Shark Week 2025 takes center stage in this conversation with Jesse Colaizzi, one of the producers behind the most-watched week in ocean television. We go behind the scenes of what it takes to pitch, plan, film, and deliver a compelling Shark Week segment, how ideas are selected, and how shows make the leap from concept to global audience. Jesse also discusses what it means to represent sharks accurately while keeping the drama that draws millions of viewers each year.

Ocean storytelling comes into sharp focus as Jesse explains the pressure to entertain while maintaining scientific integrity. We discuss the actual process of working with experts, the surprises that occur during filming, and how Shark Week has evolved over time. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a scientist, or a conservationist, you’ll walk away with insights into the creative balance between TV ratings and accurate shark science.

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Dave:
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Andrew:
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All The Sharks Netflix introduces us to a new way of seeing sharks—not as mindless monsters, but as awe-inspiring animals coexisting with skilled divers. In this episode of Beyond Jaws, Aliah Banchik, one of the contestants on the show, takes us through her experience competing in this thrilling underwater game show. She opens up about what it was really like swimming among sharks, the rigorous training involved, and the relationships she built with fellow contestants and apex predators alike.

Aliah also discusses the emotional and physical toll of filming a show that centers sharks without villainizing them. She reflects on the shift in tone the show brought to shark storytelling, highlighting how production teams and divers worked to prioritize safety, education, and science over fear. This episode also explores Aliah’s background in marine conservation and how she hopes to inspire others through her work in and out of the water.

Aliah's Website: https://www.aliahbanchik.com/

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Dave:
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Mick Grant is a postdoctoral researcher at James Cook University, and in this episode of Beyond Jaws, he takes us on a journey from his childhood passion for nature to working with some of the world’s most elusive shark species. His story spans groundbreaking fieldwork in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, including the rediscovery of species like the sailfin houndshark, and the challenges of conducting research in remote regions.

River sharks and sawfish are among the most threatened species in our oceans. Mick shares insights into their ecology, the conservation policies affecting them, and what it takes to protect such cryptic animals. He also reflects on the importance of mentoring the next generation of shark scientists and how research can be turned into real-world action.

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Dave:
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Andrew:
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Why the 50th Anniversary of Jaws Still Matters for Shark Science

The movie Jaws terrified audiences and demonized great white sharks, but it also inspired a generation of shark researchers and boosted funding for marine science. In this special anniversary episode of Beyond Jaws, co-hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert revisit the legacy of Jaws 50 years later. They speak with leading shark researchers—Lisa Natanson, Greg Skomal, and Chris Lowe, about how the film influenced their careers and the public’s relationship with sharks.

Shark science owes more to Jaws than you might think. This episode dives into the personal stories of scientists from the original “Jaws Generation,” exploring how a horror film launched scientific careers, sparked public interest, and led to groundbreaking research on great whites. Whether you love or loathe the movie, its influence on conservation and marine biology is undeniable.

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Dave:
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Andrew:
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Shark Conservation drives today’s conversation with Guido Leurs, a marine scientist whose research spans multiple shark species and explores how we connect with them through images and media. Guido shares his unique career path, from his early fascination to postdoctoral work, and how visual storytelling has played a critical role in understanding and protecting these misunderstood predators.

Marine Science Communication is at the heart of Guido’s journey. This episode covers the evolution of his work, from science diving and species identification to the broader social and ecological impacts of shark conservation. You’ll also hear personal insights into the challenges of navigating academic paths, building a meaningful research career, and inspiring people to care about sharks through compelling imagery and communication.

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Dave:
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Andrew:
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Learning about whale sharks with Dr. Simon Pierce reveals a world of mystery behind the ocean’s largest fish. As co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, Simon shares surprising insights into whale shark behavior, global tracking efforts, and the challenges of conserving these gentle giants. A must-listen for anyone curious about ocean science and megafauna conservation.

Marine MegaFauna Website: https://marinemegafauna.org/

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Dave:
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Andrew:
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Sharks: In this special bonus episode of Beyond Jaws, we dive deep into a fresh perspective on sharks through the eyes of marine biologist and science communicator Sophie Maycock. Sophie joins co-hosts Dr. David Ebert and Andrew Lewin to discuss her new book Shark: An Illustrated Biography, which not only showcases the beauty and complexity of these creatures but also challenges long-held misconceptions.

Sophie: We explore Sophie’s journey from her scientific background to becoming a published author, the creative process of writing about sharks, and why visual storytelling matters in science communication. Whether you’re a shark lover or simply curious about how marine science can reach new audiences, this episode delivers inspiration, education, and deep respect for the ocean’s most iconic predator.

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Dave:
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Andrew:
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Technical diving opens up a whole new world for shark researchers like Dr. Yannis Papastamatiou, who has built a career studying predator dynamics in some of the most remote and challenging underwater environments. In this episode, Yannis shares his global journey through the UK, Greece, California, Hawaii, and now Florida — explaining how each location shaped his shark research and conservation strategies.

Shark science isn’t just about getting close to these apex predators — it’s also about the sophisticated diving techniques and equipment needed to study their behavior where most humans can’t go. We dig deep into the importance of technical diving for accessing shark habitats, why it matters for predator-prey studies, and how science divers train for this demanding work. Whether you’re into marine biology, scuba diving, or just love sharks, this episode will fascinate you.

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Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
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Dave:
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Andrew:
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