Do you have a memory about the movie JAWS? Australian icon Valerie Taylor was commissioned by Steven Spielberg, along with her partner Ron Taylor, to shoot the live action scenes for his unforgettable classic -- a film that ultimately drummed up irrational fears about sharks. Valerie spent much of the rest of her career trying to dispel those myths.

Valerie's life’s work has become the basis for much of what we know about sharks today. She is best known for featuring on the cover of National Geographic Magazine being bitten by a blue shark, and for her work in establishing marine protected areas.

Her  life is chronicled in the new documentary "Playing with Sharks," which traces Valerie's career trajectory from champion spearfisher to passionate shark protector. Here, she talks us through a few of the many adventures in her long and very adventurous watery life, and what it has meant to document the Anthropocene.

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Listen with Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich

Sound Engineer & Music By: Shannon Sol Carroll

Additional music: ‘Evergreen’ by Band of Frequencies:  Men of Wood & Foam album  www.bandoffreqs.bandcamp.com

Join the conversation: @Waterpeoplepodcast

Waterpeoplepodcast.com



Photo Credit: Ron & Valerie Taylor

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Listen with Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich

Sound + Video Engineer: Ben J Alexander

Theme song: Shannon Sol Carroll

Additional music by Kai Mcgilvray + Ben J Alexander

Join the conversation: @Waterpeoplepodcast

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