Waste Not Want Not

What began as a journey to film the extraordinary wildlife of Antarctica's Ross Sea became a seven-year mission for New Zealand filmmaker Peter Young, whose internationally acclaimed documentary The Last Ocean helped bring the plight of the world's last intact marine ecosystems to global attention.

Peter shares the remarkable story behind making the multi-award-winning film, and how a small group of passionate individuals, armed with scientific evidence, personal conviction and an unwavering determination to protect what they loved, contributed to an international movement that secured marine protection for the Ross Sea in 2016.

Our conversation explores the challenges of turning a complex conservation issue into a compelling human story, the importance of maintaining personal integrity in the face of adversity, and the extraordinary power of collaboration, perseverance and public engagement to create meaningful change.

Peter's journey is a wonderful reminder that we don't always know where following our hearts will lead us. Sometimes it's simply about taking the next step, staying true to what matters and discovering that our individual contributions can become part of something far greater than we ever imagined.

00:00 Ross Sea Under Threat

00:54 Podcast Welcome

01:43 Making The Last Ocean

05:32 Editing Into A Story

06:39 Toothfish And Politics

11:35 How It All Began

17:05 Inside CCAMLR

20:07 Building The Trust

25:02 NGOs And MPA Push

30:51 Ethics And Funding

35:25 Education And Outreach

39:40 Ten Years On

44:06 Life After The Film

48:19 Closing Reflections

Peter’s Website:  Fisheye Films:  https://www.fisheyefilms.co.nz/

My Website: https://philippaross.com/

Email me: [email protected]

Pip’s Pu™ Digital oracle deck: https://deckgarden.app/deck/pip-s-pu-oracle-deck-334b0801

Pip’s Pu™ Oracle cards:  https://philippaross.com/pipspuoraclecards/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enthusiologist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-ross-a7775513/

Waste Not Want Not Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075991457588

©2026 Philippa Ross. All rights reserved. Content from Waste Not Want Not Podcast is protected under copyright law.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Waste Not Want Not are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Philippa Ross or the Waste Not Want Not Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

To mark the tenth anniversary of the historic agreement to protect the Ross Sea in Antarctica, I'm joined by Dr David Ainley, whose pioneering scientific research and advocacy helped lay the foundations for one of the world's largest marine protected areas.

Having spent nearly six decades studying penguins and marine ecosystems, David shares how his curiosity and discoveries led him to initiate efforts to protect the Ross Sea. He established Friends of the Ross Sea Ecosystem (FORSE), bringing scientists together to champion its protection, and becoming quite literally, a FORSE to be reckoned with -  combining scientific evidence with public awareness, collaboration and perseverance to turn a vision into reality.

Our conversation explores the extraordinary interconnected world of penguins, the importance of evidence-based conservation, and why the work to safeguard Antarctica's marine ecosystems is far from over.

David's lifetime of dedication is a wonderful reminder of the value of accumulated knowledge, the importance of sharing it, and how keeping our curiosity alive can lead to discoveries and contributions far greater than we might ever have imagined.

David’s recent book:

Aquatic World of Penguins:  Biology of Fish-Birds - David Ainley & Rory Wilson https://www.amazon.com.au/Aquatic-World-Penguins-Fish-Birds-Fascinating-ebook/dp/B0C64FQ6DC

The book that inspired David:

The Pleasure of Finding Things Out: The Best Short Works of Richard P Feynman

https://bookhero.co.nz/collections/richard-feynman/products/the-pleasure-of-finding-things-out

My Website: https://philippaross.com/

Email me: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enthusiologist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-ross-a7775513/

Waste Not Want Not Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075991457588

©2026 Philippa Ross. All rights reserved. Content from Waste Not Want Not Podcast is protected under copyright law.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Waste Not Want Not are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Philippa Ross or the Waste Not Want Not Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Matty Jordan shares his relentless pursuit to return to Antarctica, ever since the continent captured his heart 12 years ago.

His journey is a testament to iron will, persistence, resilience and sheer determination. - qualities that have opened up a myriad of opportunities to fulfil his dream, drawing on an arsenal of skills that landed him a winter season at Scott Base as an engineer. He’s since combined his video and photographic skills with his passion for Antarctica to share scientific research through social media, presentations – and now a book.

Protecting Antarctica has evolved from a passion into a mission to create a legacy that will inspire future generations to cherish and preserve this extraordinary wilderness.

Matty also runs the Jobs in Antarctica Facebook page, a community of 50,000 members, offering a free downloadable guide packed with tips for those interested in working on the icy continent.

Matty Jordan’s Social Media pages

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mattykjordan

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mattykjordan/

Jobs in Antarctica Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2061544707683308/

‘The Antarcticans’ book:

https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/the-antarcticans-9798217136841

My Website: https://philippaross.com/

Email me: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enthusiologist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-ross-a7775513/

Waste Not Want Not Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075991457588

Theme music ‘Joyful’ by TimTaj from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/users/timtaj-16489647/

©2026 Philippa Ross. All rights reserved. Content from Waste Not Want Not Podcast is protected under copyright law.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Waste Not Want Not are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Philippa Ross or the Waste Not Want Not Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

A heartwarming conversation with Peter Watson about the lessons he learned while counting penguins at Port Lockroy, Antarctica, and how the experience changed his perspective on life. Having travelled to more than 100 countries, Peter discovered that sometimes it’s not about adding another destination to your passport, but simply seeing the world differently.

Peter shares what he took away from his time spent counting gentoo penguin chicks, welcoming passing cruise ships and sorting mail at one of the world’s most remote post offices in his book, Counting Penguins: How a Penguin Colony Stole My Heart and Changed My Life. It’s a legacy that inspires hope, curiosity and connection, reminding us that small acts of care can leave a lasting heartprint.

An invitation to us all to slow down, so we truly experience how the unexpected encounters can change our perspective.

00:00 Series Intro and E-Waste Day

01:24 Meet Peter Watson

02:12 Path to Port Lockroy

05:06 From Teaching to Travel

09:19 Travel Philosophy and Goals

12:37 Inside UKAHT and Base A

14:17 Living Conditions on Goudier

14:51 Penguin Personalities

17:47 Climate Change and Chick Loss

19:20 Coming Home Changed

21:51 Lessons from Penguins

24:22 Nature Disconnect Wakeup

25:23 Rain Die Off Bird Flu

26:14 Biosecurity Versus Chicken Farms

28:46 Stewardship & Ecotourism

31:18 Krill Fishing Food Chain Risk

33:37 Ocean Focus & Book Tour

34:28 Writing Counting Penguins Fast

36:10 Penguin Emotions & Reflection

38:50 Parents Wanderlust & Quote

42:09 Rhythm Nature & Final Wish

46:51 Wrap Up Penguin News Outro

Peter’s Contact details:

Website: https://www.peterjohnwatson.com

Instagram: @watsonthesummit

Peter’s Travel blog ‘Atlas & Boots’:  https://www.atlasandboots.com/

UK Antarctic Heritage Trust

Website: https://ukaht.org

Instagram: @ukantarcticheritagetrust

Peter’s favourite Quote:

 "20 years from now you'll be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do rather than things, by the ones that you did. So throw off the bow lines, sail away from the safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream, discover."  Sarah Frances Brown, the mother of author H. Jackson Brown Jr first published in his 1990 book, ‘PS, I Love You.’

How to Live on Earth documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3mRsvFmWi0

New Gentoo penguin species article

https://oceanographicmagazine.com/news/first-new-penguin-species-in-a-century-found-on-kerguelen-islands/

BAS article on Chinstrap penguin loss

https://www.bas.ac.uk/news/penguin-population-collapse-on-volcanic-island/

International E-Waste Day

https://weee-forum.org/iewd-about/

My Website: https://philippaross.com/

Email me: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enthusiologist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-ross-a7775513/

Waste Not Want Not Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075991457588

©2026 Philippa Ross. All rights reserved. Content from Waste Not Want Not Podcast is protected under copyright law.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Waste Not Want Not are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Philippa Ross or the Waste Not Want Not Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Vinney Tolman shares how facing death completely changed the way he sees life.

In this deeply moving and wide-ranging conversation, Vinney shares what his near death experience taught him about what it means to be alive, and why the present moment is far more precious than we realise.

We explore consciousness, the nature of existence, the choices we make, the stories we tell ourselves, love, fear, time, meaning and the extraordinary gift of simply being here. It’s an invitation to appreciate the potent potential within us all — and the extraordinary world that becomes accessible when we take the time to tune in, trust our intuition and tap into resources far beyond what the rational mind can perceive.

Vinney links:

Website:  https://livinggodslight.org/

Book a Session with Vinney:  https://livinggodslight.org/guidance/#sessions

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@livinggodslight

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/livinggodslight/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LivingGodsLight

Vinney’s Book: 

“The Light after Death – My Journey to Heaven and Back” - https://thelightafterdeath.com/ 

Vinney's favourite book:  Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl

Vinney’s Favourite Quote:  “Where attention goes, energy flows”

IANDS – International Association of Near Death Studies: https://iands.org/

PIP's Pu™ penguin inspired oracle deck – buy on Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pips-pu/pips-putm-oracle-deck-and-guidebook

My Website: https://philippaross.com/

Email me: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enthusiologist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-ross-a7775513/

Waste Not Want Not Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075991457588

Theme music:

‘Joyful’ by TimTaj from Pixabay:  https://pixabay.com/users/timtaj-16489647/

©2026 Philippa Ross. All rights reserved. Content from Waste Not Want Not Podcast is protected under copyright law.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Waste Not Want Not are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Philippa Ross or the Waste Not Want Not Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Ursula Franklin shares a deeply personal story of how penguins helped her navigate grief and unexpectedly shaped the way she saw life. She set herself a mission to see every species of penguin in their natural environment – then ‘Mission Penguin’ grew into something beyond her wildest dreams – gifting back peace of mind, courage to move forward and see the joy of her own journey help others. A moving reminder that when we stay true to what we need, and follow what matters to us, we can change the landscape of our world inside and out.

Ursula’s Website:   f4inspirationalimages.co.uk. 

Ursula’s Favourite Book:

Leadership from the Inside Out’ - Kevin Cashman https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/leadership-from-the-inside-out-9781523094356

Ursula’s Favourite Quotes:

“ Leaders either shed light or cast a shadow on everything they do." – Kevin Cashman

“It's a fool who plays it cool by making his world a little bit colder." - Hey Jude lyrics

“ Above all .. to thine own self be true."  - Shakespeare

PIP's Pu™ penguin inspired oracle deck – buy on Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pips-pu/pips-putm-oracle-deck-and-guidebook

My Website: https://philippaross.com/

Email me: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enthusiologist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-ross-a7775513/

Waste Not Want Not Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075991457588

©2026 Philippa Ross. All rights reserved. Content from Waste Not Want Not Podcast is protected under copyright law.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Waste Not Want Not are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Philippa Ross or the Waste Not Want Not Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Dyan deNapoli — aka The Penguin Lady — shares the heart-wrenching story of her involvement in the world’s largest and most successful animal rescue, where 25,000 volunteers tended to 20,000 traumatised penguins affected by an oil spill.

The outcome was miraculous on so many levels, leaving lifelong memories and faith in humanity — who demonstrate.' d resilience, community, courage, possibility and the extraordinary things we can achieve when we come together.

When a feat feels foreboding — remember anything is feasible when you focus your faith on a favourable future.

Dyan’s website: https://thepenguinlady.com

Email: [email protected]

Dyan’s Books:

The Great Penguin Rescue

All About Penguins: Discover Life on Land and in the Sea

Dyan's favourite book: '21 Yaks and a Speedo' by Lewis Pugh

Dyan’s favourite quotes:

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Ghandi

“ Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." Helen Keller

”It's never too late to be what you might have been." George Elliott

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.” Marianne Williamson

“The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." William Hutchinson Murray

The Jane Goodall film Dyan couldn't remember is 'Reasons for Hope.' - https://reasonsforhope-movie.com/

Check your carbon footprint: https://footprintcalculator.org/

Seafood guide: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/

Lewis Pugh website: https://www.lewispugh.com/

SANCCOB: – Penguin Rescue Centre - https://sanccob.co.za/

Global Penguin Society: https://www.globalpenguinsociety.org/

Earthwatch: https://earthwatch.org/

PIP's Pu™ penguin inspired oracle deck – buy on Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pips-pu/pips-putm-oracle-deck-and-guidebook

My Website: https://philippaross.com/

Email me: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enthusiologist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-ross-a7775513/

Waste Not Want Not Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075991457588

©2026 Philippa Ross. All rights reserved. Content from Waste Not Want Not Podcast is protected under copyright law.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Waste Not Want Not are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Philippa Ross or the Waste Not Want Not Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

In this rich and far-reaching conversation, legendary Oceanographer and marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earle explores why the ocean is Earth’s life-support system, and what is at stake as we warm and acidify our seas and strip them of life through industrial extraction, destructive fishing and deep-sea mining.

Sylvia emphasises that one of nature’s greatest lessons is that there is no such thing as waste – something we desperately need to wake up to, alongside recognition of the scale of destruction we have inflicted on our living planet.

Partly through ignorance and partly through arrogance, we have dismissed the integral role of every living plant, animal and organism, every mineral and every element of the natural world. We have failed to recognise the interconnected web of life, held and sustained by the great blue heart of our planet: the ocean.

Sylvia is full of hope for the future – speaking about the resilience of nature, the power of the human mind and spirit, and the vital role of curiosity, evidence-based learning and action to create the change we want to see in the world.

Mission Blue website:  https://missionblue.org/

Founders Day: https://missionblue.org/2026/08/mission-blue-launches-founders-day-on-august-30/

Facebook:

Mission Blue:  https://www.facebook.com/missionblue

Sylvia Earle:  https://www.facebook.com/sylvia.a.earle

LinkedIn:

Mission Blue:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/missionblue/home/

Sylvia Earle:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-earle-6931946/

Instagram: 

Mission Blue:  https://www.instagram.com/mission_blue/

Dr Sylvia Earle:  https://www.instagram.com/dr.sylviaearle/

Sylvia’s 2009 Ted talk:

https://www.ted.com/talks/sylvia_a_earle_we_re_keeping_the_ocean_wild_and_you_can_join_us

Email me on [email protected] if you have a subject or guest you’d like me to consider for future episodes

My Website:  https://philippaross.com/

PIP”s PU Oracle Cards:  https://philippaross.com/pipspuoraclecards-2/

Pledge to buy my penguin inspired oracle deck - PIP's Pu™ on Kickstarter. Get in early to grab Early Bird special in the first 48 hours. Campaign ends 27th September 2026:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pips-pu/pips-putm-oracle-deck-and-guidebook

Schedule an Exploratory call with me: https://philippaross.com/schedule/

Waste Not Want Not Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075991457588

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/enthusiologist/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-ross-a7775513/

©2026 Philippa Ross. All rights reserved. Content from Waste Not Want Not Podcast is protected under copyright law.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Waste Not Want Not are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Philippa Ross or the Waste Not Want Not Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

A long-awaited conversation with novelist Hazel Prior, author of my favouritest book of all time, Away with the Penguins.

As fellow sphenisciphiles (penguin lovers!), we enthuse about the cheerful, resilient, curious and feisty characteristics of penguins — and the profound impact they can have on us. These qualities are woven through Hazel’s trilogy of novels centred around penguins, bringing wildlife and human stories together in unexpected and deeply moving ways.

A must-listen for writers and creatives, Hazel takes us behind the scenes of the long journey from research and logistics to letting go, feeling into her characters and allowing them to come alive — quite literally zing off the page and into your heart.

We explore how weaving the richness of human experience with the wildness of wildlife can bring out the best in both — beautifully mirroring the purpose behind PIP’s Pu™, my own penguin-inspired oracle deck: helping us reconnect with our natural rhythm, rediscover ourselves and find our way to True North.

Hazel’s details:

Website:  https://www.hazelprior.co.uk/home

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hazelpriorbooks/

Favourite book: The Chronicles of Narnia

 Favourite quote:

“Do all the good you can, and make as little fuss about it as possible." Charles Dickens

Books Hazel has authored so far:

New book being released in May 2027 – Title to be revealed!

Email me on [email protected] if you have a subject or guest you’d like me to consider for future episodes

My Website:  https://philippaross.com/

PIP”s PU Oracle Cards:  https://philippaross.com/pipspuoraclecards-2/

Schedule an Exploratory call with me: https://philippaross.com/schedule/

Waste Not Want Not Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075991457588

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/enthusiologist/

©2026 Philippa Ross. All rights reserved. Content from Waste Not Want Not Podcast is protected under copyright law.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Waste Not Want Not are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Philippa Ross or the Waste Not Want Not Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

What if the greatest act of self-care wasn't buying another gadget or following the latest health trend, but learning to trust your own biology?

In this month's Waste Not Want Not, Tommy Diependaal explores what it means to reclaim your biological sovereignty by making conscious lifestyle choices that work with your body rather than against it. From the food you eat and the labels you wear, to strength training, gut health, sleep, stress, sunlight, breathwork, circadian rhythms and EMF exposure, this conversation challenges the idea that there's a one-size-fits-all formula for wellbeing.

Tommy invites us to become more present, more aware and more discerning—tuning into the signals our bodies have been sending us all along. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting health advice, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that your greatest health technology has been with you from the beginning.

Because true wellbeing is about creating a lifestyle that genuinely serves you.

Tommy Diependaal’s Contact information:

Website:  https://twinfit-lifestyle-fitness-coaching.mailchimpsites.com/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommydiependaal/

Tommy’s Favourite book:

‘Be Useful’ by Arnold Schwarzenegger – YouTube audio - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iot5nsNar3o

Quote:

 A day not laugh is a day not live.  Tommy’s Grandmother’s wisdom

Jules Bright episode talking about the eco-friendly sunscreen she created ‘The Potent Power of Plants - https://open.spotify.com/episode/01pAHzNrTL95MYvy0py5Pt

Email me on [email protected] if you have a subject or guest you’d like me to consider for future episodes

My Website:  https://philippaross.com/

PIP”s PU Oracle Cards:  https://philippaross.com/pipspuoraclecards-2/

Schedule an Exploratory call with me: https://philippaross.com/schedule/

Waste Not Want Not Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075991457588

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/enthusiologist/

Theme music ‘Joyful’ by TimTaj from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/users/timtaj-16489647/

©2026 Philippa Ross. All rights reserved. Content from Waste Not Want Not Podcast is protected under copyright law.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Waste Not Want Not are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Philippa Ross or the Waste Not Want Not Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.