ocean-based solution for removing CO2 – the pros and cons of various strategies
• Opportunity for Tasmanians to become citizen scientists to get involved in Lennart’s research on ocean alkalinity - Citizen Science Project
• The importance of bringing about systemic change to address the climate emergency

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Carolyn Orr - Environmental Pollution and our Health

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Carolyn Orr is a Neurologist and Clinician Researcher from Western Australia, specialising in degenerative brain diseases. A member of Doctors for the Environment Australia, Dr Orr is also a passionate environmental advocate, speaking out against fossil fuels in the interest of health.

Carolyn recently delivered a powerful TEDxUWA speech where she outlined the relationship between fossil fuels, climate change and human health. In this chat she expands on that, giving us a frighteningly long catalogue of health implications stemming from air pollution exposure.

This episode should serve as a wake-up call to all that listen - that we need transformative change now. We need to stop ignoring human suffering in the pursuit of profit.

In this episode we discuss:
• Carolyn’s background in Neurology and clinical research
• What piqued Carolyn’s interest in environmental issues and what drives her action now
• Environmental pollution and wide-ranging and alarming impacts on human health – from asthma to cancer to heart disease and more
• The major sources of air pollution
• Australia’s out-of-date air pollution regulatory system
• Findings from the latest IPCC report and why change needs to happen NOW
• How the fossil fuel industry has stymied climate action
• Climate actions everyone can implement to change our lives for the better

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Charlotte Turner - Climate Risk Mitigation

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 03:00:00 +1200

Charlotte (Charlie) Turner is a Senior Associate of Climate Risk Governance at MinterEllison and the APAC co-lead at The Chancery Lane Project. Charlotte specialises in climate risk through a finance, corporate governance, and liability lens - so while the subject matter of this episode may be a little different to our usual offerings, this conversation will be of particular interest to listeners in the business and corporate world.

Charlotte takes us through the complexities of climate-related risks and the actions businesses should be undertaking. Charlie also discusses The Chancery Lane Project, a wonderful international initiative with a vision of a world where every contract enables solutions to climate change. An important reminder that climate-related litigation can be an important driver of change in this climate crisis!

In this episode we discuss:
• Charlotte’s background and her journey to climate risk governance
• Climate change and financial risk
• Government vs private business – where the liability and obligations lie
• The legal risks associated with greenwashing and emerging standards and scrutiny around ‘sustainable’ and ‘green’ language
• The need for a top-down, integrated approach to the management of business climate risks
• Minister Sussan Ley’s recent successful federal court appeal
• Force Majeure in the era of climate change
• The Chancery Lane Project and their Net Zero Toolkit

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Professor Gretta Pecl - IPCC Working Group II's Report on Impacts, Adaptation & Vulnerability

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 03:00:00 +1300

Professor Gretta Pecl is a marine ecologist, Director of the Centre for Marine Socioecology, chair of Redmap Australia and an ARC Future Fellow. If that’s not already impressive enough, Gretta was also a lead author of the recent IPCC sixth assessment report from working group II; Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability.

After noticing big changes in marine environments in the early 2000s, Professor Pecl became increasingly interested in climate change science and now focuses much of her research on the socio-ecological aspects of climate change and sustainable management of marine resources. More than ever, Gretta is focused on communicating the urgent and crucial science; the changing climate is causing big changes to the ecological fabric of our planet.

This latest IPCC assessment doesn’t paint a rosy picture of our potential future with continued inaction. Every region of the world will be impacted in some way. Every fraction of a degree matters. Every second counts. Gretta runs us through the significant findings.

In this episode we discuss:
• Gretta’s passion for effective science communication and community engagement
• Gretta’s involvement in various projects; Curious Climate, Future Seas and Redmap
• The immense scope and scale of the latest IPCC sixth assessment report
• The increased certainty of climate science findings
• The key takeaways from the latest IPCC report
• Relevant findings and adaptation limits for the Australasian region
• The need to focus on disaster resilience in addition to recovery
• The difference between mitigation and adaptation actions, and why we need both
• The importance of grounded hope and individual actions

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Anthony Dissen, MPH, MA, RDN, CPH - Nutrition Science: Cherries versus Cherry-Picking

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 03:00:00 +1300

Anthony Dissen, MPH, MA, RDN, CPH, (he/him) is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Public Health Educator focusing on lifestyle medicine, health humanities, narrative-based medicine, and community and public health education. Anthony is currently a professor in the School of Health Sciences at Stockton University in the USA and is currently completing a Doctorate in Education.

In this episode, we have a frank discussion regarding the communication of nutrition science within the plant-based community - both the good and the bad. Anthony also chats about how to determine the quality of health information you might stumble across in the online world.

In this episode we discuss:
• Anthony’s background and passion for health science communication
• Approaches of the western scientific method vs traditional knowledge systems
• Pressure to publish within the scientific community and what this means for the quality of research
• Determining the quality of health information accessible online, including his recent paper on the subject
• Considering scientific methodology and the hierarchy of evidence when evaluating nutrition science
• How poor interpretation of science works against the plant-based movement
• The never-ending oil debate and other controversial issues within the whole food plant-based community, such as nuts and seeds, protein, and the use of supplements
• The importance of engaging and positive communication styles
• And a whole lot more!

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Rochelle Ade - Live Better with Less

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 03:00:00 +1300

Dr Rochelle Ade describes herself as a disillusioned former advocate of green building and rating tools. Being engaged with the Green Building movement for over ten years, both in New Zealand and internationally, all was happy in Rochelle’s green building world until she commenced her PhD studies. During that time, Rochelle’s research led her to conclude that there was actually little proof that green buildings and green building rating tools were delivering buildings that would help save the world. So, what to do?

In this conversation, we delve into the details of how to build better homes – and folks, it’s a really hard question to answer! Following on from this, we talk more about Rochelle’s recent advocacy and educational work; sharing her knowledge for living better with less and touching on some no bullshit ways to save the world. This conversation covers a lot of ground – but it’s an honest appraisal of the state of the world and what we can all do to make the world a better place, each and every day.

In this episode we discuss:
• Rochelle’s background from engineering to green buildings to environmental advocacy
• Rochelle’s PhD studies and her surprise findings regarding green rating tools
• The flaws of current green rating tools and the need for better building standards
• The need to live better with less – is capitalism killing our planet?
• No bullshit ways to change the world – Rochelle’s key advice for minimising our planetary impact
• And a whole lot more!

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Ryan Andrews - Swole Planet: Building a Better Body and a Better Earth

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 03:00:00 +1300

Ryan Andrews, MS, MA, RD, RYT, CSCS, is a man who wears many hats; he is a registered dietitian, author, yoga teacher, certified movement and exercise coach and a sustainable food systems advocate. Ryan believes it’s possible to create a more equitably, sustainable, healthful and human food system – and he wants to help build it! Recently publishing his latest book titled ‘Swole Planet: Building a better body and a better earth’, this excellent resource will help you build a body that is functional and fit, while at the same time building a planet that is more sustainable and equitable – considering biceps and abs alongside greenhouse gas emissions and farmworker welfare. Ryan is a perfect guest to set the tone for season three, being an ardent proponent of personal and planetary health.

In this episode we discuss:
• Ryan’s background and nutrition evolution – from focusing purely on macros and big biceps to thinking about the many food system factors that benefit both people and the planet
• Ryan’s inspiration for writing Swole Planet and the purpose he hopes it will serve
• Our planet’s current trajectory and the food system’s contribution to ecological overshoot
• The five dietary adjustments that can benefit both you and the planet
• Meal planning strategies including how Ryan plans his own day
• Other lifestyle factors important for good health
• And a lot more!

Swole Planet is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning more about both health improvement strategies and how food impacts our earth. Packed full of helpful resources and strategies, everyone will take something of value away – whether you’re vegan, paleo, omnivore or somewhere in-between. Ryan is generously donating part of the proceeds to worthy causes and also offering our podcast listeners a 15% discount by using the promo code LENTIL15 during checkout. A fantastic addition to any ebook library!

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Wrap-Up 2021 - Personal Climate Stories

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 03:00:00 +1300

We’ve been honoured to share some incredible wisdom and science with you this year, courtesy of our phenomenal guests. Last season we recapped with a look back at the year that was, but this season we thought we’d finish by bringing you the stories behind the science of climate change and humanity’s unsteady relationship with the natural world.

The climate emergency is complex and emotive, but in certain ways, it’s also intangible and removed from our day-to-day lives. Whether we acknowledge it or not, this issue will touch us all. So how do we address the government, institutional and individual inertia currently stymieing change? Meaningful stories matter – now more than ever, and they can help shift the narrative.

In this year’s final episode, we are sharing 19 personal climate stories – stories of eco-anxiety, powerlessness, anger, despair…stories shining a light on the uneasy reality of living in this climate-changed world. However, these stories also highlight an alternative narrative often forgotten. Sometimes from the ashes, hope will rise. There is a common thread in these stories - of individual and collective action, of communities being strengthened, of enacting change, of grounded hope…of people finding common ground and coming together to carve a path forward. If these stories resonate with you, please share them. Keep this important conversation going.

Many of these storytellers have been previous guests of the show, so we also urge you to peruse our back catalogue and catch up on their full episodes.

Our contributors and timestamps:
• 0:08:53 Megan Grant - PhD Candidate (Previously S2 Ep36)
• 0:17:19 Dr. Mike Joy - Freshwater Ecologist (Previously S1 Ep12 and S2 Ep28)
• 0:21:41 Lillian Stewart - PhD Candidate (Previously S2 Ep43)
• 0:26:20 Dr. Jenn Lavers - Lead Researcher at Adrift Lab
• 0:33:42 Professor Corey Bradshaw - Matthew Flinders Fellow in Global Ecology (Previously S2 Ep10)
• 0:46:50 Sue Meltzer - Principal at Kadimah School
• 0:56:03 Matthew Day - IT Support, Health Sector
• 1:01:01 Cecilia Rodriguez-Gomez - PhD Candidate
• 1:05:46 Jez Francis - Music Therapist
• 1:15:19 Saskia Verraes - Sustainable Futures Advisor at The Mind Lab
• 1:27:57 Andre Borell - Director of Envoy: Shark Cull (Previously S2 Ep35)
• 1:33:22 Brad Dalrymple - Principal Environmental Engineer at Ocean Protect (Previously S1 Ep7)
• 1:39:11 Jan Saunders - Owner of The Beet Retreat, vegan B&B
• 1:49:13 Dr Sally Gillespie - Author of Climate Crisis and Consciousness: Reimagining our world and ourselves (Previously S2 Ep27)
• 2:04:57 Ryan Alexander - Co-founder and managing director of No Meat May (Previously S2 Ep15)
• 2:09:03 Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts - Biological Sciences researcher (Previously S2 Ep3)
• 2:14:58 Dr Luke Wilson - GP and a Board Director at Doctors For Nutrition (Previously S1 Ep2, S1 Ep3, and S1 Ep28)
• 2:20:54 Brad Dixon - Everfit

The Lentil Express - Diet And Agriculture Q&A

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 03:00:00 +1300

This episode is a dedicated Q&A show, following on from Ben and Emma’s presentation at the Doctors For The Environment (DEA) 2021 conference, where they discussed food solutions for planetary health.

If you haven’t already done so, it makes sense to listen to Season 2 Episode 44 before diving into this one, as there you will be able to listen to the presentation recording in full. We had some fantastic questions on the day, with a few more sent in from our wonderful listeners, and we cover them as best we can here!

We discuss the following topics:
• Food waste and where this mostly occurs along the paddock to pantry journey
• Regenerative agriculture vs plant-based diets
• Fantastic fungi!...The health and environmental benefits of mushrooms
• How to transition to plant-based diets if you have health issues
• Key actions individuals can take to enhance planetary health
• The 9 most commonly consumed plant foods
• Sources of B12 on a plant-based diet
• Sources of Iron on a plant-based diet
• Tips for approaching a FODMAP diet as a plant-based eater – more information can be found in this article
• And the big question – if we can stay within planetary boundaries by changing our food systems

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Luke Wilson - Food for The Heart

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 03:00:00 +1300

In this episode, we bring you the third and final recording from the recent Evidence Based Eating NZ Wellington/online event. In this episode Dr Luke Wilson discusses the need to change nutrition guidelines, pivoting away from animal products and processed foods, towards plants.

Luke is a Wellington GP and is Board Certified by the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr Wilson is a previous guest of our podcast (our first ever!), so to find out more about his background and work listen to Season 1 Episode 2 & Episode 3 and Season 1 Episode 28.

You can view all previous episodes 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.

Dr Mike Joy - Protecting Our Planet’s Life Support Networks

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 03:00:00 +1300

In this episode, we bring you the second recording from the recent Evidence Based Eating NZ Wellington/online event, this time hearing from Dr Mike Joy.

Mike has been working for two decades at the interface of science and policy in New Zealand, with a goal of strengthening connections between science, policy and real outcomes to address the multiple environmental issues facing Aotearoa.

Here he discusses how cattle, pig and chicken farming harms what we breathe and drink. Dr Joy is a previous guest of our podcast, so to find out more about his background and work listen to Season 1 Episode 12 and Season 2 Episode 28.

You can view all previous episodes 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.

Dr Cristina Cleghorn - Food Policy Changes

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +1300

In this episode, we bring you a recording of Dr Cristina Cleghorn’s lecture at the recent Evidence Based Eating NZ event. Hosted in Wellington, and online, on 30th October 2021, this event was focused on the Ministry of Health. Dr Cleghorn’s recording is the first of three presentations.

Cristina is a Public Health Nutrition Researcher at the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington. She has a strong interest in sustainable diets and the prevention of chronic disease through diet. Here she talks about food policy changes and what this could mean in terms of environmental and health benefits.

You can view all previous episodes 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.

Jono Lester, Plant-Powered Motorsport Athlete

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Jono Lester loves driving fast, running far and eating plants. Jono is a third-generation racing driver who’s been in the driver’s seat since age 13. Jono is also an SPCA spokesperson and a passionate plant-based advocate.

Typically, busy racing GT cars in Asia, Jono has been increasingly involved in ultra and long-distance trail running since Covid-19 has seen him grounded in NZ. We also have an important chat about the mental health challenges of lockdown from an athlete’s perspective.

In this episode we discuss:
• Jono’s personal background and his family’s racing heritage in New Zealand
• The future of car racing in a world that is increasingly aware of carbon emissions and climate change and the promise of EV racing
• The mental and athletic demands of a race car driver and the training required
• Jono’s transition to a plant-based diet, the reasoning that inspired the change and the benefits Jono’s experienced since making the switch
• The positive reactions of Jono’s team following his plant-based lifestyle change
• Jono’s growing passion for training running and setting new goals and challenges
• Strategies for coping with the latest Covid lockdown
• And much more!

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Ben & Emma - Climate Solutions: Diet and Agriculture

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Ben and Emma recently presented at the Doctors For The Environment (DEA) annual conference, titled iDEA 2021: Planet Health and Hope. The conference provided an honest appraisal of the climate crisis from scientific, medical, cultural and political perspectives, with a stellar line-up of presenters. In this episode, we bring you the recording of Ben and Emma’s presentation, where they discuss the impact of our diets and agricultural systems on planetary health and offer some solutions for the future.

This is obviously a complex topic with much to unpack, and there was a lot that simply couldn’t be covered in the 30-minute slot! Given that, we will be following up this episode with a dedicated Q&A show soon. So, if this episode raises any questions for you, let us know before 28 November 2021 so we can answer them on that upcoming Q&A episode!

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Lillian Stewart & Harrison Talarico, Marine Plastic & Phenology of Seabirds

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Lillian Stewart is a PhD Candidate currently focusing on waste management and marine plastics on remote islands. Harrison Talarico is very soon to complete his honours project using bioacoustics to monitor the phenology of short-tailed shearwaters.

Both Lillian and Harrison are members of the Adrift Lab team, (at the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania) a dedicated group of researchers studying all things adrift in the ocean.

In this episode we discuss:
• Lillian and Harrison’s respective backgrounds and forays into the science world
• The importance of science communication and translating science into practice for the general public
• Acknowledging eco-grief and the impact on climate and environmental scientists and science students
• Lillian’s recent time on Lord Howe Island, and her new project work looking into plastic waste management
• Harrison’s honours project, studying the phenology of Tasmanian Shearwaters, and his current passion project; attempting to build a call recogniser to automatically detect shearwater vocalisations
• The high percentage of anthropogenic debris ingestion in urban gull populations and why this shines a spotlight on our current waste management practices
• Research findings highlighting birds as transporters of waste into marine and aquatic environments
• The need for industrial and personal change in order to address our plastic waste problem
• The importance of local and Indigenous knowledge in environmental science and stewardship
• Future plans and goals for both Lillian and Harrison, and the benefits of working with Adrift Lab as a student

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Mark Craig - A New Approach To Preventative Medicine

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +1300

In this episode, we bring you the third and final recording from the recent Evidence Based Eating NZ Auckland/online event. In this episode, Dr Mark Craig discusses a new approach to preventative care and refers to overseas hospital plant-based policy success and community plant-based courses.

Mark is an Auckland GP and also a founding member and Vice-Chair of Evidence-Based Eating New Zealand. Mark speaks regularly at lifestyle and nutrition conferences.

You can view all previous episodes 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.

Professor Boyd Swinburn - Fixing The Obesogenic Landscape

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +1300

In this episode, we bring you the second recording from the recent Evidence Based Eating NZ Auckland/online event, this time hearing from Professor Boyd Swinburn. Boyd is Professor of Population Nutrition and Global Health at the University of Auckland, and Honorary Professor at the Global Centre at Deakin University in Australia.

Here he talks about fixing our obesogenic landscape; how our District Health Boards and changing government policies can help. Professor Swinburn is a previous guest of our podcast, so to find out more about Boyd’s background and work listen to Season 2 Episode 8.

You can view all previous episodes 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.

Fuchsia Goldsmith - Nutrition and Long-Term Health

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 03:00:00 +1300

In this episode, we bring you a recording of Fuchsia Goldsmith’s lecture at the recent Evidence Based Eating NZ event. Hosted online on 9th October 2021, due to Auckland’s lockdown restrictions, this event was themed ‘Focus on Hospitals’ and this recording is the first of three presentations.

Fuchsia Goldsmith is a Nutritionist and Dietitian based in Auckland and here she discusses nutrition and long-term health. Fuchsia has appeared on our podcast previously, so to find out more about Fuchsia and her work listen to Season 2 Episode 14.

You can view all previous episodes 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.

Amy Taylor & Chris Huriwai - Milked: White Lies in Dairy Land

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Amy Taylor is an award-winning filmmaker and the owner of Ahimsa Films and Chris Huriwai is a vegan advocate, a world champion unicyclist and an extreme sportsman. Together they make up part of the phenomenal team behind the new documentary Milked, a feature documentary that exposes the whitewash of New Zealand’s multi-billion dollar dairy industry.

This Documentary follows Chris’s journey around Aotearoa, as he discovers the reality of the kiwi dairy farming fairy-tale and offers up potential solutions for a different way forward - one that would benefit animals, humans and the planet.

In this episode we discuss:
• Amy and Chris’s respective backgrounds and how they found themselves working together on this project
• Other members of the ‘dream team’ involved in the making of Milked; Peter Eastwood, Suzy Amis Cameron and Keegan Kuhn
• The explosion of Aotearoa’s dairy industry, the huge environmental impact of current farming practices and the political and economic strength of the industry
• The inspiration behind Milked, the filming process and the challenges of shooting on a shoe-string budget
• The unfortunate hesitancy of the dairy industry to participate in the documentary
• The key messages Amy and Chris want viewers to walk away with, after watching the film
• The potential alternatives New Zealand can transition to
• The relevance of this documentary to other countries outside of New Zealand
• The Milked premiere on 6th November and other upcoming viewing options
• And a lot more!

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Bianca Keys & Karli Mylius, Ingestion of Microplastics by Shorebirds

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Bianca Keys is an honours student and Karli Mylius is completing her Master of Science, with both ladies involved in projects at Adrift Lab, Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania. This is the third conversation we’ve had with members of the brilliant Adrift Lab team, discussing plastics and their impact on marine life – in particular seabirds and shorebirds.

Bianca and Karli cover a lot in this conversation and provide us with a really good insight into just how multifaceted and complex this issue is.

In this episode we discuss:
• Bianca and Karli’s respective backgrounds and their similar full-circle journeys to where they are now with Adrift Lab
• The benefits of working with Adrift Lab as students
• Bianca and Karli’s respective projects with Adrift Lab, focusing on plastics in sea and shorebirds
• The difference between seabirds and shorebirds and how the various species are exposed to plastics
• Why birds ingest such large quantities of plastics in the first place
• Marine life exposure to nano and microplastics and why this matters to us as humans
• The surprising number of plastic particles that have been identified in seabird guano and how it then ends up in the environment
• Future plans for both Bianca and Karli including upcoming publications
• And a lot more!

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Michael Mayell - Drinkable Rivers NZ

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Michael Mayell founded Cookie Time, one of New Zealand’s best-loved brands, in his early twenties and has gone on to create multiple successful businesses since then. However, Michael’s focus is now much bigger than simply building businesses – he’s on a mission to build a prosperous New Zealand where both people and the environment flourish.

Michael is spearheading a number of social enterprise initiatives including Drinkable Rivers NZ, which pushes for more than the government’s current target of making 90% of New Zealand rivers swimmable by 2040. Drinkable rivers – a crazy thought!

In this episode we discuss:
• Michael’s backstory and journey to his more recent way of life, including his plant-based diet
• The story of Cookie Time – from humble beginnings to striking gold with the business concept
• Drinkable Rivers NZ campaign, their current work on the Avon river and future direction for the organisation
• Michael’s passion for hemp as a versatile and eco-friendly material and a nutritious food option for New Zealand
• The need for a local and sustainable food system in New Zealand

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Megan Grant & Gabrielle Henderson, Marine Debris and Seabirds

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Megan Grant is currently undertaking her PhD exploring the relationship between seabirds and their terrestrial habitats, while Gabrielle Henderson is in the process of completing her undergraduate studies in Marine Biology at the University of Tasmania.

Both ladies are involved in projects at Adrift Lab. We first broached the issue of marine plastics and their impact on seabirds in Season 2 Episode 33 with Dr Jack Auty, and in this conversation, Megan and Gabrielle expand on this pressing issue by discussing Megan’s previous publications and Gabrielle’s upcoming research paper!

In this episode we discuss:
• Megan’s background, her amazing honours project and, more recently, her three-minute thesis
• Gabrielle’s background and her recent pivot from seaweed to seabirds
• Both ladies’ experience with Adrift Lab
• The plastic polluted paradise that is Lord Howe Island
• Ingestion and transportation of plastics by seabirds
• Marine debris as nesting material – where it comes from and why it’s a problem
• Current methods for estimating levels of debris in birds’ nests and why standardised measurements are so important
• Approaches to reduce plastic pollution and the (slow) translation of research into policy
• Future plans, research and direction for both ladies (with kudos to Gabrielle for her upcoming scientific paper – a great achievement for an undergrad!)

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Andre Borell - Envoy: Shark Cull

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Andre Borell is a successful entrepreneur whose love of the ocean spurred him on to more recently add film director and producer to his already impressive CV. Andre is the filmmaker behind the new documentary Envoy: Shark Cull, which sheds light on the long-running ‘shark safety’ programs in place off of the Queensland and New South Wales coastlines.

Narrated by Aussie actor Eric Bana and with interviews from some of the biggest names in ocean conservation, this documentary exposes the failings, deception and huge environmental costs of current shark control methods, and also educates viewers on the importance of sharks for our marine eco-systems.

This documentary should be essential viewing for anyone in Australia (and elsewhere around the world!), as it’s addressing a critical issue that has been kept out of the public eye for far too long.

In this episode we discuss:
• Andre’s background and inspiration for producing the documentary
• The facts about sharks, the misconceptions about these important predators and why we need to protect rather than cull!
• Shark control strategies: methods in place, their effectiveness and misconceptions and the broader issues associated with the current programs including the huge amounts of bycatch
• The critically endangered shark species currently on the government’s kill list
• Shark control alternatives and why the government should act
• How to take action and support this important movement- starting by signing this petition!
• The important collaborations that make this film so impactful
• The launch of the documentary on streaming platform Stan, and other options for watching

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Malcolm Mackay & Jenny Cameron - Melbourne Lifestyle Medicine

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Malcolm Mackay and Jenny Cameron are two of the pioneers of the plant-based movement in Australasia. Malcolm is a GP and board-certified lifestyle medicine practitioner and Jenny is a nutritionist, wellness coach and research librarian. Together they offer consultations, group education programs and resources through the website Whole Foods Plant Based Health.

Recently, along with Dietitian Dr Peter Johnston, Jenny and Malcolm have launched their new Endeavour; Melbourne Lifestyle Medicine. Their flagship 10-week program is the first of its kind in Australia and provides participants with the knowledge and skills they need for real and lasting change.

In this episode we discuss:
• Jenny and Malcolm’s respective backgrounds and what inspired the transition to a plant-based lifestyle for them both
• Transition strategies for people wanting to adopt a whole foods plant-based diet
• The importance of focusing on what’s being added in, rather than focusing on what’s being removed
• Potential pitfalls and nutrition tips for athletes to be aware of when changing their diet
• Understanding the principles of calorie density for weight control and meeting nutrient needs
• Being aware of appropriate portion sizes to avoid inadequate caloric intake on a plant-based diet
• Whole Foods Plant Based Health and the resources offered under the umbrella of Plant Based Health Australia
• Melbourne Lifestyle Medicine, which expands on other domains of lifestyle medicine in addition to nutrition
• What will be on offer with their 10-week lifestyle medicine program and the expected benefits
• Useful resources and tips for a smooth transition to a whole food plant-based diet, including Whole Food Plant Based on $5 A Day
• Upcoming events and immersion programs

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Jack Auty - Microplastics, Inflammation And The Immune System

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Jack Auty is a lecturer in the Medical Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Tasmania. His research focus is how inflammation can contribute to disease.

Jack has a broad range of research interests; from how microplastics induce lung and gut inflammation to whether commonly use anti-inflammatories can be used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Jack is a master communicator and we cover a lot in this fascinating conversation, have a pen and paper on hand!

In this episode we discuss:
• Jack’s background and current research interests
• Alzheimer’s disease 101 – from discovery to disease progression, and Jack’s research that focuses on inflammatory responses in the brain
• Modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease, including Jack’s research regarding the role of Zinc
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy: The link between contact sports and brain inflammation, including an interesting discussion regarding the role of protective gear
• Exposure to microplastics and consequent inflammatory responses in various bodily systems
• Plastic pollution and impact on wildlife – it’s more complex than we thought
• Paper: Plastic debris increases circadian temperature extremes in beach sediments
• Responsible waste management, the need for systemic and policy change and the necessity for clearer labelling of plastics to increase awareness within the community
• The role of recycling and the massive amounts of greenwashing we are subjected to as consumers
• Jack’s work with Adrift Lab and future research projects
• And so much more!

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Professor Jim Mann - Plants: The Solution for Obesity And Diabetes

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 03:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we bring you the third and final recording from the recent Evidence Based Eating NZ event in Dunedin. In this episode Professor Jim Mann discusses New Zealand’s looming diabetes disaster and the role of plant-based diets in tackling this issue. Jim has been a Professor in Human Nutrition and Medicine at the University of Otago and a consultant Endocrinologist in Dunedin Hospital for 25 years. Jim is also director of the Healthier Lives National Science Challenge and the Director of Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Human Nutrition and Principle Investigator for the Riddet Institute.

Over the coming months, Evidence Based Eating NZ will be delivering their final two public lecture events in Auckland and Wellington that will highlight the power of plant-based whole foods to restore health to all New Zealanders. Please visit the Evidence Based Eating NZ website for more details and to register.

Yvette Hall - Nutrition: A Medical Students View

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 03:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we bring you the second recording from the recent Evidence Based Eating NZ event in Dunedin, this time hearing from Yvette Hall. Yvette is a medical student and here she discusses her personal and family journey to adopting a plant-based lifestyle and the lack of nutrition in medical training.

Please note there were technical issues at this event, hence the short duration of this recording.

Over the coming months, Evidence Based Eating NZ will be delivering their final two public lecture events in Auckland and Wellington that will highlight the power of plant-based whole foods to restore health to all New Zealanders. Please visit the Evidence Based Eating NZ website for more details and to register.

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Martyn Williamson - Avoiding Illness Through A Plant-Based Diet

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 03:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we bring you a recording of Dr Martyn Williamson’s lecture at the recent Evidence Based Eating NZ event in Dunedin. The Dunedin event, held on 1 August 2021, was themed ‘Avoiding Severe Illness’ and this recording is the first of three presentations. Martyn is a GP and university lecturer based in Alexandra, NZ. Here Martyn discusses medical training and why holistic nutrition is a better place to start for avoiding illness. Martyn has appeared on our podcast previously, so to find out more about Martyn and his work listen to S2 Ep 13: Plant-Based Nutrition for Metabolic Health.

Over the coming months, Evidence Based Eating NZ will be delivering their final two public lecture events in Auckland and Wellington that will highlight the power of plant-based whole foods to restore health to all New Zealanders. Please visit the Evidence Based Eating NZ website for more details and to register.

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Professor Julia Rucklidge - The Better Brain

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Julia Rucklidge, PhD is a Professor of Clinical Psychology in the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Julia has over 130 peer-reviewed publications and textbook contributions and is currently on the executive committee for the International Society of Nutritional Psychiatry Research.

Julia was named in the Top 100 Most Influential Women in New Zealand in both 2015 and 2018 and is a world leader in Nutritional Psychiatry research, investigating the role of micronutrients regarding mental illnesses such as ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, stress and PTSD.

In this episode we discuss:
• Julia’s background and how her interest in nutrition and mental illness evolved
• Conventional treatments vs lifestyle practices for improved mental state
• The important link between nutrition and mental health and neuroscience
• The role of micronutrients in the manifestation of mental illness
• The changing food system, our consumption of ultra-processed food and concerns regarding mental illness
• Optimal eating patterns for improved mental health
• Julia’s research regarding the mental health benefits of micronutrient supplementation following traumatic events including earthquakes, floods and mass shootings
• Julia’s Mental Health and Nutrition online short course
• Julia’s book, 'The Better Brain', co-authored with Dr Bonnie Kaplan

You can view Julia's TEDx talk here.

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Mike Joy - Growth, Emissions and Our Waterways

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Still holding the record for most popular guest ever, Dr Mike Joy returns to the podcast for round two. If you’re new to the force that is Mike Joy we suggest checking out our first conversation, Episode 12 on Season 1. Mike is a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

In this episode, Mike gives us his reaction to the recent IPCC report and provides us with an important update regarding the ongoing concerns about the unsafe nitrate levels in New Zealand’s lakes and rivers. Mike is one of our most valued guests as he’s not one to sugarcoat, and here he delivers some hard truths regarding the actions required to properly address the climate emergency.

In this episode we discuss:
• Mike’s key takeaways from the recent IPCC report
• The connection between GDP and GHG emissions and the urgent need for the adoption of a ‘degrowth’ economy
• The problems associated with current net-zero and carbon-neutral strategies and measurements
• The current state of Aotearoa’s waterways and the impacts this has on both human and planetary health
• Mike’s recent ‘win’ regarding dodgy use of water statistics by government agencies
• Mike's essay Food for Healing in the book: The New Possible
• Mike’s work with the Environmental Law Initiative and Boomers for Real Climate Measures
• And a lot more – this one is an important conversation!

To read the papers recommended by Mike in this episode:
• Through the Eye of a Needle: An Eco-Heterodox Perspective on the Renewable Energy Transition
• Growth through contraction: Conceiving an eco-economy
• Additionally, Mike mentioned Geoff Reid’s current work, documenting the environmental harms from intensive farming practices. Read more about Geoff’s work and sign the petition here.

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Dr Sally Gillespie - Climate Crisis and Consciousness

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Sally Gillespie is a writer, workshop facilitator, lecturer and public speaker with a background in depth psychology and ecopsychology. Sally’s recently published book Climate Crisis and Consciousness: Reimagining Our World and Ourselves, explores the psychological experience of engaging with climate change and related ecological concerns. There is a growing awareness of the climate emergency within our community and more people are acknowledging that the next ten years must bring about radical changes to avoid potentially catastrophic tipping points.

This reality is confronting and can involve a wide range of emotions. Experiences of ecological anxiety and climate grief are burgeoning and coping with these feelings in the face of climate change is extremely important. The fight against climate change is not a sprint, it’s a marathon - one that we will be dealing with for the rest of our lives and here Sally discusses strategies for staying engaged with climate change without burning out or becoming overwhelmed or depressed.
Hot on the heels of the latest IPCC report this is a timely and extremely important conversation.

In this episode we discuss:
• Sally’s background in Jungian psychotherapy and her transition to climate psychology
• Why climate change is still such a taboo subject and how we can start fostering important conversations
• The Importance of peer education and use of language when dealing with climate deniers or down-players
• Strategies for tackling climate grief, feelings of helplessness and eco-anxiety
• Cultivating grounded hope and building psychological resilience in the face of climate uncertainty
• Nature deficit disorder and the importance of nature exposure and nature-based education for children
• The importance of indigenous knowledge and the need for indigenous-led climate action
• The work of Psychology for a Safe Climate

For further resources on climate psychology research and support visit the Psychology for a Safe Climate or the Climate Psychology Alliance websites.

If this story has raised concerns for you or someone you know, you can contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 in Australia or Lifeline Aotearoa on 0800 LIFELINE (0800 54 33 54) or free text HELP (4357) in New Zealand.

To view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you 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.

Andrew Barnes - The 4 Day Week

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Andrew Barnes is an innovator, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of 4 Day Week Global. Andrew has made a career of market-changing innovation and industry digitisation, most recently in 2018 in New Zealand, where he piloted the 4-day week concept in his own business, Perpetual Guardian. The astounding results made waves around the world and sparked a global movement. Andrew’s staff were happier, healthier, more engaged, more focused and more productive, despite seeing a 20% reduction in working hours.

Here we talk to Andrew about the modern-day work environment and the multiple and wide-reaching benefits associated with the adoption of the 4-day week concept.

In this episode we discuss:
• Andrew’s background and motivation for piloting the 4-day work week
• The history of the five-day work week and the concerning rise of the ‘gig economy’
• Our typical productivity levels over a full 40hrs working week
• Changing the dynamics of a workplace to maximise productivity
• The numerous benefits of the 4-day week; from improved productivity and employee wellbeing, to a reduction in economic inequalities and a smaller environmental footprint
• The importance of this being a staff-led initiative
• Other key steps to successful implementation; which are discussed in further detail in Andrew’s book, ‘The 4 Day Week’

Make sure you 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.

The Lentil Express - Relaunch, Campaigns & Event Updates

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 03:00:00 +1200

In this express episode, Ben and Emma share some exciting news about The Lentil Intervention and our expanded focus and direction for the future. We’re now a registered charity in New Zealand and have plans for more community outreach, so watch this space! We’ve also overhauled our website and added a bunch of new resources, so we’d love for you to check it all out.

We also check in with a few guests for some campaign updates:
• Eco activist Geoff Reid provides an update on his coverage of New Zealand’s intensive winter grazing practices and his ongoing call to end this practice. Read more about this and sign the petition here.
• Following on nicely from this, Claire Insley, the media spokesperson from the Vegan Society of Aotearoa NZ lets us know about the society’s current appeal; Incentivise NZ Farmers to Diversify for Longevity. This appeal calls for government direction, funding and support to encourage farmers to future proof and diversity their farming to include crop growing and/or rewilding.
• Finally, we receive an update from Grant Dixon from Evidence Based Eating NZ on the organisation’s work and their upcoming public lectures in Dunedin, Auckland and Wellington.

Make sure you 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.

Dr Mark Messina - The Truth About Soy

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Mark Messina is the President of Nutrition Matters Inc, an adjunct associate professor at Loma Linda University and the Executive Director of the Soy Nutrition Institute. Mark is a former programme director with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States, and while at the NCI he initiated a multi-million dollar research programme on the anticancer effects of soy.

Mark has spent the last 30 years researching the health effects of soy foods and is recognised internationally as a soy expert! Here he helps us sort fact from fiction by taking us on a deep dive into the science behind the safety, potential benefits and commonly touted concerns and misconceptions regarding soy food and human health.

In this episode we discuss:
• Mark’s background and how he came to specialise in soy nutrition research
• The history behind the soy food controversy
• Whether soy isoflavones are endocrine disruptors
• Soy foods and women’s health; breast cancer, menopause, puberty, osteoporosis
• Soy foods and men’s health; isoflavones, testosterone levels, muscle protein synthesis
• Soy and fertility
• Heart health and soy intake
• Whether the fat content of soy is a concern
• Soy intake and thyroid function
• Absorption of nutrients from soy foods

To learn more about the health effects of soy, visit The Soyfoods Council and Soy Connection websites.

In addition, here are some of the studies mentioned in this episode:
• No Difference Between the Effects of Supplementing With Soy Protein Versus Animal Protein on Gains in Muscle Mass and Strength in Response to Resistance Exercise
• Neither soy nor isoflavone intake affects male reproductive hormones: An expanded and updated meta-analysis of clinical studies
• Soybean oil lowers circulating cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease risk, and has no effect on markers of inflammation and oxidation
• Neither soyfoods nor isoflavones warrant classification as endocrine disruptors: a technical review of the observational and clinical data

Make sure you 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.

Anton Leach & Jasmine Duthie - Lions, Bones & Bullets

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +1200

Jasmine Duthie and Anton Leach of Jagged Peak Films are two of the passionate team members behind Lion, Bones & Bullets, a powerful new feature documentary exposing an elaborate wildlife con, centred around the lion farming industry in South Africa.

Jasmine worked as Producer, Editor and Writer, and Anton worked as Director, Executive Producer and Director of Photography on this three-year project. The large-scale breeding of lions in captivity in South Africa is a contentious issue and this documentary covers the subject at all levels – from corruption to outright criminal activity, to potential health risks. We talk to Jasmine and Anton about the filming process and how the industrial farming of lions emerged.

In this episode we discuss:
• Jasmine and Anton’s respective backgrounds and what inspired the documentary
• The current lion farming situation in South Africa
• The lion bone trade and why the use of tiger products in Traditional Chinese Medicine is driving demand
• The potential large-scale human health risks from lion farming
• The animal cruelty involved in this unregulated industry
• Potential solutions to lower community demand for lion products and put a stop to this inhumane industry
• Upcoming educational and public screenings of Lion Bones and Bullets and how you can support this important campaign

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Professor Ian Shaw - Chemical Food Contaminants and Natural Toxins

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Professor Ian Shaw is highly regarded as an international expert on food safety, with extensive expertise in food chemical residues and their impact on human health. Ian leads the Toxicology Research Group at the University of Canterbury and has over 20 years of experience in academia, industry and government, which includes presenting at two TEDx talks, chairing the UK Pesticide Residues Committee and working as the National Food Safety Programme Manager at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), based in Christchurch.

Join us for a fascinating discussion around chemical food contaminants, natural toxins, GMOs, organic produce and Ian’s work on endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can make their way into our food supply. Does any of this actually warrant concern? Tune in to find out!

In this episode we discuss:
• Ian’s background and research history
• Food chemicals; the regulatory process, maximum residue levels, where they are found in our modern food supply and if they are of concern for human health
• Whether to wash or not to wash our fresh produce
• The natural toxins found in food
• Ian’s entertaining TEDx talks and his work on endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as BPA, DDT, Phthalates and Genistein
• The potential effects of genetically modified foods on human and planetary health
• Food safety considerations in pregnancy
• The organic food debate – is it actually the better choice?
• The story of the happy banana
• The book titled Food Safety: The Science of Keeping Food Safe, 2nd Edition
• And so much more – this one is packed full of info, you might want to have a pen and paper at the ready!

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Susan Scott & Bonné de Bod - STROOP, Journey Into The Rhino Horn War

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Susan Scott and Bonné De Bod of Scott & De Bod Films are two passionate filmmakers based in South Africa. Susan and Bonné joined forces to bring to life their critically acclaimed documentary STROOP – journey into the rhino horn war. What started as a six-month project turned into a four-year filming odyssey as Susan and Bonné peeled back the complex layers of the rhino poaching trade, realising the scale and danger was far greater than they first imagined.

STROOP has since been officially selected for 40 film festivals, won 30 awards and has been broadcast and streamed in nearly 100 countries around the globe. We talk with Susan and Bonné about the blood, sweat and tears that went into bringing this powerful story to the world, learning the fascinating backstory behind the documentary. We touch on why rhino (and all wildlife) conservation should matter to everyone – in the words of these two incredible ladies; when we stand up, when we speak up, change can happen.

In this episode we discuss:
• Susan and Bonné’s respective backgrounds
• An overview of the concerning rhino poaching statistics in South Africa
• The multiple drivers of rhino poaching, following the trail from Africa to Asia
• The potential strategies and reforms that could lead to poaching reductions
• Dangers involved in documentary filmmaking – it’s more than meets the eye
• The importance of remaining independent as filmmakers and journalists
• Doing your homework to ensure financial support goes to credible organisations
• Susan and Bonné’s latest documentary Kingdoms of Fire, Ice & Fairy Tales, and future projects
• And so much more!

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Dr Rob Wilks - A Plant-Based GP in a Pro-Meat World

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 03:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we bring you the recording of Dr Rob Wilks’ Evidence Based Eating NZ lecture. Rob is a GP based in Motueka and here he discusses his experience of being a plant-based GP in a pro-meat world, touching on the challenges of discussing diet in general practice and treating gut health and common ailments with diet.

Over the coming months, Evidence Based Eating NZ is delivering a series of health-focused public lectures that highlight the power of plant-based whole foods to restore health to all New Zealanders.
The Christchurch event, held on 22 May 2021, was themed ‘Our GP Frontline’ and this recording is the third and final of the Christchurch lectures.
There are more events still to come, in Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland - please visit the Evidence Based Eating NZ website for more details and to register.

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Dr Wayne Hurlow - Success Through The CHIP Programme

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 01:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we bring you the recording of Dr Wayne Hurlow's lecture, a GP based in Nelson. Here he discusses the turn-around success that is possible through the CHIP programme. Wayne details how Obesity, Diabetes and Heart Disease can be successfully treated through a whole foods plant-based diet.

Over the coming months, Evidence Based Eating NZ is delivering a series of health-focused public lectures that highlight the power of plant-based whole foods to restore health to all New Zealanders.
The Christchurch event, held on 22 May 2021, was themed ‘Our GP Frontline’ and this recording is part 2 of the 3 Christchurch lectures.
There are more events still to come, in Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland - please visit the Evidence Based Eating NZ website for more details and to register.

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Professor Julia Rucklidge - Building A Better Brain

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 03:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we bring you the recording of Professor Julia Rucklidge’s lecture. Julia is a Professor of Clinical Psychology in the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing at the University of Canterbury and co-author of a recently released book The Better Brain. Here Julia discusses building a better brain; the foods and nutrients for optimal mental health.

Over the coming months, Evidence Based Eating NZ is delivering a series of health-focused public lectures that highlight the power of plant-based whole foods to restore health to all New Zealanders.
The Christchurch event, held on 22 May 2021, was themed ‘Our GP Frontline’ and this recording is part 1 of the 3 Christchurch lectures.
There are more events still to come, in Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland - please visit the Evidence Based Eating NZ website for more details and to register.

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Kennedy Zakeer - Rhino Conservation

Mon, 31 May 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Kennedy Zakeer is a successful account director whose life trajectory changed in 2016, after a harrowing experience working with orphaned rhinos in South Africa.

Kennedy now splits her time between the corporate world and saving rhinos in Africa, having established the Council of Contributors, a 501c3 organisation that raises funds to support ‘boots on the ground’ and ‘eyes in the sky’ organisations that are fighting to protect the rhino against the relentless poaching and the illegal horn trade.

With an average of 3 rhinos killed every single day, it’s a race against time to save these amazing creatures.

In this episode we discuss:
• Kennedy’s corporate background and how she splits her time between projects
• The motivation behind establishing the Council of Contributors
• Main focus areas for the Council of Contributors
• Past and future projects supported by the Council of Contributors and their highly collaborative, project-by-project approach, which ensures effective outcomes
• The current state of rhino poaching in South Africa and Kenya, and what drives the illegal horn trade
• Why we should all care about rhino conservation and the crucial role they play in sustaining a balanced ecosystem
• What we can do as individuals to take action on this important issue

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Dr Diana Bogueva - Meat Consumption, Marketing and Sustainability

Mon, 24 May 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Diana Bogueva is a professional journalist, Research Associate and Adjunct Fellow at Curtin University and is also centre manager at the Centre for Advanced Food Enginomics at The University of Sydney.

Diana has a strong interest in meat consumption reduction, food sustainability, social marketing and consumer behaviour change, after conducting her PhD on these topics. What we choose to eat and why, isn’t always black and white. Globally, meat consumption has almost tripled in a little over 100 years. With an increase so large there’s obviously more at play than just personal choice.

Join us for a fascinating discussion into the many aspects of what really influences consumer behaviour when it comes to meat.

In this episode we discuss:
• Diana’s background and passion for food sustainability
• The health and environmental impacts of meat consumption
• What traditionally motivates consumers to eat meat
• Marketing and its role in perpetuating meat consumption
• Perceptions of masculinity and meat eating
• The potential role of social marketing in reducing meat consumption
• Acceptance of meat alternatives and cultured meat
• Upcoming research and projects for Diana
• And so much more – lots to unpack in this episode folks!

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Ryan Alexander - No Meat May

Mon, 17 May 2021 03:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we talk with Ryan Alexander, the co-founder and managing director of No Meat May, a registered charity that challenges people to eliminate meat from their diets for the month of May for 4 big reasons; environment, health, animals and food systems.

From humble beginnings in 2013, No Meat May has quickly grown into a hugely successful global campaign with over 65,000 participants for 2021. With this year’s campaign, one of the main goals is reaching more men. We talk with Ryan about the many misconceptions surrounding meat consumption and masculinity, including some surprising outcomes for a recent study they commissioned.

In this episode we discuss:
• Ryan’s personal background and the motivation behind establishing No Meat May
• Our current consumption of animal products and impact on the environment, human health, animals and food security
• The inclusive approach and global appeal of the No Meat May campaign
• The demographics and motivations of people taking part in the challenge
• Men, meat-eating and perceptions of masculinity
• The resources and information available on the No Meat May website and social media platforms
• The positive outcomes from taking part in the No Meat May challenge
• The exciting plans for the future for this amazing charity

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Fuchsia Goldsmith - Nutrition for Kidney Health

Mon, 10 May 2021 03:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we talk about all things kidney health with Fuchsia Goldsmith, a dietitian based in Auckland. Fuchsia is the founder of Feed Nutrition and serves as Doctors For Nutrition’s lead dietitian for New Zealand’s North Island.

Also working as a renal dietitian, Fuchsia is an expert on diet and kidney health. Kidney disease is a leading cause of premature death in developed countries and an estimated 1 in 10 Australian and New Zealand adults have biomedical signs of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), so this is an important episode for everyone!

In this episode we discuss:
• Fuchsia’s upbringing and motivations for adopting a plant-based diet
• Her research in the growing area of epigenetics - and the marketing hype vs real-world application in this space currently
• The services offered through Feed Nutrition
• Contributing factors to CKD and importance of prevention and proper monitoring
• Key nutrition tips for kidney health, including the vital difference between plant and animal proteins
• The changing advice regarding potassium and phosphate for those with established CKD (it’s good news for plant-eaters!)
• Acute kidney injuries and endurance sports
• Fuchsia’s involvement in the upcoming public lecture series with Evidence Based Eating
• Fuchsia's Pomegranate Summer Salad recipe submission to the Doctors for Nutrition Recipe Collection.

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Dr Martyn Williamson - Plant-Based Nutrition for Metabolic Health

Mon, 03 May 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Martyn Williamson is a General Practitioner from Alexandra in Central Otago, achieving the honour of New Zealand’s Plant-Based Practitioner of the Year in 2019. In addition to his GP work, Martyn is a senior lecturer in the department of general practice and rural health at the University of Otago, is co-founder of Lifestrong Health with his wife Liz, and is a committee member of Evidence Based Eating NZ.

After discovering the countless benefits of lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition, Martyn changed his approach to practice, integrating these strategies into his work, helping countless people lead healthier, happier lives by preventing, treating and reversing lifestyle-related conditions.

In this episode we discuss:
• Martyn’s frustration with the limitations of standard medicine and his journey to embracing lifestyle medicine and wholefood plant-based nutrition
• The important difference between simply managing disease symptoms and actually treating the root cause of disease through lifestyle changes
• Understanding motivations for change and various intervention strategies for adopting a whole food plant-based diet – the benefits and potential pitfalls of the different approaches
• Coaching young cyclists and ensuring they’re eating sufficiently; and dispelling the need for additional protein
• The proven benefits of the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP)
• Upcoming CHIP programmes in the Central Otago area
• Future plans for Martyn and Liz in their business Lifestrong Health
• The opportunity to join Martyn and Liz on a health retreat at Aro Hā just outside of Queenstown

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

The Lentil Express - Earth Day, Listener Q&A and Event Updates

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 03:00:00 +1200

In this express episode, Ben and Emma celebrate Earth Day and share some exciting news about joining the 50by40 network.

We dive into some listener questions — Emma discusses tips and tricks for enhancing iron and zinc absorption on a plant-based diet and if oxalates are an issue; Ben delves into some strategies for overcoming shin splints.

We discuss some upcoming events of interest by our friends at Doctors For Nutrition and Evidence Based Eating NZ, and given we recorded on Earth day, we unpack an important climate study released earlier this year titled ‘Greater Committed Warming after accounting for the pattern effect’.

Ben finishes off with a fitting excerpt from ‘The New Climate War’, the latest book by American climatologist and geophysicist Michael E Mann.

Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Dr Rebecca van Amber - Fashion, Textiles and Sustainability

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Dr Rebecca Van Amber is a Senior Lecturer in Fashion and Textiles at RMIT University in Melbourne and an expert in clothing and textile science. Rebecca is passionate about textile and apparel sustainability, research and development and was the winner of the 2017 H&M Foundation's Global Change Award's innovation challenge.

Typically, when people think about the industry and environmental impact, the fashion and textile industries aren’t top of mind. However, the ecological footprint of these industries is quite significant. Each year the average Australian buys 27kg and discards 23kg of textiles, with much of this ending up in landfill. 50-60% of clothing fibres worldwide are now petroleum-based, so production methods and product lifecycles are also important considerations. Dr Van Amber takes us behind the curtain as we discuss fashion and sustainability.

In this episode we discuss:
• Rebecca’s background, interest in fashion and textiles and path to research
• The surprising link between clothing and plastic in our oceans
• Strategies to reduce microfibre shedding from clothing
• The need for responsible product stewardship from industry
• The pros and cons of various clothing fibres - have we been bamboozled by the magic of marketing?
• The steps towards sustainability within the fashion industry
• Rebecca’s involvement in an award-winning circular denim project
• How to make the best sustainable fashion choices
• Micro- and nano-sized plastics in teabags
• And much more!

We hope you enjoy this important conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Professor Corey Bradshaw - Global Ecology

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 03:00:00 +1200

Professor Corey Bradshaw is the Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology at Flinders University, where he leads the Global Ecology Laboratory and heads the Flinders Modelling Node of the Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage.

Corey was lead author of a recent perspective article titled ‘Underestimating the Challenges of Avoiding a Ghastly Future’. This paper discusses the major environmental issues that have regrettably received little attention but require urgent action. Anyone with a passing interest in the environment knows things aren’t great, but just how bad are they really? Professor Bradshaw is not here to appease the masses with a watered-down message, but rather gives us a well-needed reality check and urges us not to look away from the mess we have created. An overview of this research was published in The Conversation.

We are living on borrowed time by taking more from the planet than it can take. Scientists are no longer talking about avoiding environmental problems, but rather how to best deal with them. Irrespective of what we do now, the future is going to be ghastly – but just how ghastly depends on the path we take moving forward.

In this episode we discuss:
• How Corey’s childhood shaped his relationship with the environment and inspired his journey to academia
• The subject matter of Corey’s previous books Killing the Koala and Poisoning the Prairie and The Effective Scientist
• The silos in academia, lack of connectivity and why this model won’t deliver adequate solutions for the wicked problems we face
• The catastrophic loss of biodiversity and the detrimental impact this is having on ecosystem resilience
• How humanity is driving the sixth mass extinction
• Why the rise of the right-wing populist movement, the weaponisation of environmentalism and ongoing political donations have led to political impotence on climate change
• The ignorance of wanting unlimited economic growth in a finite world
• The potential solutions we can all consider, individually and collectively
• Corey’s must-subscribe blog Conservation Bytes
• And a WHOLE lot more - there’s a lot of knowledge dropped in this one folks!

We hope you enjoy this important conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Professor Alan Brent - Sustainable Energy Systems

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Professor Alan Brent is Chair in Sustainable Energy Systems at the School of Engineering and Computer Science, Victoria University of Wellington. Alan also holds the position of Extraordinary Professor at Stellenbosch University and is an executive committee member for The Sustainability Society, NZ.

His research interests encompass engineering management and sustainable systems, and as an expert in systems thinking, Alan brings a wealth of knowledge to this conversation as we discuss the various pros and cons of the current renewable energy options.

As always, things are not quite as straight forward as they first appear - renewable energies aren’t always sustainable options. So, should we all be putting solar panels on our roofs and buying Teslas? Take a listen to find out! We hope this episode helps our listeners become more critical, mindful consumers.

In this episode we discuss:
• Alan’s background and journey from engineering to sustainable energy systems
• Renewable energy – what it means, what role it currently plays and where we are headed
• The importance of systems thinking approach
• Alternative energy options and the potential benefits and pitfalls of each
• Storage issues of sustainable energy systems
• Electric vehicles vs conventional vehicles vs hybrids – what’s the better choice?
• Renewable energies vs habit change
• Solutions into the future

We hope you enjoy this important conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Professor Boyd Swinburn - Population Nutrition and Global Health

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Boyd Swinburn is a Professor of Population Nutrition and Global Health in the School of Population Health, University of Auckland. Originally trained as an Endocrinologist he is now an eminent public health physician conducting research on community and policy actions to prevent childhood and adolescent obesity, and reduce what he has coined the ‘obesogenic’ food environment.

Boyd is Co-Chair of World Obesity Federation's Policy & Prevention section and Co-Chair of the Lancet Commission on Obesity. He also established the World Health Organisation's first Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention, at Deakin University. We take a deep dive with Boyd as he discusses the problems with our current food system and the changes needed in order to deliver on human and environmental health, as well as economic prosperity. Boyd also calls on us to reframe the role of the individual when it comes to obesity.

In this episode we discuss:
• Boyd’s transition from Endocrinology to Public Health Advocacy
• Obesity and the ‘obesogenic’ Food Environment
• The need for policy change when dealing with the harmful products that dominate our health environment; tobacco, alcohol and junk food
• Government’s role in curbing the detrimental marketing of junk food to children
• The potential benefits of a sugary drinks tax
• The policy inertia regarding nutrition - despite the evidence, and what we can do about it
• The heavy environmental impact of our current food system and the need for a social movement to change this
• The necessity of sustainable dietary guidelines and why we don’t yet have them; the strong lobby forces that unfortunately have a seat at the table
• The big-ticket items we need to address regarding policies on food
• And so much more – this is one fascinating chat!

We hope you enjoy this important conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Peter Eastwood - Tanglewood Foundation

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Peter Eastwood is a New Zealand philanthropist, passionate conservationist and founder of Tanglewood Foundation. Peter first ventured into the business world with a small homebrew shop but this soon went from strength to strength. This business success allowed Peter to expand his philanthropic work and support many worthwhile causes - from conservation of wildlife to backing a range of educational documentaries and films.

In this episode we discuss:
• Peter’s background, his love of Africa and his journey to environmentalism
• His motivation for adopting a plant-based diet and sustainable business practices
• Peter’s passion for wildlife conservation, his special appreciation for rhinos and the surprising link between rhino and pangolin poaching
• The importance of accountability, transparency measures and creating local relationships in charity and philanthropic work
• The multiple plant-based and environmental documentaries supported by Tanglewood Foundation
• The Tanglewood Foundation’s involvement in an exciting new climate change project
• The local conservation work supported by Tanglewood Foundation in New Zealand, including Zealandia, and the environmentally friendly principles of Tanglewood Retreat
• The most powerful actions we can take as individuals to make a positive impact on the planet

Peter has immense knowledge of organisations doing valuable work in Africa. If you would like to support these conservation efforts, Peter recommends the following organisations:
• Blue Sky Society Trust
• Council of Contributors
• Elephants Alive
• Pole Pole Foundation
• Project Rhino
• Wilderness Foundation Africa

We hope you enjoy this important conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Hannah O'Malley - Doctors for Nutrition

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Hannah O’Malley is a clinical pharmacist and lifestyle medicine practitioner based in Nelson NZ. Until recently Hannah served as Projects Lead for the health promotion charity Doctors For Nutrition, but has now taken on the challenging role of Events and Education Lead.

Hannah also founded The Better Base in 2018, to help people consume more delicious plant-based foods and educate them on the associated benefits for humans and the planet. Hannah takes us through the recently reviewed New Zealand eating and activity guidelines which lead to a broader discussion regarding the role of governments, public health measures, civil society organisations and individual actions for good health and nutrition.

In this episode we discuss:
• Hannah’s background and passion for plant-based nutrition
• An update of the work being done by Doctors For Nutrition
• The updated eating and activity guidelines for New Zealand – the positive takeaways and what still needs to be addressed
• Updated dietary guidelines from other countries in the world and how the majority are slowly but surely acknowledging plant-based and sustainable diets
• The need for a fair and equitable food system – how economic imbalances can influence food choice
• The Australian Dietary Guidelines review currently taking place
• The C40 Good Food City campaign
• The need to emphasise prevention rather than treatment of disease in guidelines

As mentioned in this episode, the Australian Dietary Guidelines are currently undergoing review. If you use these guidelines in your work or personal life the NHMRC are now calling for your input via their stakeholder scoping survey. To have your say and complete this survey.

We hope you enjoy this important conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Dr Catherine Knight - Nature and Wellbeing Aotearoa

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Dr Catherine Knight is an environmental historian and consultant, award-winning non-fiction author, yoga teacher, and co-founder of Better Futures Forum.
Catherine’s most recent book, Nature and Wellbeing in Aotearoa, examines the link between nature and wellbeing and argues for the restoration of ‘neighbourhood nature’. Catherine brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this chat, as we take a deep dive into humanity’s relationship with nature.

In this episode we discuss:
• Catherine’s background and passion for New Zealand’s environmental history – surprisingly, it all started with bears in Japan!
• Her life on a hobby farm and learning to see farm animals as individuals
• An update on Better Futures Forum and their work
• The wide range of health benefits from regular nature exposure
• The need for accessible urban green spaces
• The link between yoga and environmental stewardship
• What we can do as citizens to advocate for neighbourhood nature
• Buy her book here

We hope you enjoy this important conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Dr Heleen Roex & Dr Juliette Roex - Doctors for Nutrition

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 03:00:00 +1300

In this episode, we are joined by quite the dynamic due; Dr Heleen Roex, and her daughter, Dr Juliette Roex.
Heleen is a paediatrician, Food For Life instructor and serves as Chair of Board for Doctors For Nutrition (DFN) – which, by the way, she co-founded!
Juliette is currently completing her GP training and serves as South Australian ‘Ambassadoc’ and Lead Student Advisor for DFN.
Both doctors are a phenomenal wealth of knowledge on the health benefits of a whole food, plant-based lifestyle.

In this conversation we discuss:
• Both Heleen’s and Juliette’s background and the motivation behind adopting plant-based diets
• How DFN came to life and the charity’s main aims
• The lack of nutrition training in med school, underscoring the importance of DFN’s work
• The current ‘sick-care’ model and the unfortunate exclusion of disease prevention training for doctors
• DFN’s Health Professionals Guide and other helpful resources available for health professionals and the public
• The benefits of healthy eating and the spectrum of plant-based diets.
• Bridging the gaps between nutrition, environmental health and human health

We hope you enjoy this important conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts - The Moreton Bay Foundation

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Dr Ian Tibbetts is Associate Professor at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland and serves as Director of the Moreton Bay Foundation. He has authored more than 100 journal articles, many of which feature Moreton Bay, and in 2018 Ian was appointed Chair of the Scientific Expert Panel advising the Minister for Fisheries on the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.

Moreton Bay supports large numbers of the nationally threatened green turtle, hawksbill turtle and loggerhead turtle. It is also one of three important sites in Queensland where large numbers of dugongs habitat. This is the second episode in our two-part series on Wetlands, following on from World Wetlands Day. Conservation of wetlands is crucial in our fight against climate change and for protecting wildlife - take a listen to find out more.

In this episode we cover:
• The beauty and uniqueness of Moreton Bay and why it’s so important to protect this area
• The Moreton Bay Foundation and their valuable work
• The importance of traditional owners leading the charge in caring for country
• Why wetlands are undervalued and current damage to wetland areas globally
• The importance of wetlands for biodiversity, carbon capture, water quality, ecosystem functioning, shoreline protection and human wellbeing
• Ian’s fascinating research regarding tiger sharks.
• What we can do as citizen scientists and eco-activists to help protect these valuable areas

We hope you enjoy this important conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Melanie Dixon - National Wetland Trust of New Zealand

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 03:00:00 +1300

Melanie Dixon is a principal ecologist and serves as a trustee and deputy chair for the National Wetland Trust of New Zealand.
Wetlands are often undervalued, but are amongst the most productive ecosystems in the world, home to an immense variety of species and acting as important filtration and buffer systems. These ecosystems are also hugely important carbon sinks, storing ~1/3 of the world’s terrestrial carbon. Unfortunately, over the last 300 years, 85% of the world’s wetland areas have been destroyed.

On February 2nd we celebrate World Wetlands Day and this episode serves as the first interview in our two-part series on the wonders of wetlands!

In this episode we cover:
• Melanie’s background and her journey to ecology and wetland preservation
• What classifies as a wetland and why they are so important for human and planetary health
• The valuable work of the National Wetland Trust in New Zealand
• The current state of New Zealand’s wetlands and impacts of farming and development
• Why peatlands are one of the most important types of wetlands
• What we can do to conserve and restore New Zealand’s wetland areas

World Wetlands Day is held annually to celebrate the 1971 adoption of the International Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian city of Ramsar, with this year’s theme being Wetlands and Water. The National Wetland Trust will be releasing a new report on 2nd February, to coincide with World Wetlands Day.

We hope you enjoy this important conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Michal Siewierski - Award Winning Filmmaker

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +1300

Michal Siewierski is a world-renowned, award-winning documentary filmmaker known for his previous documentaries Food Choices and Diet Fiction. Michal has continued his impactful film-making journey with his latest documentary offering Takeout.
In this documentary, Michal embarks on a daring journey to expose the real drivers behind the Amazon forest fires and devastating deforestation rates. Michal is a force for positive change and continually highlights the benefits of a plant-based eating pattern for human AND planetary health.

In this episode we cover:
• Michal’s background, his personal health struggles and journey to a plant-based diet
• His driving motivations for transitioning to documentary film making
• Michal’s previous documentaries Food Choices and Diet Fiction
• The inspiration for his latest documentary Takeout
• Why we ALL need to care about the plight of the Amazon
• Why the Amazon is burning, the impact of cattle and soy production and the local and global influences at play
• The human health consequences of deforestation in the Amazon
• The far-reaching ecological effects of this deforestation, including water quality and security issues, climate change, loss of biodiversity and desertification
• Key drivers for positive change moving forward – how can we take action?
• Michal’s current projects, including his recently launched Film Warrior Secrets

We hope you enjoy this important conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.

Wrap-up 2020 with Dr Luke Wilson

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 03:00:00 +1300

Folks, this is our final episode for 2020 – it’s been one hell of a year. Thank you for taking this journey with us. We close out the year by reflecting on some of the incredible wisdom our stellar guests have shared with us since we kicked off in April. We are joined once again by our very first guest, the incredible Dr Luke Wilson, to help us recap, weigh in on some hot topics and share some valuable insights.

If you’re newer to the show, we hope this episode can serve as a brief synopsis of our mission and the importance of our three key pillars of health; movement, whole food nutrition and environmental wellness. We also urge you to peruse our back catalogue and catch up on any episodes you may have missed – this is one jampacked episode, and unfortunately, we just couldn’t fit everything in!

This has been a year of uncertainties, upheavals and radical changes for many. Covid-19 has sharply brought into focus the consequences of how we’ve been interacting with our environment up until this point. How we choose to recover from the pandemic is up to us, as a society and as individuals. We hope this episode can help clarify what is truly of importance, and how we can all take action for a better future moving forward. Let’s not hope to go back to ‘normal’, let’s strive for something even better. Stay safe, stay well and speak to you again in 2021!

We hope you enjoy this conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family. And remember to also visit our website for more content, and subscribe to the newsletter.

The Lentil Express - Calcium, Movement and Oats

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:00:00 +1300

In this express episode, Ben and Emma weigh in on the recent EPIC-Oxford paper, which assessed fracture risk differences between plant-based eaters and omnivores. It’s caused quite the stir in the nutrition world - but as always with nutrition, there are many shades of grey and blanket statements should not be made (If you want a deep dive into some of the methodological flaws of the study, see Dr Avi Bitterman discuss that here).

We also discuss the brand new physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines released by the World Health Organisation, and Ben shares some interesting findings from a recent study looking at the anti-inflammatory compounds in oats on exercise-induced muscle damage. If that last one piques your interest, be sure to sign up to our newsletter for an oat-filled recipe coming your way soon!

As always, please tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Dr Taisia Cech, MBChB - Plantify

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 03:00:00 +1300

Dr Taisia Cech is a GP based in Nelson and founder of Plantify. Taisia’s own health struggles set her down the path to becoming a doctor and discovering a whole food plant-based lifestyle. Taisia keeps busy running Plantify and working as a GP, but states her main job is raising two plant-powered little ones; she has discovered increased clarity and a sense of urgency to look after our planet since having kids!
Taisia brings a wealth of personal experience and clinical knowledge to this discussion as we chat about plant-based pregnancies, women’s health and much more!

In this episode we cover:
• Taisia’s background and her previous health challenges
• Improvements in physical and emotional wellbeing after switching to a plant-based diet
• The inspiration behind Plantify
• Taisia’s involvement in the Nelson C40 Good Food City initiative
• Plant-based pregnancies and raising plant-powered little ones
• Women’s health – lifestyle basics from pregnancy through to menopause
• The safety of soy products
• Lifestyle for heart health
• The need to propagate real change and move away from the current ‘sick care’ system

We hope you enjoy this conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Geoff Reid, Nature Photographer and Environmentalist

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 03:00:00 +1300

Geoff Reid is a passionate environmental activist, nature photographer and content creator based in Aotearoa. Geoff uses his skills as a visual communicator to advocate for forest and water restoration, pest management and increased biodiversity.

Geoff is only a one-man band, and to-date has been running on a shoe-string budget, yet he has still been able to achieve so much through his hard work, dedication and effective advocacy. A phenomenal human. His latest campaign brings awareness to the intensive winter grazing that takes place in New Zealand. You can also view some of Geoff’s work and footage on his YouTube account.

In this episode we cover:
• Geoff’s background, his passion for the environment and his evolution to environmental activist
• His involvement in forest and water advocacy and pest management
• Intensive winter grazing – what it is, why it’s done and how it is a big environmental and ethical problem
• Intensive horticulture – it’s not just animal agriculture that poses an issues
• Deforestation in New Zealand – the scale, causes and consequences
• Effective advocacy – The success of the ‘Choose Clean Water’ campaign by reframing the issue and messaging
• A way forward – the problem with greenwashing, the need for strong leadership and what we as individuals can do
• Future projects!

Geoff really is able to achieve a lot, while working with so little. There are big plans in the pipeline, but in order to action some of these ideas Geoff needs more funding. If you would like to support his work or to simply find out more about his important work please visit Geoff’s Patreon.

Geoff's latest campaign is for Pāmu farms to stop intensive winter grazing and you can sign this petition to do your part.

We hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Adam Guthrie, Plant-Based Chef and Wellness Coach

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 03:00:00 +1300

Adam Guthrie, founder of I Feel Good, joins us for an inspiring discussion about his health challenges and journey back to wellness. Like many of us, Adam was leading a very busy life and wasn’t paying close attention to his health and nutrition… until he was forced to reassess everything, following a heart attack at 39.

His transformation was nothing short of incredible. Following the heart attack, Adam didn’t just recover – he thrived, losing 30 kg and completing an Ironman triathlon. Since this time, Adam has established I Feel Good, a platform that helps thousands of people around the world transform their lives through a whole food plant-based diet and lifestyle. Folks, this is one uplifting conversation.

In this episode we cover:
• Adam’s backstory and life pre-heart attack
• His road to recovery, including the journey from heart attack to Ironman
• The key pillars of Adam’s lifestyle now
• His work as a wellness coach and why I Feel Good was created
• Supporting others on their plant-based journeys
• And a whole lot more!

We hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation and would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to tag @TheLentilIntervention and help us reach more people by liking, reviewing, subscribing and sharing this episode with your friends and family.

Dr Kate Wylie - Climate Medicine

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 03:00:00 +1300

Dr Kate Wylie is a GP and climate activist based in Adelaide. Kate is the founder of Climate Medicine, a member of Doctors For The Environment Australia and has completed the Climate Reality Leadership Program with Al Gore. Dr Wylie does vital work, educating on the health effects of climate change to both community groups and health professionals.

In this episode we discuss:
• Kate’s background and journey to climate activism
• The need to view climate change as a health issue
• The major causes of our climate emergency, current projections and timeline for making crucial changes
• Climate change and its wide-ranging impacts on human health – from the increased risk of Asthma right through to zoonotic diseases
• Recommended climate management plan moving forward for governments, organisations and individuals
• 10 individual actions we can all implement that will benefit our planet and our health
• Kate’s upcoming advocacy work
• And so much more!

This one covers climate change from the angle of human health – and the climate emergency is arguably the greatest threat to human health this century. Please help us reach more people with this important message by liking, reviewing, subscribing and most importantly sharing this episode with friends and family.

View The Future We Choose, the book mentioned by Dr Wylie.

Shane Ward - Action Ecology

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 03:00:00 +1300

Shane Ward is founder of Action Ecology, a consultancy offering a range of services that improve land productivity, resource efficiency, resilience and ecological function. Shane is passionate about the benefits of regenerative agriculture and the opportunities it provides for carbon drawdown, presenting regularly on the subject. He serves as Better Futures Forum’s expert on regenerative land use, sustainable food systems and ecosystem restoration.

In this episode we discuss:
• Shane’s background and interest in ecology
• How Action Ecology came to be and the services provided
• Current problems with intensive farming and consequent effects on the environment and long-term sustainability of our food supply
• Regenerative agriculture; what it means, the importance of soil and some of the common approaches
• The importance of considering the unique natural environment when designing a sustainable farm
• The role of animals, holistic grazing and the need to transition towards more plant-centred diets
• The new Netflix documentary Kiss The Ground
• Actionable changes for the home gardener/hobby farmer to improve the sustainability of their ventures.

We hope you enjoy this episode and would love to hear your feedback! And don’t forget to tag @TheLentilIntervention on your social media posts.

James Wilson - Plant Paradigm

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 03:00:00 +1300

James Wilson had spent a lifetime growing, harvesting and eating meat and milk products but following a serious health scare, he made the switch to a wholefood plant-based lifestyle.
James lost weight, turned his health around and was able to discontinue his prescription medication. He has now authored the book Plant Paradigm which describes the benefits of veganism for animals, human health and planetary health and touches on an extra benefit – the joy of eating this way.

In this episode we discuss:
• James’ background, including his work as a farmer
• The health scares that motivated James to switch to a wholefood plant-based diet
• What spurred James to author Plant Paradigm and key outtakes from the book
• Why certain farming methods are out of date, and why regenerative agriculture is short-sighted
• The benefits of a WFPB diet for weight management and longevity
• And a lot more!

We hope you enjoy this episode and would love to hear your feedback! And don’t forget to tag @TheLentilIntervention on your social media posts.

Lyn Mayes - Mad World

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 03:00:00 +1300

Lyn Mayes joins us in this episode to talk about the New Zealand soft plastics stewardship scheme and touch on the Australian equivalent, REDcycle - so this chat will be applicable to both our Aussie and NZ listeners!
Lyn is director and founder of the sustainability consultancy Mad World, the sustainability advisor to the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council, a member of the Institute of Directors and Chair of the Auckland Conservation Board. Lyn also manages the NZ soft plastics stewardship scheme. A very busy and passionate human!

Over the period from 1950-2015, cumulative production of plastics reached 7.8 billion tonnes worldwide – more than one tonne of plastic for every person alive today! As our listeners would know, soft plastics cannot be recycled via regular curbside collection, so this is an important issue to address.

In this episode we discuss:
• Lyn’s background, her business Mad World and why she ventured into the realm of sustainability
• The NZ soft plastic recycling scheme and mention of REDcycle in Australia.
• The Packaging Forum and partnership with Future Post and Second Life Plastics to create a circular economy
• The number of soft plastics saved and the future direction of the scheme
• Some quick-fire FAQs on what can and cannot be recycled through the scheme

We hope you enjoy this episode and would love to hear your feedback! And don’t forget to tag The Lentil Intervention on your social media posts.

Ondine Sherman - Vegan Living

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 03:00:00 +1300

The fantastic Ondine Sherman is an established author, the co-founder and managing director of Voiceless: The Animal Protection Institute and also serves as director of the conservation NGO This is My Earth. Ondine joins us to discuss her new book Vegan Living: A simple guide to a cruelty-free, healthy, plant-based life.
And thanks to the generosity of Ondine and her Publisher, Pantera Press, we are able to offer four copies of Ondine’s new book to our Aussie and Kiwi listeners – so be sure to tune in to find out how you can win yourself a copy of this great new book!

In this episode we discuss:
• Ondine’s background and journey to veganism
• The history of Voiceless and their important new initiatives
• Ondine’s new book and why it was needed
• The benefits of a plant-based diet – not just for animals, but for human health, the climate and protecting earth’s natural spaces
• Possible issues plant-based eaters may face and how to tackle them
• The need to make the plant-based movement an inclusive and welcoming space

This episode has some great takeaways but will likely be of particular benefit for anyone new to a plant-based diet, or someone thinking about transitioning. Please help us reach more people with this important message by liking, reviewing, subscribing and most importantly sharing this episode with friends and family.

Hannah Blumhardt - The Rubbish Trip

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 03:00:00 +1200

Hannah Blumhardt is one busy lady. Having a background in law, policy, history and international relations she serves as the zero-waste expert for Better Futures Forum, founded The Rubbish Trip with her partner Liam in 2015 and is the co-founder and policy spokesperson for Takeaway Throwaways. Hannah is also a member of the steering committee for the New Zealand Product Stewardship Council, amongst many other things! Hannah is a passionate advocate for zero waste living, her work and research spans from grassroots to government and focuses on reaching a waste-free world.

In this episode we discuss:
• Hannah’s background and journey to a waste-free lifestyle
• The motivation behind establishing The Rubbish Trip
• The need to shift our thinking about waste, the waste hierarchy and the surprising fact that recycling is one of the least preferable options
• Linear versus circular economy models and the consequences on the environment
• Industry ‘greenwashing’ and the complacency that stems from that
• Government, industry and consumer responsibilities in waste management
• The New Zealand Product Stewardship scheme and the potential benefits and pitfalls
• What changes individuals can make to reduce their impact on the environment

There are a lot of important topics covered in this episode if you care about the environment – whether you are a local kiwi or based abroad, this is a necessary listen. Please help us reach more people with this important message by liking, reviewing, subscribing and most importantly sharing this episode with friends and family.
(photo credit: Solene News and Land)

Dr Sam Gartland, MB, ChB, BSc (Hons), MRCP, FRACGP, MSPMED

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 08:00:00 +1200

Dr Sam Gartland is a GP based in Ballina, NSW. In 2008 while busy as an intensive care doctor, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and his world changed. Sam’s symptoms were so severe he had to resign his position, but fortunately, he has now been relapse-free since 2009, after implementing specific dietary and lifestyle changes.

These changes not only helped in his recovery but shape Sam’s practice as a doctor today. Sam now strongly advocates for a lifestyle medicine approach, where appropriate, and empowers and educates patients so they can also start writing their own recovery stories.

In this episode we discuss:
• Sam’s background and work as a doctor in Australia and the UK
• His diagnosis and disenchantment with the mainstream medical approach for MS
• Sam’s road to recovery and the impact MS typically has on quality and length of life
• The work of Dr Roy Swank and Professor George Jelinek
• The importance of diet, exercise, stress management, vitamin D and Omega-3s and how they relate to MS
• The importance of hope in healing and maintaining a positive mindset

This is a valuable episode for anyone struggling with a chronic health condition and Dr Gartland has such a positive and powerful message to share. Please help us reach more people with this important message by liking, reviewing, subscribing and most importantly sharing this episode with friends and family.

Here are the links to:
• the Overcoming MS programme
• Sam’s personal website
• and if you are local to Dr Gartland in the Ballina area, this is where you schedule an appointment

The Lentil Express - Dairy versus Soya Bean

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 18:00:00 +1200

And we’re back! And we bring you the first ‘express edition’ of the podcast. These will be short-form snippets peppered in between our regular episodes, where Ben and Emma cover specific subjects or timely topics.

In this episode we let you know what’s been happening behind the scenes while we’ve been away from the mic and cover a current hot topic. Social media and news platforms have been alight due to a recent paper released by The Sustainable Food Trust. The paper recommended that those who want to choose the environmentally sustainable milk choice should opt for dairy over soya. This translated into news articles with clickbait headlines like ‘Soya milk will cost the earth, vegans warned’. So, do the findings in this paper actually stack up? Not so much. We delve into the details.

And, we have a brand new website so make sure you check it out, share it and subscribe to our mailing list!

Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop, Principal Scientist

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 02:00:00 +1200

Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop is the Executive Director of World Preservation Foundation. He worked until mid-2010 as Principal Scientist with the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Resources Management Remote Sensing Centre, where he witnessed 4% of the world's deforestation for over 20 years. Following 37 years with federal and state government, Gerard is now engaged in communicating environmental issues such as deforestation, land degradation and biodiversity loss, and is full of optimism that together humanity and our natural environment have a bright future.

In this episode we discuss:
• Gerard’s background work monitoring deforestation.
• Australia’s disastrous land clearing rates, and what’s really driving this.
• Queensland deforestation and its impact on the Great Barrier Reef.
• Key planetary boundaries, including those we have already overstepped.
• The contribution of animal agriculture to climate change.
• Gerard’s work with NGO Beyond Zero Emissions.
• His involvement in the upcoming documentary and associated book Eating Our Way To Extinction.

This one covers some really vital issues and the consequences of not addressing these concerns soon are quite dire.

Brad Dixon - EVERFIT Physiotherapy and Coaching

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 01:00:00 +1200

Brad Dixon, owner and director of Everfit Physiotherapy and Coaching joins us in this episode. Brad’s enthusiasm for total wellness, through a holistic approach to health, is very evident in this conversation, as he runs us through his expansive wellness recommendations.

Brad brings with him 20+ years’ experience as an athlete and physiotherapist and incorporates many important pillars of lifestyle medicine to his coaching work - so we are sure everyone will find value in this jampacked conversation.

In this episode we discuss:
• Brad’s background, his athletic endeavours and journey to a plant-based diet
• The impact of his family as a collective
• The expansive wellness mindset
• 10 beneficial habits anyone can implement and the science behind each recommendation
• Creating long-lasting habit changes

We guarantee there will be some important take-homes for anyone listening to this conversation!

Dr Mike Joy, Freshwater Ecologist

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 01:00:00 +1200

The phenomenal Dr Mike Joy joins us in this episode to discuss the true cost of our current food and farming practices and the environmental consequences of the current system.

Mike is a freshwater ecologist, currently working as a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Governance and Policy Studies at Victoria University, Wellington and holds a PhD in water ecology. Mike has received multiple awards for his work, is well known for passionately advocating for environmental protection, and has co-founded Better Futures Forum and brings a lot of knowledge and passion to this conversation, so you’re in for a real treat.

In this episode we discuss:
• Mike’s background and journey to academia
• The big environmental challenges New Zealand needs to address
• The excessive use of nitrogen in our farming system
• The current state of New Zealand’s waterways and the consequences for marine life and human health
• Current farming practices and their true cost to the economy
• The short-sightedness of carbon credits
• A way forward, including the newly established Better Futures Forum

To find out more about his important work, please visit Freshwater for Life.

Dr Shireen Kassam - Plant-Based Health Professionals UK

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 02:00:00 +1200

Shireen is a Consultant Haematologist at King’s College Hospital, London, specialising in the care of people with lymphoma and other haematological cancers. Additionally, Shireen is the founder and director of the non-profit organisation Plant-Based Health Professionals, UK, whose mission is to provide evidence-based education to health professionals and the general public on plant-based nutrition and other lifestyle interventions for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

Shireen is also a visiting Professor at Winchester University, where she runs the UK's first University-based course on plant-based nutrition. One busy lady!

In this conversation we discuss:
• Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, their mission and advocacy work
• The University of Winchester Nutrition Course for health professionals, which she spearheaded
• The latest nutrition guidelines from the American Cancer Society
• Socioeconomic determinants of health
• Food Justice Issues
• Shireen’s brilliant weekly plant-based nutrition news on Medium and social media.

Robyn Chuter - Empower Total Health

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 01:00:00 +1200

This episode is all about gut health for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, with the brilliant Robyn Chuter. Robyn is a certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner who specialises in helping people reverse serious and chronic illnesses using a plant-based diet and emotional healing through her practice Empower Total Health. Robyn’s original training was in naturopathy and nutrition, and she has since gained qualifications in counselling, EFT therapy, Matrix Re-imprinting and Lifestyle Medicine. Robyn has also completed her Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) and is basically a walking encyclopaedia when it comes to gut health.

Robyn is a phenomenal wealth of knowledge when it comes to the topic of optimal gut health and she touches on a number of important principles for fostering a healthy microbiome, not only for reducing bowel cancer risk but minimising the risk of certain autoimmune conditions and mood disorders. This one is jam-packed with information so you may want a notepad and pen at the ready!

In this conversation we discuss:
• Key principles for maintaining a healthy microbiome
• The importance of variety for yielding optimal gut diversity
• The role of probiotics and prebiotics
• Elimination diets such as FODMAP and candida regimens
• Meat and cancer risk
• The link between gut health and Autoimmune conditions
• Food and mood

Download the Gut Challenge resource here.

Jasmijn de Boo & Professor Andrew Knight - The Green Protein Report

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 04:00:00 +1200

Episode 9 and we chat with the extraordinary power couple, Jasmijn de Boo and Professor Andrew Knight.
Jasmijn is a professional animal advocate and educator with over 20 years of experience in global leadership positions. Jasmijn is currently International Director at ProVeg International and has previously worked in a range of international animal protection organisations, including as a CEO of both SAFE NZ, and The Vegan Society UK, and as a researcher, global education manager, lecturer, and programme adviser.

Andrew is a Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics, and Founding Director of the Centre for Animal Welfare, at the University of Winchester, UK; a New Zealand and American Veterinary Specialist in Animal Welfare; an EBVS European and RCVS Veterinary Specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law; a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and a Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy.

Together, Andrew and Jasmijn co-authored The Green Protein Report: Meeting New Zealand’s Climate Change Targets by 2030 Through Reduced Reliance on Animal Agriculture. New Zealand’s clean, green image has been threatened by its heavy reliance on agricultural practices. This report provides compelling evidence that animal agriculture negatively impacts planetary health, human health and puts the country’s economy at risk long-term.

In this episode we cover:
• Andrew and Jasmijn’s backgrounds – they are incredibly busy, brilliant and passionate humans!
• Food consumption, agricultural production and the impact on NZ’s economy
• The environmental impact of animal production for food
• Farm animal welfare concerns and Zoonotic diseases
• A way forward; how to achieve climate targets by 2030

Grant Dixon - The Big FAT Lie

Sun, 31 May 2020 22:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we are joined by the inspiring Grant Dixon, the filmmaker behind The Big Fat Lie documentary. Grant was inspired to make this award-winning documentary after his own health scare, suffering a heart attack at only 58 years of age.

The documentary details his journey back to health, with the use of a whole food plant-based diet, and his quest for answers as to why government and medical guidelines don’t promote the use of such a diet, given the evidence base to support it.

Grant’s passion didn’t end there - he has since been instrumental in establishing the advocacy group Evidence Based Eating NZ, with the mission to educate and inspire the general public, health professionals, private organisations and government institutions on the countless health benefits of a wholefood plant-based diet.

In this episode we cover:
• Grant’s health scare and his experience within the medical system, which fuelled his desire to produce The Big Fat Lie documentary
• The frustrating lack of support for the use of a whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD) within the health sector, given the many benefits recorded in the literature
• The consumption of oils, nuts and seeds
• Grant’s athletic prowess post-heart attack!
• Genetics vs lifestyle
• Grant’s quest to raise awareness of a WFPBD through the establishment of Evidence-Based Eating NZ.

Heart disease continues to be both Australia and New Zealand’s top killer, so the message Grant shares through his humorous yet hard-hitting documentary are of utmost importance. This documentary was accepted into five international film festivals and won the best documentary and best message at Top Indie Film Awards – please be sure to check it out on Vimeo, iTunes or Amazon Prime.

Brad Dalrymple - Ocean Protect

Mon, 25 May 2020 04:00:00 +1200

The amazing Brad Dalrymple joins us in this episode for a chat about the impact of diet on climate, the importance of keeping our waterways clean, and his athletic endeavours. Brad passionately advocates the environmental benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and works as a principal environmental engineer at Ocean Protect. Having over 18 years’ experience in various environmental engineering projects associated with environmental engineering and has RPEQ, NPER and CPEng accreditation – he brings a lot of knowledge to the table on this topic. Brad also keeps busy by co-hosting the brilliant Ocean Protect podcast with Jeremy Brown, which discusses key issues impacting on the health of our oceans.

Brad has quite the sporting resume, having won both the Australian National Sprint and Olympic Distance AG Championships, as well as completing the gruelling Ultraman Australia event twice (a 3-day multisport event of swimming 10km, cycling 421km and running 84km), with a best of 4th place overall, so we delve into his training and race nutrition strategies.

Brad touches on a number of vitally important issues in our discussion and we hope you enjoy this conversation – we certainly learned a lot.
In this episode we cover:
• Brad’s early experimentation with a plant-based diet, including a common pitfall
• Performance improvements after switching to a wholefood plant-based diet
• Nutrition for endurance sports
• Various foods and their impact on climate change, ocean acidification and deforestation
• The valuable work of Ocean Protect
• Plastic pollution and the damage it causes to the marine environment

In light of the climate emergency, the topics Brad covers in this episode are of incredible importance. Please reach out to Brad and let him know if you appreciated this conversation.

Dr Portia D'Anverrs, Radiology Registrar

Mon, 18 May 2020 04:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Portia D’Anverrs, a brilliant plant-based Radiology Registrar. Portia is also a qualified fitness instructor and has previously competed in powerlifting, INBA bikini and sports modelling – so it’s safe to say that she walks her talk when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.

In her work, Portia literally gets to see the results of lifestyle choices from the inside out and we spend some time discussing the untapped potential of medical imaging as a tool for lifestyle intervention. We also delve into Portia’s fascinating backstory and her journey to becoming plant-based. Portia currently serves as the Tasmanian Ambassadoc for Doctors For Nutrition and advocates a healthy lifestyle through her social media.

In this episode we cover:
• Portia’s upbringing and reasoning behind her transition to a plant-based lifestyle
• Her busy schedule as a Radiology Registrar and the potential use of medical imaging as an education tool
• The importance of movement – for physical and mental health
• A plant-based diet for performance and the importance of nutrition education to ensure good health
• Making a plant-based diet work for busy people
• Her top tips for quick and easy meals

Dr Andrew Little, MD

Sun, 10 May 2020 18:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we chat with the stellar Dr Andrew Little. Andrew works within the hospital system on the Gold Coast and devotes the majority of his workday putting people to sleep for surgery. This means Andrew regularly sees the impact of diet and lifestyle choices from the inside out. Outside of work, Andrew spends the rest of his time trying to awaken people to the benefits of a plant-based diet, not just for health but for the environmental and ethical benefits also. Andrew serves as the Queensland ambassadoc for Doctors For Nutrition and is the founder of BeHumane.

In this episode we cover:
• Andrew’s transition to a plant-based diet and the reasons for this
• His athletic endeavours and his diet while undertaking these events
• Tales from the operating theatre
• The impact of animal agriculture on human and planetary health
• Social media use for translating scientific evidence
• Raising plant-powered little ones
• Supplementation of particular nutrients, and if they are necessary for plant-based eaters
• Andrew’s BeHumane Smoothie Booster and the ethos behind the company.

Shamiz Kachwalla - High Carb Health

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 21:00:00 +1200

In this episode, we share Shamiz Kachwalla’s extraordinary recovery story. In 2012 Shamiz was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis; he was told he would be on medication for life, and the likelihood of surgery was high. After adopting a plant-based diet, Shamiz was able to completely turn his health around and has been fit and healthy for the last seven years. Shamiz and his brother Shukul now help countless others regain their health through their business High Carb Health.

In this episode we cover:
• Shamiz’s diagnosis with IBD and his time in hospital
• His road back to health (discussing diet, lifestyle and mindset)
• Life and diet since the recovery
• His (and his brother’s) business High Carb Health
• Diet, exercise and gut health

Dr Luke Wilson, MBChB, BA, MSc (Part 2 of 2)

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 17:00:00 +1200

This is part 2 of our interview with Dr Luke Wilson, picking up where we left off on the conversation around added salt and sugar, and calorie-dense foods.

After the two episodes we'll have covered:
• Luke’s journey to adopting a plant-based diet
• His Internship at the TrueNorth Health Center and time spent at the McDougal Health and Medical Center
• The Broad Study; what this intervention entailed, why it was such a success and its translatability to New Zealand and Australian populations
• Nuts and seeds and their place in a WFPB diet
• Luke’s recent presentation at the inaugural South Pacific Society of Lifestyle Medicine Conference
• Luke’s involvement in Doctors For Nutrition
• His business Two Zesty Bananas

Dr Luke Wilson, MBChB, BA, MSc (Part 1 of 2)

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +1200

In this episode (part 1 of 2) we discuss all things plant-based with Dr Luke Wilson, MBChB, BA, MSc, a plant-powered GP located in Wellington, NZ. In his final year of medical school, Luke interned alongside the likes of Dr John McDougall MD, Dr Michael Klaper, M.D. and Dr Alan Goldhamer at the McDougal Health and Medical Centre and the True North Health Center.

Luke went on to become a co-lead researcher and creator of The BROAD Study, which resulted in the best weight loss ever recorded in a non-calorie restricted dietary intervention. Luke also keeps busy by presenting and lecturing around the world and serves on the Board of Directors and is the New Zealand Ambassadoc, for health promotion charity Doctors For Nutrition.

In this episode we cover:
• Luke’s journey to adopting a plant-based diet
• His Internship at the TrueNorth Health Center and time spent at the McDougal Health and Medical Centre
• The Broad Study; what this intervention entailed, why it was such a success and its translatability to New Zealand and Australian populations
• Nuts and seeds and their place in a WFPB diet
• Luke’s recent presentation at the inaugural South Pacific Society of Lifestyle Medicine Conference
• Luke’s involvement in Doctors For Nutrition
• His business Two Zesty Bananas

Staying Sane and Healthy During Lockdown

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +1200

A warm welcome to the inaugural episode of The Lentil Intervention Podcast co-hosted by Greenstuff Nutrition's Emma Strutt and Kaitiaki Endurance Sport's Benjamin Eitelberg!

Firstly, a little about our mission. We aim to bring you regular evidence-based conversations and interviews with an overarching focus on three key pillars of health - movement, wholefood nutrition and environmental wellness.

Kicking things off with something very time-appropriate we discuss how to stay sane and healthy during the lockdown. In the thick of this 'corona-crisis', many people are rightly stressed and worried and unfortunately, it will likely be some time before we get back to any sense of normality. We can't control what's going on in the world and don't have full control on whether we end up getting sick, but there are certain things we can concentrate on to assist our coping during this unprecedented situation.

This episode is devoted to discussing easy actions to help optimise:
• Sleep
• Nutrition
• Movement
• Stress management
• Keeping that human connection when it's necessary to stay physically apart.

For the latest updates on Coronavirus:
• Australian Government Department of Health
• New Zealand Ministry of Health

A study reviewing the effectiveness of physical interventions (such as masks) to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6993921/

Ben's workout tips for keeping fit while being stuck indoors: https://youtu.be/pCoIOQ4fAFY

Links to some of the meditation resources mentioned in this episode:
• Smiling Mind
• Bliss More
• Insight Timer