Best Plasticpollution Podcasts (2025)

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Ocean Books and Solarpunk Stories: Todd Medema’s Climate Heist Novel to Inspire Action 43:54

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3h ago43:54

43:54

Ocean Books can do more than entertain—they can inspire action, hope, and a fresh way of thinking about climate change. In this episode, Todd Medema introduces his new novel, How to Surf a Hurricane, a solarpunk heist that imagines a near-future world adapting to climate change. Todd and Andrew Lewin explore how fiction can shift the narrative from…

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Coffee and the Environment: The Hidden Cost of Your Daily Brew 1:07:55

1d ago1:07:55

1:07:55

Coffee and the environment are deeply intertwined, yet few consumers realize just how damaging the coffee industry can be. In this episode, Etelle Higonnet, a Yale-trained human rights lawyer and founder of Coffee Watch, joins Andrew to explore the environmental and human rights crises associated with global coffee production. From deforestation an…

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Plastic Pollution in the Ocean: Why It’s Time to Ban Styrofoam for Good 1:00:22

3d ago1:00:22

1:00:22

Plastic foam pollution continues to be a widespread and dangerous threat to ocean health. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Oceana’s Christy Leavitt breaks down their 2025 report exposing the true environmental cost of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) used in foodware across the US. With shocking statistics and real-life examples, Christy…

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Shark Week 2025 Why Shark Week’s “Dancing With Sharks” Episode Got It So Wrong 12:52

6d ago12:52

12:52

Shark Week 2025 opened with a spectacle that left many conservationists and shark advocates frustrated. The premiere episode, Dancing With Sharks, featured handlers hugging, hand-feeding, and even riding sharks—behaviors that distort shark biology and promote a dangerous misunderstanding of these wild animals. In this episode, we examine how the us…

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How to Protect Sharks: What Actually Works (and What Doesn’t) 7:46

8d ago7:46

7:46

How to Protect Sharks isn’t just about banning shark finning or posting awareness videos. It’s about understanding what really works—supporting science-based policies, enforcing marine protected areas, backing local researchers, and stopping the spread of misinformation. In this episode, we clear up the confusion around shark conservation and focus…

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How Marine Conservation Works: From Community Action to Global Policy 18:06

10d ago18:06

18:06

How Marine Conservation Works is the foundation for protecting our oceans, but it’s often misunderstood. In this episode, we break down how marine conservation really happens—from grassroots community efforts and local fisheries management to scientific input and national policies. You’ll learn why effective conservation requires more than just goo…

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Texas Flood 2025: Smarter Tools Needed To Save Lives 53:03

13d ago53:03

53:03

Texas Flood 2025 revealed just how urgently we need smarter tools in disaster response. In this episode, Dave Jones, founder of StormCenter Communications, explains how his team used satellite imagery and real-time mapping to support emergency responders during the catastrophic floods. Their data helped identify stranded residents, blocked roads, a…

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Conservation Is About Collaboration And Balean Is All About Collaboration 56:28

15d ago56:28

56:28

Conservation is about collaboration, and collaboration is what we are discussing today. Ocean collaboration is at the heart of many conservation success stories, but what happens when it breaks down? In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin talks with Bart Oor, the founder of Balean, a platform created to support i…

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Orca Allokelping: Newly Documented Mutual Grooming Tool Use in Marine Mammals 14:40

17d ago14:40

14:40

Orca Allokelping is the newly documented behavior where southern resident killer whales use bull kelp as a tool to rub against each other—possibly to remove dead skin and soothe irritation. Captured via drone, this social spa-like behavior, known as allokelping, reveals a rare example of cooperative tool use in the wild. Scientists believe it serve…

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All The Sharks Netflix Review: It's A Must Watch 17:56

20d ago17:56

17:56

All The Sharks Netflix finally delivers what ocean lovers and science communicators have been asking for: a show that gets shark science right. In this episode, Andrew breaks down how the new game show sets itself apart from misleading content like SeaSpiracy and Shark Whisperer, and instead showcases real marine scientists, environmental journalis…

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Ocean Networks Canada: What It’s Really Like to Work in the Deep Sea 1:04:14

22d ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Ocean careers are often imagined as adventurous and exciting, but what does it actually mean to work in the ocean every day, especially in the deep sea? In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, Andrew speaks with Megan Paulson from Ocean Networks Canada, Josh Tedarenko from Campac Marine Services, and Dirk, who all work in partnersh…

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Ocean Ramsay's Shark Whisperer, A Review of the Conservation Claims and Controversies 25:58

25d ago25:58

25:58

Ocean Ramsay's new documentary, called Shark Whisperer, is out on Netflix, and this is my review. This episode investigates Ocean Ramsey’s viral shark interactions, including her approach of touching and redirecting sharks in open water. We explore how these encounters influence shark behavior and why marine scientists warn about potential stress, …

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Ocean Conservation Disconnect with People: Straws, Sharks, and Science Barriers 21:39

27d ago21:39

21:39

Ocean Conservation Disconnect defines the state of ocean conservation today, where public enthusiasm rarely translates into real impact. The viral plastic straw campaign proved that a simple symbol could spark global conversations, yet it shifted focus away from the systemic changes needed to reduce ocean plastic. Swapping plastic for metal straws …

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Tuna Sustainability and The Work of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation 1:22:46

29d ago1:22:46

1:22:46

Tuna sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a complex challenge tackled head-on by the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). In this episode, Susan Jackson, ISSF President, joins host Andrew Lewin to unpack their groundbreaking 2024 Annual Report. From developing biodegradable jelly-FADs to advancing electronic monitoring sta…

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How French Polynesia Protected 4.8 Million km² of Ocean: The World’s Largest MPA 10:46

1M ago10:46

10:46

French Polynesia marine protected area is now the largest in the world, covering nearly 4.8 million square kilometers of ocean. This groundbreaking conservation effort was announced during the United Nations Ocean Conference and includes large no-take zones near the Society and Gambier Islands, along with expansive areas that restrict harmful activ…

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The Problem with Seaweed Aquaculture: Hidden Threats to Marine Life 10:43

1M ago10:43

10:43

The problem with seaweed aquaculture is that it’s not always as ocean-friendly as it seems. While seaweed farming is often praised as a climate solution—able to sequester carbon, improve water quality, and support sustainable food systems—scientists are now warning that its rapid, unregulated expansion could be damaging vital marine ecosystems. In …

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UN Ocean Conference 2025: Big Promises, Global Funding, and the Push for Ocean Protection 10:48

1M ago10:48

10:48

UNOC 2025 brought major headlines in ocean conservation—from billions pledged to protect biodiversity, to significant movement on the High Seas Treaty. In this episode, Andrew Lewin returns from the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, with a firsthand account of what was announced, what was promised, and what might actually happen. Ocean finance w…

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Why Cayman Islanders Voted to Stop a Cruise Ship Pier and Save Their Reef 11:44

2M ago11:44

11:44

Why Cayman Islanders Voted against a massive cruise ship pier is a rare and powerful story of reef protection over profit. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin unpacks the bold decision by Cayman citizens to reject a development project that would have severely damaged their coral reef ecosystem. The vote sent a clear message: …

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How US Climate Policy Affects Renewable Energy and Ocean Conservation 55:14

2M ago55:14

55:14

Climate policy in the U.S. has taken a wild ride in recent years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I speak with Chris Moyer, founder of Echo Communication Advisors, about the turbulent shifts in federal policy—especially during the Trump and Biden administrations, and how these shifts have disrupted progress in renewable energy. We exam…

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Oceans Day: A Message of Hope and Action for Ocean Conservation 25:18

2M ago25:18

25:18

Oceans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a moment to reflect on the state of our blue planet and our role in protecting it. In this heartfelt episode, Andrew Lewin shares a personal message for Oceans Day 2025 (and any day after), speaking directly to those who feel overwhelmed by climate anxiety and unsure of their place in ocean conser…

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Surfacing Secrets: Mavericks and Visionaries 1:11:55

2M ago1:11:55

1:11:55

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) began as a bold idea—to create a real-time, always-on listening system for the ocean. In this episode, Surfacing Secrets: Mavericks and Visionaries, we go behind the scenes with the people who made that idea real. From laying cables deep in the Pacific to building trust with research institutions and government partners,…

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Ocean Conservation and the Rise of the WaveMaker Movement 43:42

2M ago43:42

43:42

Ocean conservation is more than protecting ecosystems—it’s about empowering people to lead change. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew, Serena, and Amanda explore the WaveMaker identity, what it means to be part of a movement, and how The Undertow is creating a community where action and support go hand-in-hand. WaveMakers aren’t ju…

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Ocean Conservation Meets Innovation: Inside The Undertow’s Global Mission 54:16

2M ago54:16

54:16

Ocean conservation is evolving—and The Undertow is leading the way by merging storytelling, technology, and community. In this episode, host Andrew Lewin is joined by Amanda Horn and Serena Nguyen to unveil The Undertow, a new platform designed to supercharge ocean action by connecting people from all backgrounds to meaningful environmental impact.…

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Prevent Overfishing: How Transparency Can Save the Ocean 49:55

2M ago49:55

49:55

Prevent overfishing by making the invisible visible. In this episode, Courtney Farthing from Global Fishing Watch explains how vessel tracking and open data systems are key to protecting marine life and holding industrial fisheries accountable. With over 75% of industrial fishing vessels missing from public monitoring systems, it’s time to shine a …

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Ocean with David Attenborough: Why There’s Still Hope for the Sea 21:00

2M ago21:00

21:00

Ocean recovery is not just possible, it’s already happening in places where we’ve taken action. In this episode, I dive into Ocean with David Attenborough, a documentary that reminds us of the ocean’s incredible resilience. From thriving coral reefs to fish populations bouncing back, the film offers powerful proof that when we give marine ecosystem…

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How Tide Gauges Help Track Flooding and Sea Level Rise in Coastal Towns 42:12

2M ago42:12

42:12

Tide gauges are a critical yet often overlooked tool in our fight to understand and respond to climate change. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Thaler returns to the podcast to share a powerful story about installing a tide gauge in his hometown of St. Michaels, Maryland. He breaks down how this simple device provides crucial data for flood risk, sea le…

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How Harmful Algal Blooms Are Poisoning California’s Marine Wildlife 14:45

2M ago14:45

14:45

Harmful algal blooms are wreaking havoc along the California coast, releasing toxic domoic acid that is poisoning marine life. In this episode, we explore how this naturally occurring toxin is causing mass die-offs in sea lions, dolphins, and seabirds, and why climate change and nutrient pollution may be making these blooms worse. You’ll hear about…

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From Oceanographer to Eco-Baker: Maddie Hamann on Building a Sustainable Bread Brand to Help Protect the Ocean 52:35

2M ago52:35

52:35

Ocean conservation isn’t always about what’s happening in the water—it’s also about the choices we make on land. In this episode, we speak with Maddie Hamann, a former oceanographer turned sustainable food entrepreneur. Maddie shares how her background in ocean science led her to co-found PACHA, a company that creates sourdough buckwheat bread usin…

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How Zazou Saeed Helped Ban Single-Use Plastics in the Maldives 11:45

2M ago11:45

11:45

Plastic pollution in the Maldives has become a serious environmental crisis, despite the nation’s image as a pristine paradise. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin shares the inspiring story of Zazou Saeed—a young Maldivian surfer and ocean advocate—who rose to become a local conservation hero by campaigning against singl…

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Orca Conservation, Shark Ethics, and David Attenborough’s Ocean Film 20:39

3M ago20:39

20:39

Orca conservation takes center stage as we highlight an inspiring community-led effort to protect these iconic marine mammals. Andrew explores how nearshore ocean heroes are driving real change, and why their stories matter more than ever. Learn how protecting your local waters can lead to healthier oceans worldwide—and why it’s time we recognize t…

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Why Nearshore Ocean Conservation Is Critical for Climate, Biodiversity, and Communities 1:04:51

3M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Nearshore conservation is often overlooked in favor of flashy offshore marine protected areas. But a growing movement of community-led initiatives is showing that protecting coastal waters might be one of the smartest, most effective ways to safeguard ocean biodiversity and build climate resilience. This episode explores new insights from the Nears…

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Why Gray Whales Are Dying: Climate, Starvation, and Human Threats 10:23

3M ago10:23

10:23

Gray whales are dying along the Pacific coast—and the reasons are alarming. In this episode, we dive into why hundreds of gray whales have stranded or died between 2019 and 2023. From food shortages in their Arctic feeding grounds to the rising risks of ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, we break down what NOAA has called an Unusual Mor…

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Ontario Weakens Species Protections | Hawaii’s Climate Fee | Deep Sea Mining Clash | Frilled Shark Expansion 36:36

3M ago36:36

36:36

Endangered species protection in Ontario is under threat as the provincial government proposes Bill 5, repealing the Endangered Species Act in favor of weaker legislation. Host Andrew Lewin breaks down what these changes mean for biodiversity, habitat protection, and public accountability, and shares how Ontarians can respond through the Environmen…

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Deep Sea Mining in U.S. Waters: A New Era of Ocean Extraction 34:29

3M ago34:29

34:29

Deep sea mining in the U.S. is entering a new chapter after a recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump authorized exploration and extraction not only in U.S. Exclusive Economic Zones but potentially in international waters. This move marks a dramatic shift in ocean policy and raises serious questions about compliance with the …

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Coral Bleaching Across 82 Countries: Why This Global Event Is the Deadliest Yet 18:38

3M ago18:38

18:38

Coral bleaching is not just a temporary event—it’s a climate emergency that can unfold over years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin dives deep into the devastating history of global coral bleaching events, revealing how the fourth and current one (2023–2025) is affecting over 80% of coral reefs worldwide. From the Grea…

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Octopus Ocean Book: Exploring the Genius Minds Beneath the Waves with Mark Leiren-Young 1:05:00

3M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Octopus intelligence is nothing short of extraordinary—and in this episode, we dive deep with award-winning author Mark Leiren-Young to explore the surprising minds, behaviors, and conservation challenges of one of the ocean’s most elusive animals. Inspired by his latest book Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep, Mark shares jaw-dropping stories abo…

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US Government Rolls Back Environmental Protections for Energy Drilling 9:31

3M ago9:31

9:31

Energy policy shifts in the U.S. are sparking concern as the government rolls back environmental regulations to fast-track oil and gas drilling. In this episode, we examine how these rollbacks could jeopardize ecosystems, especially marine environments, and undermine efforts to transition to clean energy sources. Environmental protections have long…

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Defunding Science Due To DEI: What It Means for Canada 18:55

3M ago18:55

18:55

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) have become integral components of Canadian science funding. In this episode, we explore Pierre Poilievre's plan to strip funding from research programs that incorporate so-called "woke" policies like EDI. We examine how EDI policies are currently embedded in major grants from NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, and more, and…

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US Opens Up Marine Protected Areas to Fishing: What This Means for Ocean Conservation 8:34

3M ago8:34

8:34

Fisheries: In this episode, we see the surprising news that the U.S. government is opening up parts of its marine protected areas (MPAs) to commercial fishing. This rollback of protections in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument has sparked debate about the future of sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity. Ocean: We explore wh…

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AI-Powered Conservation: The Future of Coral Reef Protection with Andy Ridley 55:03

3M ago55:03

55:03

Great Barrier Reef bleaching is accelerating at a dangerous pace, and yet, hope rises from a unique blend of technology, data, and collective action. In this powerful episode, Andrew talks to Andy Ridley, the founding CEO of Citizens of the Reef, about how they are building one of the most ambitious citizen science movements on the planet. They dis…

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How McKnsea Balances Her Marine Career and Content Creation to Inspire Ocean Advocacy 1:08:08

3M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

Ocean conservation is more than a job—it’s a calling. In this episode, we sit down with McKenzie Margereth, known online as McKnsea, who shares her inspiring journey of making bold career decisions in marine biology while becoming a powerful voice for science communication on social media. Her story highlights the challenges and triumphs of balanci…

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Coral Restoration In Trouble: Why Saving Reefs Takes More Planting Coral 16:45

4M ago16:45

16:45

Coral restoration is often seen as a beacon of hope for our oceans—but are we putting too much faith in it? In this episode, we dive into why coral bleaching has become an annual event, especially on the Great Barrier Reef, and whether restoration can keep up with the pace of climate change. We explore what recurring stress events mean for the long…

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Rebuilding Fisheries in Canada: Capelin Biomass Falling Yet Fishing Stays Open 10:57

4M ago10:57

10:57

Rebuilding fisheries in Canada: Capelin biomass is only at 16% of its pre-collapse level, which spells disaster for northern cod's recovery. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin breaks down the troubling state of Canada’s east coast fisheries. With DFO ignoring science-based recommendations, capelin is being harvested desp…

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Shark Communication: Graduate Studies, Sharks Science, and TikTok with Kenzie Horton 1:12:08

4M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Shark communication is critical in changing their "man-eating" reputation from the movie Jaws. Sharks need protection so telling people about the wonders of sharks is essential. Marine biology is more than just a job — it’s a lifestyle driven by passion and purpose. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with marine b…

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Dire Wolf Brought Back? The Wild Science and Ethics of De-Extinction 47:21

4M ago47:21

47:21

De-extinction is no longer just science fiction. In this episode, we dive into the controversial concept of bringing back extinct species—specifically the dire wolf—using cutting-edge genetic engineering. Inspired by the headline-grabbing efforts to resurrect woolly mammoths, scientists are now exploring how DNA from ancient canids could be used to…

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Rare Intersex Southern Right Whale Discovered Through Genetic Testing 9:49

4M ago9:49

9:49

Intersex marine mammals are an exceptionally rare topic in marine biology, and in this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking discovery of an intersex southern right whale. The whale, sampled in 1989, was recently found to possess XY chromosomes through genetic testing. This revelation opens up new conversations about sex differentiation in marine …

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Why the US Might Start Deep Sea Mining (And What It Means for the Ocean) 14:42

4M ago14:42

14:42

Deep sea mining is making headlines as the United States considers allowing operations within its boundaries. In this episode, Andrew Lewin dives into a recent development involving a Canadian company, The Metals Company, that is pushing to mine the deep sea in US territory. What does this mean for the environment, international law, and ocean cons…

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Seafood Laws and Ocean Justice: How Legal Frameworks Shape the Future of Fisheries 1:04:07

4M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

Fisheries are more than just the act of catching fish—they’re tightly woven into the fabric of science, activism, and community livelihoods. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we speak with Eva van Heukelom about the many layers of fisheries management and how sustainable practices are shaped not just by data and tradition but by the lega…

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Ocean Conservation Career Is Not A Straight Path...and that's okay 19:52

4M ago19:52

19:52

Ocean conservation careers often don’t follow a predictable path—and that’s completely normal. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin shares why expecting a traditional, linear route in marine biology or conservation can lead to frustration. Instead, he reflects on the non-linear journeys many professionals, including himsel…

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Why Talking About the Ocean in Everyday Life Can Save It 19:35

4M ago19:35

19:35

Ocean conversations matter more than we think. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explores how the simple act of bringing up marine topics in everyday conversations—with friends, at restaurants, during social gatherings—can lead to a ripple effect of awareness, engagement, and ultimately, protection. The ocean affects all of …