Edible Empire

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.

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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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.