In this episode of I sit down with my supervisor, mentor, and globally respected estuarine ecologist, Dr. James Tweedley senior lecturer at Murdoch University, for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about one of the most overlooked yet critically important ecosystems on Earth: estuaries.

From the moment I stepped into his lab as an undergrad, James completely changed the way I saw the world—turning what I once thought were just “dirty puddles” into ecosystems that are dynamic, essential, and fascinating. In this episode, we explore why estuaries matter—ecologically, economically, and culturally—and unpack some of the challenges scientists face when even defining what an estuary is.

We cover topics like nutrient cycling, fish nurseries, freshwater inflows, tidal limits, and ecosystem services, as well as broader discussions around human impacts, legislation, climate threats, and the global estuary squeeze. Whether you’re a scientist, student, policymaker, or just someone who loves the coast, this conversation is packed with insight, clarity, and a few laughs too.

What is a parasite, and why do they matter?
In this deeply engaging and unexpectedly funny episode, Associate Lecturer and Parasitologist Dr. Storm Martin from Murdoch University dives headfirst into the weird and wonderful world of parasitism. From fish tongue-biters to feather lice, from malaria to zombie snails, we explore what defines a parasite, how parasites shape entire ecosystems, and why most of Earth’s biodiversity might actually be parasitic.

Storm breaks down the evolutionary origins and mind-blowing complexity of parasite life cycles (including the ones that require three hosts and a heron), the difference between parasites and predators, and why losing parasites might signal the collapse of an ecosystem.

Whether you're a biologist, ecologist, or just curious, this episode will challenge your assumptions and make you rethink everything you thought you knew about life, death, and worms.

How well do we really understand OCD? In this deeply insightful episode, we sit down with Dr Leigh Sheppard, GP and Founding Director of OCD WA, to break down the science and stigma surrounding obsessive-compulsive disorder.

From her own journey living with undiagnosed OCD for over 30 years to founding a support and education network for those affected, Leigh shares powerful reflections on misdiagnosis, lived experience, and the importance of evidence-based care. We explore the neurobiology of OCD, misconceptions in pop culture, and how OCD is one of the most disabling yet treatable conditions.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about mental health, the science of the mind, or how one person can spark change through courage, advocacy, and honesty.

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.