In this episode, I sit down with Professor Jennifer Verduin, Oceanographer and Pro Vice Chancellor at Murdoch University, with a passion for seagrass. Fresh from an expedition to Antarctica as part of a global leadership program for women in STEM, Jennifer shares what it was like to stand among thousands of penguins, witness icebergs the size of cities, and confront the stark realities of a changing climate.

Together, we explore the emotional and scientific impact of seeing global warming up close, the interconnectedness of Earth’s oceans, and how collaboration between scientists and policymakers can help protect our planet’s most fragile ecosystems. From tales of whales and glaciers to reflections on leadership, eco-grief, and hope, this conversation captures both the awe and urgency of protecting our blue planet.

In a world shaped by headlines, algorithms, and endless scrolls, who really controls the narrative?

Associate Professor Tauel Harper, media scholar at Murdoch University, joins Kurt Krispyn to unpack the complex intersections of democracy, persuasion, and misinformation. From political spin and media ownership to social media’s sway over truth and trust, they explore how our beliefs are shaped, and how we can sharpen our critical thinking in an age of constant noise.

A thought-provoking conversation on free speech, manipulation, and the power of genuine understanding, a reminder that meaningful change starts with awareness.

Conversation Between Trees wasn’t just another podcast recording; it was a moment that redefined the idea of the public lecture, a tradition that has been with us for centuries. Hosted by the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University, this was the first live podcast I’ve ever done, and it was an experience that meant so much to both Rachel and me.

Together, in front of a vibrant, engaged audience, we celebrated Rachel’s promotion to Professor while weaving science, storytelling, and laughter into something entirely new. Unlike the classic lecture format, this conversation unfolded in real time, unscripted, alive, bringing listeners and the audience into the heart of what science communication can be.

This event marked a new way of sharing knowledge, bridging the deep roots of academic tradition with the dynamic immediacy of podcasting. For Rachel and me, it was more than a recording; it was a night that blended community, history, and innovation into one unforgettable exchange.

In a completely different field of science that I am used to, I sit down with clinical sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett to talk about the science of sexual health and wellbeing. Melissa shares her expertise on common misconceptions around libido, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer recovery, the role of hormones, and how lifestyle factors influence intimacy.

The discussion highlights the importance of open conversation, evidence-based care, and a broader understanding of sexual health as an essential component of overall quality of life. This episode is designed to educate, challenge stigma, and provide listeners with a clearer perspective on the science behind sex, relationships and their own bodies, because things change when you get older. 

Cyclones are among the planet’s most powerful forces- reshaping coastlines, reefs, and ecosystems with every storm. Dr. Marji Puotinen, a spatial ecological data scientist from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, joins Paramount Importance to break down what cyclones really are, how they form, why they differ from hurricanes and typhoons, and what they mean for coral reefs, migratory animals, and our changing climate.

From the physics of waves and storm tracks to the surprising ways cyclones can both damage and protect reefs, Marji explains the science in a way that’s accessible and engaging. We also explore how climate change is altering cyclone behaviour, and why understanding these storms is essential for the future of our oceans.

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Synnott legendary professional climber, author, National Geographic Explorer, and member of The North Face Global Athlete Team. One of the most prolific big-wall first ascensionists of his generation, Mark has pioneered routes on some of the most remote and untouched cliffs on Earth. He has climbed Yosemite’s El Capitan alongside Alex Honnold, summited Everest, searched the mountain’s north face for Sandy Irvine’s lost camera, and even spent seven years living in a Yosemite cave to master his craft.

Mark’s expeditions span the Arctic, Baffin Island, the jungles of South America, and the frozen peaks of the Himalaya. He has led groundbreaking projects for National Geographic, Disney, and Netflix—discovering the elusive pebble toad on Venezuela’s tepuis and probing the mystery of the Franklin Expedition in the Canadian Arctic. As an author, his acclaimed books The Impossible Climb and The Third Pole weave gripping adventure with deep reflections on why humans risk everything in pursuit of exploration.

This episode goes beyond the how of adventure and dives into the why. Through Mark’s extraordinary life story, we uncover what it means to align passion with purpose, embrace risk as a pathway to growth, and find inspiration in the wildest corners of the planet

Dive into the deep past of our oceans with evolutionary biologist Dr. Axelandre Siqueira, whose work uncovers the origins and transformations of coral reef fishes over millions of years. From rare fossil records to cutting-edge genetic research, Alexandra explains how mass extinctions, shifting climates, and reef expansion shaped the dazzling diversity of species we see today.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore how fish evolved new feeding strategies, why coral reefs act as “fish factories,” and what ancient ecosystems can teach us about resilience in a warming world. Alexandre also shares his personal journey from inland Brazil to some of the most unique reefs on the planet, offering a fascinating perspective on science, discovery, and the wonder of marine life.

Whether you’re obsessed with fish ID or just curious about life beneath the waves, this episode reveals how evolution’s grand story is written in the scales and shapes of reef fishes.

What happens when massive oil and gas platforms reach the end of their life? Are they just scrapped or could they become thriving artificial reefs?

In this episode, Kurt sits down with marine ecologist Dr. Sean Van Elden, Deputy Director at the Marine Futures Lab at the University of Western Australia, to dive into the hidden world of decommissioned rigs and their surprising role as oases of marine life. From coral growth on steel legs to turtles, sharks, and even unexpected behaviours caught on underwater cameras, Sean reveals how these towering structures shape ecosystems and the complex debates around whether to remove them or let them live on as reefs.

This conversation unpacks the science, the politics, and the awe-inspiring moments that come with studying life around these industrial giants. It’s a fascinating look at how human infrastructure can unintentionally create new habitats and what that means for the future of our oceans.

Step into the strange and fascinating world of marsupials and megafauna with Associate Professor Natalie Warburton, a comparative anatomist and paleontologist at Murdoch University. From tiny jellybean-sized joeys crawling into pouches, to giant wombats and kangaroos that once roamed Australia, Natalie reveals the evolutionary secrets written in bones. We explore bizarre adaptations like termite-eating numbats, the underground world of marsupial moles, and even tree-climbing kangaroos on the Nullarbor. This episode dives deep into how fossils unlock Australia’s unique evolutionary story, the surprising anatomy of marsupials, and what these discoveries teach us about life on an isolated continent. Science, storytelling, and a touch of wonder – this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 

In this special episode, marine scientist and host Kurt returns from a five-week sailing adventure through some of the most remote islands of the Pacific Ocean. From towering volcanic islands to pristine coral atolls, he shares how the journey reshaped his perception of the vast blue ocean, through to diving the 'Shark Wall' in Fakarava. There are breathtaking encounters with Humphead wrasse, revered as “kings of the reef,” lessons learned spearfishing Dogtooth tuna, and a surprising experience joining a local French Polynesian spearfishing competition that was nothing like he imagined.
Back on shore, the conversation shifts to his new PhD journey, focused on classifying and conserving the unique estuaries of Western Australia. He reveals why these ecosystems are overlooked despite their vital role, the challenges of funding field research, and his vision for making science accessible, exciting, and impactful. Adventure, culture, conservation, and cutting-edge science all converge in a story that will change how you see the ocean — and the waterways in your own backyard.