In this episode, Dr. Joe Fontaine - fire ecologist and senior lecturer at Murdoch University - unpacks the complex role of fire in shaping ecosystems. From smoke-triggered seed germination to species that rely on fire to survive, he explains why fire isn’t just a threat - it’s a critical part of life.

We dive into cultural burning, fire frequency, and how new tools like drones could reshape how we manage bushfires. Joe also discusses the alarming collapse of peat wetlands, the incredible discovery of WA’s sunset frog, and the ecological consequences of burning too often - or not enough.

And yes - he really did sprint through the Sierra Nevada wilderness chasing a bear.

This is a rich conversation about the science, stories, and cultural insight needed to truly understand fire - and how we might better live with it.

What if one of the most powerful tools we have against climate change lives just below the ocean’s surface?
In this eye-opening episode, marine biologist Associate Professor Mike van Keulen, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Seagrass Specialist Group joins Kurt for a deep dive into the world of seagrasses: the unsung heroes of our coastlines.

Seagrasses stabilise sediment, protect shorelines, support fisheries, and store staggering amounts of carbon, but they’re also vulnerable to pollution, warming oceans, and human development. Mike walks us through the good, the bad, the successful and the not-so-successful sides of research and restoration, from large-scale transplant efforts to citizen science campaigns, and the limits of what we can save.

With stories from Shark Bay, Indonesia, the Maldives and beyond, this episode brings to light the importance, complexity, and urgency of seagrass conservation  and why we all benefit from protecting the ecosystems we rarely see.

Whether you’re into marine biology, climate action, or just love learning about the world beneath the waves, this is an episode you won’t forget.

What do rare orchids, endangered reptiles, invasive species, and medical conditions have in common? They can all be sniffed out by dogs, if you train them right.

In this episode, Dr. Megan Barnes, conservation ecologist and founder of Detection for Good, takes us deep into the fascinating world of conservation detection dogs. From dragon-hunting Labradors in Queensland to sniffing out subterranean orchids in Western Australia, Megan’s work sits at the intersection of ecology, animal behaviour, and cutting-edge field science.

We unpack the surprisingly complex science behind training dogs for precision detection, the logistical and ethical challenges of deploying them in the wild, and why the only true limits of this field might be our own imagination. Whether it's tracking invasive ants, preventing bird deaths at wind farms, or detecting oil beneath ice, dogs are fast becoming an indispensable part of the scientific toolkit.

This is a story about curiosity, innovation, and the untapped power of the canine nose, and how it could transform the way we do conservation and research forever.

What’s really in your supplements?
From hidden pharmaceuticals to toxic metals and missing ingredients, Associate Professor Garth Maker from Murdoch University exposes the surprising science behind herbal medicines and over-the-counter supplements. In this eye-opening conversation, we explore how regulation works (or doesn’t), what makes a product trustworthy, and the silent risks of products millions take every day — including weight loss pills, protein powders, and even green tea extract. This one might change how you shop for health. 

Soil isn’t just dirt... It’s alive, and it matters.
In this episode, Kurt talks with microbiologist Dr. Anish Shah about the soil microbiome and its influence on crop health, nutrient cycling, and agricultural resilience. They explore how farming practices shape microbial communities and how microbes might shape the future of food production.

If you're curious about what’s happening below ground and why it’s central to sustainable agriculture, this one’s worth your time.

In this energising conversation with estuarine ecologist Dr. Alan Cottingham from Murdoch University, we dive into the surprising world of mussels—nature’s quiet achievers. From the long-lived Carter’s freshwater mussel to tiny pigmy mussels capable of filtering thousands of litres of water per hour, Alan reveals how these humble creatures play a vital role in keeping our aquatic ecosystems healthy. We explore their fascinating life cycles, including their parasitic larval stage, and how cutting-edge technology like Spy Valve is turning mussels into real-time water quality monitors. With nearly half of freshwater mussel species under threat, Alan shares hopeful stories from the frontlines of mussel reef restoration and how smart science, community collaboration, and a bit of creativity can help turn the tide. Whether it’s restoring lost habitats, preventing fish kills, or inspiring the next generation of scientists, this episode shines a light on the extraordinary impact of some of the ocean’s most underrated heroes. 

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and coral expert Dr. Shannon Dee to dive into the world of turbid reefs—those cloudy, hard-to-study ecosystems that might actually hold the key to coral survival in a changing climate. We get into how corals grow, what a carbonate budget even is, and why some reefs are thriving in places we least expect. Shannon is a young and inspiring scientist and she also shares her journey in marine science, her work in leadership for women in STEM, and what keeps her hopeful about the future of our oceans. 

 In this episode of Paramount Importance, Kurt sits down with Professor Rachel Standish from Murdoch University to explore the fascinating world of biodiversity, ecological restoration, and the silent workhorses of our environment—soil microbes. From the impacts of drought, invasive species, and pathogens like dieback, to innovative efforts in mine site restoration and the promising future of Australia’s Nature Repair Market, this wide-ranging conversation blends deep ecological theory with practical environmental solutions. Whether you’re an ecologist, landholder, student, or curious listener, this episode offers valuable insight into how science can help heal our landscapes. 

In this episode, I’m back in the studio after five years to officially relaunch Paramount Importance! I sit down with my good mate (and now producer) Dan to talk about how this podcast started, why I stopped, and what’s driving me to fire it up again. We dive into everything from fieldwork stories and estuary science to my upcoming PhD, the chaos of juggling science, side projects, and training for a half Ironman. This one's a bit of a behind-the-scenes catch-up—a way to test the mics, share the vision, and bring you along for the ride as we kick off this next chapter. 

This is officially the first episode recorded in 2025

In this episode, Kurt is joined by Dr. James Gilmour from the Australian Institute of Marine Science to dive deep into the world of coral reefs—from what they are and how they function, to the mounting pressures they face from climate change. With over two decades of experience researching reefs like Scott Reef, Dr. Gilmour breaks down the science behind coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and what the future holds. This is a compelling, sobering, and hopeful conversation for anyone who cares about the ocean and our planet’s future. 

This episode was recorded in 2019, all information is relevant and extremely interesting.