Episodes

  • The Ocean's Safety Nets: Marine Protected Areas with Jamie Blatter

    The Ocean's Safety Nets: Marine Protected Areas with Jamie Blatter
    Sep 23 2025

    Discover how Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) protect our oceans and why California is home to the largest connected network in the world. In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Blatter, climate specialist and tribal liaison at the California MPA Collaborative Network, to explore how MPAs are created, maintained, and measured for success. Learn about the science proving their impact, the importance of community and tribal partnerships, and the role of MPAs in addressing overfishing and climate change. From grassroots engagement to global conservation lessons, this conversation highlights how collaboration, equity, and identity shape the future of ocean stewardship—and why optimism comes from action.


    Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or sending us a gift on PayPal


    Episode Guest: Jamie Blatter

    Learn more about the California Marine Protected Area Collaborative Network


    Find 500 Queer Scientists Here

    Further Reading on Queer Ecology


    Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese

    Cover art by Jomiro Eming

    Theme music by Nela Ruiz

    Listen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Listen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Listen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    44 mins
  • Our Green Sea: Plankton, CO2, and NASA EXPORTS with Erin Jones

    Our Green Sea: Plankton, CO2, and NASA EXPORTS with Erin Jones
    Sep 16 2025

    Tiny ocean drifters are shaping Earth’s climate. Microzooplankton, some no larger than a grain of sand, are crucial players in the biological carbon pump — the system that moves carbon from the atmosphere into the deep sea for long-term storage. In this episode, PhD candidate Erin Jones explains how these single-celled organisms regulate climate, why their diversity matters, and what NASA’s EXORTS program is uncovering using satellites and DNA sequencing. From the invisible communities floating in seawater to the global carbon cycle, we explore how the ocean’s smallest creatures are connected to the planet’s biggest challenges. Discover why unlocking their secrets could reshape climate predictions — and why the future of carbon sequestration depends on them.

    Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or sending us a gift on PayPal


    Episode Guest: Erin Jones

    Connect with Erin on LinkedIn

    Learn more about the NASA EXPORTS Program


    Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese

    Cover art by Jomiro Eming

    Theme music by Nela Ruiz

    Listen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Listen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Listen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    42 mins
  • Glow in the Dark: the Magic of Ocean Bioluminescence with Dr. Laurent DuChatelet

    Glow in the Dark: the Magic of Ocean Bioluminescence with Dr. Laurent DuChatelet
    Sep 9 2025

    Glowing sharks & blue beaches spark curiosity— journey with marine ecophysiologist Dr. Laurent Duchâtelet into the luminous world of ocean bioluminescence. Discover how lantern sharks, dragonfish, plankton and more deploy living light for hunting, hiding and flirting; why wavelengths shift from blue to green to rare red; and how decoding luciferin–luciferase chemistry is powering pollution sensors and cancer diagnostics. Guided by deep-sea ROV footage and decades of lab work, this conversation illuminates 90 independent evolutions of glow, the sport-utility of bio-light, and the urgent need to fund fundamental ocean science before these wonders wink out. If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming through spark-lit surf or marveled at fireflies, this episode reveals the science behind the magic—and what we still don’t know.


    Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or sending us a gift on PayPal


    Episode Guest: Dr. Laurent DuChatelet

    Learn more about Dr. Laurent DuChatelet at UCLouvain

    Read Dr. DuChatelet’s article on Marine Bioluminescence.

    Find more of Dr. DuChatelet’s publications on Research Gate.


    Blue Glowing Beaches Around the World


    Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese

    Cover art by Jomiro Eming

    Theme music by Nela Ruiz

    Listen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Listen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Listen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    39 mins
  • How to Set an Ocean Agenda: The UN Ocean Decade Explained with Alison Clausen

    How to Set an Ocean Agenda: The UN Ocean Decade Explained with Alison Clausen
    Sep 2 2025

    Why the UN declared an Ocean Decade -


    The United Nations Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) is more than a global framework—it’s a chance to rethink how science informs action. In this episode, Alison Clausen, Deputy Global Coordinator of the Ocean Decade at UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, explains what the Decade is aiming to achieve by 2030 and how its legacy will carry forward. We discuss the role of Indigenous and local knowledge, the meaning of “success” beyond the ten-year mark, and how upcoming international ocean conferences fit into the bigger picture. Whether you’re just hearing about the Ocean Decade for the first time or looking for context behind the headlines, this conversation offers a clear and timely introduction.


    Episode Guest: Alison Clausen

    Ocean Decade Website Here

    10 Ocean Decade Challenges

    Ocean Decade Actions

    GenOcean to get involved in the Ocean Decade

    Nice Ocean Conference Outcome Document here

    Follow the UN Ocean Decade on Instagram @unoceandecade and LinkedIn here


    Listen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese

    Cover art by Jomiro Eming

    Theme music by Nela Ruiz

    Listen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Listen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    44 mins
  • Turtles and straws 10 years later: Plastic Podcast Cross Over with Dr. Christine Figgener

    Turtles and straws 10 years later: Plastic Podcast Cross Over with Dr. Christine Figgener
    Aug 26 2025
    Plastic straws and sea turtles collide in this episode featuring marine biologist Dr. Christine Figgener, whose viral 2015 video of a straw pulled from a turtle’s nose launched a global anti-plastic movement. We explore the long history of sea turtles, the modern threats they face from plastic pollution, and how science and activism can work together to drive change. From migration research to marine conservation, Dr. Figgener reflects on a decade of impact and the future of ocean health. Originally aired on Plastic Podcast, this episode is cross-posted on Oceanography due to the urgent overlap between ocean ecosystems and plastic waste.Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or sending us a gift on PayPalEpisode Guest: Dr. Christine FiggenerLearn more about Dr. Christine Figgener on her website Follow Dr. Christine Figgener on Instagram @seaturtlebiologistOrder Dr. Christine Figgener’s book My Life with Sea Turtles Watch Dr. Christine Figgener’s video on YouTubeFind more of Dr. Christine Figgener’s work on Google ScholarLearn more about sea turtle conservation at SEE TurtlesListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsEpisode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media websiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art by Jomiro EmingTheme music by Nela RuizListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    36 mins
  • The Secret Life of Deep Sea Symbiosis with Dr. Shana Goffredi

    The Secret Life of Deep Sea Symbiosis with Dr. Shana Goffredi
    Aug 18 2025
    How deep sea worms eat without a mouth is just one of the astonishing discoveries in this episode with microbial symbiosis expert Dr. Shana Goffredi. We dive into the strange and beautiful world of methane seeps and hydrothermal vents, where animals form life-saving partnerships with chemo synthesizing bacteria. From feather duster worms powered by natural gas to mixotrophic anemones thriving in volcanic vents, learn how cooperation fuels entire deep sea ecosystems — and helps prevent methane from reaching our atmosphere. These microscopic alliances are transforming how we understand evolution, resilience, and oceanic carbon cycling.Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or sending us a gift on PayPalEpisode Guest: Dr. Shana GoffrediLearn more about Dr. Goffredi at Occidental CollegeVisit the Symbioxys Lab’s websiteFollow the lab on InstagramFind more of Dr. Goffredi’s work on Google ScholarRead the discussed article on Feather DustersRead the discussed article on Deep Sea AnenomeHere’s a third on ‘Marine VampiresFind more of Dr. Goffredi’s science outreach on Science FridayEpisode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media websiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art by Jomiro EmingTheme music by Nela RuizListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple Podcasts | Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    42 mins
  • The Hidden Pipeline: How Human Pollution Seeps into the Sea with Dr. Tristan McKenzie

    The Hidden Pipeline: How Human Pollution Seeps into the Sea with Dr. Tristan McKenzie
    Aug 12 2025
    Fish full of pharmaceuticals. Submarine groundwater discharge is quietly delivering human contaminants—like heavy metals, fertilizers, and even antidepressants—into our oceans. In this episode of Oceanography, marine geochemist Dr. Tristan McKenzie explains how these hidden pathways are impacting coastal ecosystems around the world. Drawing from fieldwork in Hawaii and Sweden, he breaks down the science behind groundwater pollution, shares the results of a global contamination risk map, and discusses the surprising ways contaminants disrupt both marine life and biogeochemical cycles. You’ll also learn why some of the world’s most biodiverse coasts are at highest risk—and how you can help. This is a deep dive into ocean contamination, climate interactions, and the data behind it all. Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or sending us a gift on PayPalEpisode Guest: Dr. Tristan McKenzieLearn more about Dr. Tristan McKenzie on his website here and the University of GothenbergFollow Dr. Tristan McKenzie on Blue SkyFind more of Dr. Tristan McKenzie’s work on Google ScholarHow Gutting the EPA's Research Team Could Impact Clean Air and Water Rules by the Scientific AmericanEPA likely to move to further limit federal protections for wetlands by AP NewsFish off the coast of Florida test positive for pharmaceutical drugs, says study by CNNEpisode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media websiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art by Jomiro EmingTheme music by Nela RuizListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    31 mins
  • What does the ocean sound like? with Dr. Jesús Alcázar-Treviño

    What does the ocean sound like? with Dr. Jesús Alcázar-Treviño
    Aug 5 2025
    Episode Description: Whales whisper, volcanoes rumble, and fish sing at sunset. In this episode of Oceanography, host Clark Marchese explores the science of underwater sound with marine biologist and bioacoustics researcher Dr. Jesús Alcázar-Treviño. You'll learn how toothed whales use echolocation to hunt in the deep sea, how volcanic eruptions reshape marine soundscapes, and why some whales may be mistaking plastic for prey. We also dive into the impacts of human-made noise—like shipping and seismic testing—on marine ecosystems. With fascinating stories from the Canary Islands and deep-sea research insights, this episode is your gateway into the hidden world of ocean acoustics and marine conservation.Support our science communication by joining us on Patreon or send us a gift on PayPalEpisode Guest: Dr. Jesús Alcázar TreviñoLearn more about Dr. Jesús Alcázar Treviño hereFollow Dr. Jesús Alcázar Treviño on Blue SkyFind more of Dr. Jesús Alcázar Treviño’s work on Research GateExplore more from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media websiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art by Jomiro EmingTheme music by Nela RuizListen to South Pole on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    42 mins