Best Brian Pickering Podcasts (2026)

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Carl Gough – Finding Your Nexus Through Storytelling 49:15

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2M ago49:15

49:15

Episode Summary: In this powerful and moving episode, we welcome storyteller and social entrepreneur Carl Gough, founder of the Nexus project. Carl shares his deeply personal journey through grief, identity loss, and rediscovery during the lockdown, and how storytelling became his way back to meaning, connection, and agency. Through bonfire tales, …

1
Never Too Old To Go Under - Dr Sarah Goldsmid 6:23

4M ago6:23

6:23

It’s hard to believe but Medical teams have been progressively improving anaesthetic products since they were first invented more than 170 years ago. The result being that today’s surgeries being shorter and safer than ever before for both people AND pets. However, there’s been a long-held myth by some pet owners that their aged pets shouldn’t unde…

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Stop Broody Birds From Laying - Dr Jayne Weller 5:16

4M ago5:16

5:16

It’s the bane of bird fanciers everywhere – how to deal with their feathered friend’s primal urge to become a mum – and the very real concern the bird might become egg-bound. It’s a problem Exotics Vet Dr Jayne Weller has helped many bird owners confront, so she was well-prepared with a mix of solutions when she joined us on the recent VETtalk ‘Liv…

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Why Pet Dental Care Is So Important - Dr Barbara Fougere 8:28

4M ago8:28

8:28

Dogs, cats even birds have dental health problems - And poor dental health can lead to shorter lives and many life-threatening diseases. Did you know you can brush a dog or cat's teeth? - It's true... just ask your vet to show you how. Dr Barbara Fougere from All Natural Vet in Sydney tells us some of the signs to watch for with your pet's teeth.…

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Snakes Still About? - Nadia Crighton Pet Insurance Australia 5:25

4M ago5:25

5:25

It seems Australia's 'Long Hot Summers' are becoming even longer - especially with the El Niño effect. The result? - S N A K E S ! - And unfortunately the snake bite is not always the end of it. If your pet survives there are often other even even more costly side-effects that need to be treated. Prevention is better than cure according to Nadia Cr…

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Which Breeds Cost More To Insure... & Why? 5:41

4M ago5:41

5:41

Is a Poodle healthier than say a Chihuahua?. What about a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel compared to a Beagle or a Boxer? Dogs are not 'dogs' when it comes to health issues. Sometimes it's just genetics -eg; "in the breed" - at other times it could be poor breeding generally or even cross-breeding. So which breeds are generally more expensive to ins…

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Do Chooks Make Good Pets? - Dr Jayne Weller 4:19

4M ago4:19

4:19

We've had chooks (chickens for our overseas listeners!) for many years now. They're a great source of eggs and believe it or not are VERY socialiable. Given the chance they love to cuddle and get involved in the day to day activities around the home - including coming inside the house to see 'wassup'! Exotics Vet Dr Jayne Weller also has chooks so …

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Are Anaesthetics Dangerous+VetCosts - Dr Sarah Goldsmid 6:11

5M ago6:11

6:11

Many vets tell us there's still an unfounded stigma surrounding the safety of anaesthesia for pets… sometimes resulting in desperately needed procedures such as a dental cleaning or extraction being put off, leaving the pet in pain. The rationale owners sometimes offer is " well, humans aren't put under just to have their teeth treated…are they?” S…

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Dealing With Dry Eye Boogas - Dr Barbara Fougere 5:37

5M ago5:37

5:37

Ok let's get technical here... Do you know what 'Eye Boogas' are? It seems that all of us at some time have had crusty eyes that we often call 'boogas' and think very little of it... For animals and humans as it happens - dry eye can also be a serious health issue that really needs to be "looked" at (sorry about the pun!) as soon as possible. Dogs,…

1
Travelling With Pets - Kylie Kavanagh 6:07

5M ago6:07

6:07

If you have pets and love travelling as much as we do, there's NO WAY we're going to leave them behind is there?... A very helpful chat with experienced traveller, dog lover and Veterinry Nurse Kylie KavanaghBy Brian Pickering & Kaye Browne

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Cats Vs Toddlers - Dr Kim Kendall 4:04

5M ago4:04

4:04

Put a young kid and a cat together and it makes a pretty cute photo right? Maybe… unless you’re the cat! Young kids, especially toddlers and especially boys can be a cat’s worst nightmare. This story is very close to home... Not too long ago our daughter needed help to solve a problem with her much loved 9 yr old cat Smokey and her then almost 3 yr…

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How To Tell If Your Pet Is Unwell - Dr Jo Sillince 6:10

5M ago6:10

6:10

Have you ever noticed how animals are VERY good at hiding pain or showing they are unwell. This is a highly evolved 'protective mechanism' of course - no single animal wants to be the sick one in the pack/herd/flock etc... But how can we as pet lovers tell? Are they hot, cold, off their food? Are their gums red, yellow, white or pink? How are they …

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Are Solo Dogs Ok? - Dr Jo Sillince 4:07

5M ago4:07

4:07

For many reasons some people only have one dog or one cat... And we hear a lot of animal behaviourists say that dogs in particular crave company - the old 'pack mentality' But is this true?... we thought we'd ask Dr Jo Sillince what she thought about 'solo dogs'!By Brian Pickering & Kaye Browne

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Do Mice Make Good Pets - Cindy Cairns 2:24

5M ago2:24

2:24

These days with a lot of people living in apartments or townhouses the idea of a dog or cat is often out of the question for many of them – so we thought we’d take a look at something a bit smaller – like a mouse! We chat with Cindy Cairns - originally from the aptly named ‘Rodent Ranch’ (now closed)…

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Vets Diagnosing Vet's Pets! - Dr Sarah Goldsmid & Dr Narelle Brown 4:19

5M ago4:19

4:19

Question: Do vets ever diagnose their own pet's ailments? You'd think with all their training - especially specialists & surgeons - that they'd know 'everything' - but it seems that's not always the case... And for good reason when you think about it - Of course they know all the basics all GP vets are required to know as part of being a registered…

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Pregnant? Get Rid Of The Cat! (True or False?) - Dr Jo Sillince 2:46

5M ago2:46

2:46

So many 'old wives tales' get muddled up with 21st century science. Maybe you've been told this? "Are you pregnant? Then you MUST get rid of the cat as soon as possible!" It still seems to be a common thought among pregnant women around the world - one which sadly means cats being 'dumped' for no reason whatsoever. So who better to find out more ab…

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Can We Solve The Feral Cat Problem? - Dr Kim Kendall 3:05

5M ago3:05

3:05

Many listeners will know we have a couple of chooks that we like to let free range in the backyard from time to time... but recently we heard a lot of commotion and raced outside to see of all things ... a BLACK cat! ... We don't know anyone in our street who has one but we do live by a small suburban forest and we immediately suspected a feral cat…

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Holistic Healing For Pets! - Dr Barbara Fougere 8:34

5M ago8:34

8:34

Holistic Veterinarians who look at a pet’s tongue can tell a great deal more about their patient’s state of health/disease than say a GP asking a human patient to say ‘ahh’. A rapidly rising number of vets are choosing to learn Eastern techniques to use alongside their existing western scientific training to provide combined treatments for their pa…

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Fun With Anal Glands! - Dr Jo Sillince 4:10

5M ago4:10

4:10

Well even though it says it in the title - 'fun' is not necessarily what what you would call dealing with this problem in dogs mainly. But as always Dr Jo Sillince from Pets Australia describes the condition, causes and solution in her own humorous way for the benefit of us all :-)By Brian Pickering & Kaye Browne

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Why Desexing Your Pets Makes Sense! - Nadia Crighton 7:17

5M ago7:17

7:17

BENEFITS OF DE-SEXING (Spay/Neuter in the US!) There are many reasons why pet owners should desex their pets. As well as helping to stop pet overpopulation, the following are some of the other benefits associated with desexing cats and dogs. Health Reduced risk of getting cancer or other diseases of the reproductive organs, such as testicular cance…

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Conversation on Spiritual Wisdom of Trees with Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy 1:09:23

8M ago1:09:23

1:09:23

In this episode of CarbonSessions, we welcome Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy—educators, spiritual leaders, and nature advocates—who co-authored Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, a deeply reflective guide to reconnecting with the natural world. Rooted in ecology, theology, and lived experience, their book invites us to see trees not just as b…

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Dogs & Hugging - Good Or Bad? - Steve Austin 8:39

8M ago8:39

8:39

Is it ok to hug a dog?... How about if the dog likes to hug you? - Is that ok? A recent SBS TV show featured well known Aussie animal trainer Steve Austin - among others - trying to answer the question "Do Dogs Love Us?". We also had a listener wanting to have her say in this story which we've also included in this podcast.…

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Episode 1: With Vanessa Bailey and Daren Smith 1:01:03

1y ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Send us a text In this week’s episode, we’re thrilled to have two powerhouse guests: Vanessa Bailey and Daren Smith! We’re diving deep into their latest creative projects, their journeys in the film industry, and the exciting things they have in store. First up, Vanessa Bailey joins us to discuss her incredible work in film. She’s been busy, and we…

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Beyond Zero: Transforming Business Through Storytelling and Sustainability with Nathan Havey 1:08:48

1+ y ago1:08:48

1:08:48

In this thought-provoking episode of Carbon Sessions, we have the privilege of hosting Nathan Havey, filmmaker and passionate advocate for sustainable business practices. Nathan takes us behind the scenes of his visionary documentary "Beyond Zero," which chronicles Interface's revolutionary journey towards sustainability under the visionary leaders…

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From Dublin Beaches to Global Classrooms: The Story Behind Picker Pals by Patrick Jackson 51:56

1+ y ago51:56

51:56

Episode Summary: In this episode of CarbonSessions, we chat with Patrick Jackson, the creative mind behind “Picker Pals,” an innovative environmental program for children. Patrick shares his journey from creating educational materials to becoming an environmental advocate. Patrick discusses the Picker Pals initiative, which engages children in litt…

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A Conversation with Leah Rampy and Reconnecting Earth and Soul amid Climate Chaos 1:04:35

1+ y ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Episode Summary: today we are joined by Leah Rampy to discuss her book Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos, a project rooted in her lifelong connection to the living world. Leah shares how her book draws from her extensive experience in understanding climate change, biodiversity loss, and leading retreats and pilgrimages that invite dee…

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[FOCUS] Why Plastic Recycling Is Misleading (from previous episode The Octopus’ Gardens) 5:58

1+ y ago5:58

5:58

Episode Summary: This episode is focused on a discussion about the problem of plastic recycling. It is selected from episode 13 (The Octopus’ Gardens) Like many of us, Tonya, Kristy, and Katherine thought that cleaning plastic containers and putting them in the recycling bin would help mitigate the negative impact created by the use of plastic. It’…

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Harnessing Collective Intelligence with The Climate Fresk to Unpack Climate Change and Create Millions of Changemakers by Cedric Ringenbach 49:29

1+ y ago49:29

49:29

Episode Summary: In this episode of CarbonSessions, we dive deep into a conversation with Cedric Ringenbach, founder of Climate Fresk, a workshop tool designed to educate people about the science of climate change. The discussion explores how this interactive workshop helps participants understand the causes and consequences of climate change and e…

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[FOCUS] Biomimicry and Observing Nature to Find Solutions to Solve Environmental Problems 11:15

1+ y ago11:15

11:15

Episode Summary: Over billions of years, nature has amassed an extensive amount of knowledge. In this conversation on biomimicry, the hosts share some fascinating findings. They explore tactics developed by other living organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi, which have enabled these organisms to evolve, adapt, and thrive on our planet. In…

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Nina Davies Discusses The Green Runners 1:01:26

1+ y ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Episode Summary: in this episode of CarbonSessions, we dive deep into a conversation with Nina Davies, joining us from Bath (UK) and co-founder of The Green Runners, a running community making changes for a fitter planet. Launched on Earth Day in 2022, "The Green Runners" is a running community dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability an…

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[FOCUS] Vegetarian Diet To Help Our Carbon Problem (go cold turkey?) 5:21

1+ y ago5:21

5:21

Episode Summary: This is a segment from a previous episode in which Leekei and Jenn discussed how a vegetarian diet can help reduce carbon emission After explaining how carbon emission is linked to meat consumption, Jenn and Leekei went on to discuss the environmental benefits of a vegetarian or flexitarian diet and how to implement gradually small…

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Celebrating our 200th Episode of Diverse Climate Conversations with A CarbonSessions Buffet 1:20:01

1+ y ago1:20:01

1:20:01

Episode Summary: Join us for a special 200th episode celebration of CarbonSessions! We've curated a buffet of standout segments from our extensive library, featuring intimate conversations with world-leading experts, best-selling authors, and everyday people just like you and me. Explore these highlights and dive into the full episodes for more ins…

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[FOCUS] Uncovering the Environmental Impact of Leaf Blowers 3:32

1+ y ago3:32

3:32

Episode Summary: This episode is an excerpt from a previous episode about How leaf blowers are a problem for the environment. Having contributed to many areas of the Carbon Almanac, Jenn and Imma came together to discuss a number of different environmental issues. In this episode, the problem with one piece of garden machinery is discussed; the lea…

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Clean Something For Nothing To Make An Impact 41:39

1+ y ago41:39

41:39

Episode Summary: in this episode of CarbonSessions, we dive deep into a conversation with César, co-founder of Clean Something For Nothing (CSFN). With their innovative app, CSFN empowers individuals to clean nature, one bag of trash at a time. Their platform brings together a community of people, municipalities, and companies, fostering collaborat…

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[FOCUS] Bicycling And Kids Climate Action 5:24

1+ y ago5:24

5:24

Episode Summary: This segment on bicycling is from a previous episode ‘Bicycling and Kids Climate Action’ Leekei and Rick talked about the freedom that cycling gives children, as well as cognitive development and how biking can help kids take climate action. They discussed opportunities there are for children as young as 18 months start to use a bi…

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Generation Carbon Italy, Reaching 1000 Primary Schools And Teaching 25000 Children by Barbara Orsi 48:04

1+ y ago48:04

48:04

Episode Summary: Join hosts Leekei, Rob, and Kristina as they talk with Barbara Orsi about her progress with the Generation Carbon Italy association, the achievements so far, and more particularly about the activities on Earth Day in Turin. Topics explored in this episode: Generation Carbon has reached 1000 classes and 25,000 children in primary sc…

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[FOCUS] Energy Transition and A Rare Earth Mine’s Journey To Net Zero 14:41

1+ y ago14:41

14:41

Episode Summary: this episode is a segment from a conversation with Stewart Watkins and Max Van Someren on sustainability and a rare earth minerals mining project in Western Australia Rare earth minerals play a crucial role in the energy transition, as they are used in various applications like electric vehicles and wind turbines. However, the mini…

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[FRIENDS] Sarah Johnson, The COP26 Experience by Talaterra 50:15

1+ y ago50:15

50:15

Episode Summary: This is a rebroadcast from another podcast, 'Talaterra', in which Tania Marien interviewed Sarah Johnson about her COP26 Experience EPISODE NOTES (original) ‘In this episode, Sarah Johnson talks about her experience at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) and offers her thoughts about building relatio…

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[FOCUS] Roundabouts 7:35

1+ y ago7:35

7:35

Episode Summary: This is a segment from a past episode on Roundabouts. Roundabouts have proven benefits but are not widely used globally Leekei and Olabanji are wondering why the usage of roundabouts around the world remains relatively limited despite the proven benefits they offer in terms of reducing carbon emissions, facilitating smoother traffi…

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From Random Sustainability Riffs to A New Umbrella Business Blueprint 39:19

1+ y ago39:19

39:19

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode, we let the conversation flow organically, leading us into discussions on various aspects of sustainability. Topics range from paper recycling to the proliferation of thick plastic cups in markets and the visual impact of disposable coffee cups in cafes. We also examine the environmental footprint of dispos…

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[FOCUS] Initiating Conversations About Climate Change at AfricaNXT in Nigeria 7:59

1+ y ago7:59

7:59

Episode Summary: This episode features a segment from a previous episode where Olabanji shared his experiences hosting a workshop at the AfricaNXT event in Nigeria. Olabanji provided an introduction to climate change for the audience. Interestingly, the attendees had not initially signed up for these sessions, and their surprise upon learning about…

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[FRIENDS] Change Is Here to Stay by Alpaca Tribe 21:31

1+ y ago21:31

21:31

Episode Summary: This is a rebroadcast from another podcast, 'Alpaca Tribe', in which Steve Heatherington discusses CHANGE EPISODE NOTES (original) 'Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I explore change, consider how we approach it and the difference between things we have no control over and things we can affect. World scale …

1
[FOCUS] Fusion and Possibilities for A Brighter Future 22:54

1+ y ago22:54

22:54

Episode Summary: This is a segment from a previous episode in which Jenn Swanson, Brian Tormey and Leekei Tang talk about a new milestone on the road to nuclear fusion In December 2022, the nuclear fusion research effort reached a major breakthrough whereby the reaction generated more energy than it consumed (ignition) After sharing their understan…

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Climate Deniers and Climate Doomists and Gloomists 16:47

2y ago16:47

16:47

Episode Summary: In this episode, hosts Jen and Leekei explore the mindset of climate change deniers alongside the fatalistic views of those convinced that mitigating climate change is beyond our control, uncovering surprising similarities and discussing potential pathways forward. For more information on the project and to order your copy of the C…

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[FOCUS] Walking Talk for Work and Fundraising with Deborah Drummond 7:21

2y ago7:21

7:21

Episode Summary: This episode is a segment of a past episode in which Deborah Drummond, co-creator of ‘They Did It Tour’, shares with our hosts the joy and the many benefits of working while walking. Deborah does most of her work while being active, whether walking, hiking or swimming. This practice is a great way to exercise, save money and time, …

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Easter Eggs and Chocolate 18:00

2y ago18:00

18:00

Episode Summary: In this episode, hosts Kristina, Jen, and Leekei, discuss the tradition of Easter chocolate eggs, its various origins, and how it has been commercialized today. Why do we eat chocolate for Easter around the world? At a time when the price of chocolate is increasing, it's intriguing to explore where this tradition comes from and how…

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[FOCUS] Eating Insects And Cultured Meat? 6:08

2y ago6:08

6:08

Episode Summary: This episode episode is a segment from a previous episode in which Leekei and Jenn talk about insects and lab-grown meat, their value as a source of protein. Jenn and Leekei talked about how insects are being used as a food source to reduce our carbon footprint. Different forms have already been used, including Cochineal in shakes …

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Seeds of Change: Inside Gwen Kenneally's Plant-Powered Plantastic Cookbook 32:14

2y ago32:14

32:14

Episode Summary: In this episode, Jen interviews Gwen Kenneally about her new plant-based cookbook. Gwen shares her lifelong love for food and its role in her family dynamics. Growing up, she was exposed to diverse cuisines, sparking her culinary passion. Her latest book, The Plantastic Cookbook, inspired by a dream her publisher had, quickly trans…

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[FOCUS] Black Soot in Nigeria and Campaigning 3:33

2y ago3:33

3:33

Episode Summary: This episode is a segment of a longer conversation in which Olanbanji and Inma talk about the relationship between the environment and health According to a UN study, the direct damage cost to health incurred by climate change is estimated to be between 2 to 4 billion per year in 2030. Olabanji shared how the community successfully…

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Eating Vegetarian and Vegan Foods Across the Globe 33:02

2y ago33:02

33:02

----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Jenn Swanson and Leekei Tang From Langley in British Columbia, Canada, Jenn is a Minister, Coach, Writer and Community Connector, helping people help themselves. Leekei is a fashion business founder, a business coach, an international development expert and podcaster from Paris, France. ----- The CarbonSe…