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. 

After six years, shark scientist Dr. Oliver Jewell returns to the mic with an epic deep dive into the world of sharks. From surviving the global pandemic bubble in Western Australia to uncovering a jaw-dropping great white migration from South Africa to Indonesia, Oliver shares wild stories from the field, including camera tags, bull sharks in rivers, and surprising discoveries about shark behavior, social dynamics, and mysterious migrations.

We explore why tiger sharks are turning up in unexpected places, how a shark can eat a whole bull shark, and whether great whites have personalities (spoiler: some don’t get along!). With mind-blowing science, global fieldwork, and real conservation insights, this episode is packed with energy, laughs, and revelations.

A must-listen for shark lovers, marine science nerds, and anyone who's ever wondered what's lurking below the surface.

Animal Welfare, Captivity, and the Hidden Costs of the Exotic Pet Trade.  Dr. Phil Arena, biologist, academic, and animal welfare expert, for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on the complex moral landscape of human-animal relationships. 

With decades of experience in both fieldwork and ethical inquiry, Dr. Arena sheds light on the unseen suffering of reptiles, amphibians, and exotic animals in private collections and institutions alike. He explains how outdated “folklore husbandry”, the repetition of unscientific pet-keeping practices — continues to drive poor welfare outcomes, especially for snakes, lizards, and turtles.

This episode dives deep into:

• Why 75% of reptiles die within their first year in captivity
• How myths in the pet trade lead to inadequate enclosures and misunderstood needs
• The concept of “control deprivation” and why space and environmental complexity matter for captive animals
• How animals like skinks, pythons, and crocodiles exhibit stress, social hierarchies, and even play behaviour
• The illegal wildlife trade, now the fourth-largest black market industry globally, and its shocking reach — from king cobras to coconut crabs
• How invasive species like red-eared sliders and Burmese pythons end up dominating ecosystems due to careless trade practices
• Why laws, policy loopholes, and corruption continue to make the exotic pet trade difficult to regulate

Dr. Arena also shares personal experiences from reptile farms and wildlife markets across the world, and explains the moral dilemmas facing conservation efforts today — including the ethics of captive breeding, habitat loss, and whether individuals keeping endangered species as pets really helps or harms biodiversity.

This conversation challenges long-held assumptions, uncovers uncomfortable truths, and invites listeners to think more deeply about the consequences of keeping wild animals in controlled environments.

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.