Best Marinemammals Podcasts (2025)

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Ocean Conservation Meets Innovation: Inside The Undertow’s Global Mission 54:16

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1d ago54:16

54:16

Ocean conservation is evolving—and The Undertow is leading the way by merging storytelling, technology, and community. In this episode, host Andrew Lewin is joined by Amanda Horn and Serena Nguyen to unveil The Undertow, a new platform designed to supercharge ocean action by connecting people from all backgrounds to meaningful environmental impact.…

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Ocean - a stunning new documentary 17:45

1d ago17:45

17:45

Dr Scarlett Smash and Dr Craken chat with the team behind the stunning new documentary OCEAN - narrated by the fabulous Sir Davis Attenborough (oceanfilm.net). They talk to National geographic scientist Enric Sala and filmaker Toby Nowlan about what makes this documentary unique. What fantastic new film footage do they present? What are the biggest…

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Prevent Overfishing: How Transparency Can Save the Ocean 49:55

4d ago49:55

49:55

Prevent overfishing by making the invisible visible. In this episode, Courtney Farthing from Global Fishing Watch explains how vessel tracking and open data systems are key to protecting marine life and holding industrial fisheries accountable. With over 75% of industrial fishing vessels missing from public monitoring systems, it’s time to shine a …

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Ocean with David Attenborough: Why There’s Still Hope for the Sea 21:00

7d ago21:00

21:00

Ocean recovery is not just possible, it’s already happening in places where we’ve taken action. In this episode, I dive into Ocean with David Attenborough, a documentary that reminds us of the ocean’s incredible resilience. From thriving coral reefs to fish populations bouncing back, the film offers powerful proof that when we give marine ecosystem…

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How Tide Gauges Help Track Flooding and Sea Level Rise in Coastal Towns 42:12

9d ago42:12

42:12

Tide gauges are a critical yet often overlooked tool in our fight to understand and respond to climate change. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Thaler returns to the podcast to share a powerful story about installing a tide gauge in his hometown of St. Michaels, Maryland. He breaks down how this simple device provides crucial data for flood risk, sea le…

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Raiders of the last barrel - the archaeology of beer 12:19

8d ago12:19

12:19

Dr Scarlett Smash and Dr Craken are on a marathon recording session ... with some drinks. As happens when our drunken hosts get together, they had to talk about science - on this episode the archaeology of beer! Contact [email protected] for more information about sponsoring MCHH episodes Music credits By Jolly Shore Leave "Al For Me G…

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How Harmful Algal Blooms Are Poisoning California’s Marine Wildlife 14:45

11d ago14:45

14:45

Harmful algal blooms are wreaking havoc along the California coast, releasing toxic domoic acid that is poisoning marine life. In this episode, we explore how this naturally occurring toxin is causing mass die-offs in sea lions, dolphins, and seabirds, and why climate change and nutrient pollution may be making these blooms worse. You’ll hear about…

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From Oceanographer to Eco-Baker: Maddie Hamann on Building a Sustainable Bread Brand to Help Protect the Ocean 52:35

14d ago52:35

52:35

Ocean conservation isn’t always about what’s happening in the water—it’s also about the choices we make on land. In this episode, we speak with Maddie Hamann, a former oceanographer turned sustainable food entrepreneur. Maddie shares how her background in ocean science led her to co-found PACHA, a company that creates sourdough buckwheat bread usin…

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How Zazou Saeed Helped Ban Single-Use Plastics in the Maldives 11:45

16d ago11:45

11:45

Plastic pollution in the Maldives has become a serious environmental crisis, despite the nation’s image as a pristine paradise. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin shares the inspiring story of Zazou Saeed—a young Maldivian surfer and ocean advocate—who rose to become a local conservation hero by campaigning against singl…

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Water, water everywhere - a water world quiz 13:58

16d ago13:58

13:58

Dr Scarlett Smash tests Dr Craken's knowledge about the our watery world. Contact [email protected] for more information about sponsoring MCHH episodes or having advertisements on the show Music credits By Jolly Shore Leave "Al For Me Grog (Trad.)" HandsomeForrune-FE (Adapted Lyrics by Taran Christen : Musical Arrangement by K. Ryan Ha…

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Orca Conservation, Shark Ethics, and David Attenborough’s Ocean Film 20:39

21d ago20:39

20:39

Orca conservation takes center stage as we highlight an inspiring community-led effort to protect these iconic marine mammals. Andrew explores how nearshore ocean heroes are driving real change, and why their stories matter more than ever. Learn how protecting your local waters can lead to healthier oceans worldwide—and why it’s time we recognize t…

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Game of thrones science - recreating the dire wolf 12:00

23d ago12:00

12:00

Dr Scarlett Smash and Dr Craken MacCraic chat about the recent news that scientists have de-extincted dire wolves - or have they? What are the implications for the conservation of endangered species? Contact [email protected] for more information about sponsoring MCHH episodes or having advertisements on the show Music credits By Jolly…

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Why Nearshore Ocean Conservation Is Critical for Climate, Biodiversity, and Communities 1:04:51

23d ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Nearshore conservation is often overlooked in favor of flashy offshore marine protected areas. But a growing movement of community-led initiatives is showing that protecting coastal waters might be one of the smartest, most effective ways to safeguard ocean biodiversity and build climate resilience. This episode explores new insights from the Nears…

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Why Gray Whales Are Dying: Climate, Starvation, and Human Threats 10:23

25d ago10:23

10:23

Gray whales are dying along the Pacific coast—and the reasons are alarming. In this episode, we dive into why hundreds of gray whales have stranded or died between 2019 and 2023. From food shortages in their Arctic feeding grounds to the rising risks of ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, we break down what NOAA has called an Unusual Mor…

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Ontario Weakens Species Protections | Hawaii’s Climate Fee | Deep Sea Mining Clash | Frilled Shark Expansion 36:36

28d ago36:36

36:36

Endangered species protection in Ontario is under threat as the provincial government proposes Bill 5, repealing the Endangered Species Act in favor of weaker legislation. Host Andrew Lewin breaks down what these changes mean for biodiversity, habitat protection, and public accountability, and shares how Ontarians can respond through the Environmen…

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Coffee shop science. Was some of the first marine mammal science done in a coffee shop? 14:33

30d ago14:33

14:33

Was some of the first marine mammal science done in a coffee shop? Dr Scarlett Smash and Dr Craken MacCraic chat about the story of a dolphin, Sir Issac Newton and a coffee shop. Contact [email protected] for more information about sponsoring MCHH episodes or having advertisements on the show Music credits By Jolly Shore Leave "Al For …

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Deep Sea Mining in U.S. Waters: A New Era of Ocean Extraction 34:29

30d ago34:29

34:29

Deep sea mining in the U.S. is entering a new chapter after a recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump authorized exploration and extraction not only in U.S. Exclusive Economic Zones but potentially in international waters. This move marks a dramatic shift in ocean policy and raises serious questions about compliance with the …

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Coral Bleaching Across 82 Countries: Why This Global Event Is the Deadliest Yet 18:38

1M ago18:38

18:38

Coral bleaching is not just a temporary event—it’s a climate emergency that can unfold over years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin dives deep into the devastating history of global coral bleaching events, revealing how the fourth and current one (2023–2025) is affecting over 80% of coral reefs worldwide. From the Grea…

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Octopus Ocean Book: Exploring the Genius Minds Beneath the Waves with Mark Leiren-Young 1:05:00

1M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Octopus intelligence is nothing short of extraordinary—and in this episode, we dive deep with award-winning author Mark Leiren-Young to explore the surprising minds, behaviors, and conservation challenges of one of the ocean’s most elusive animals. Inspired by his latest book Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep, Mark shares jaw-dropping stories abo…

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Who is Kristján Loftsson and why is he an ocean villain? (with guest Rob Read) 26:24

1M ago26:24

26:24

Dr Scarlett Smash and Dr Craken MacCraic chat with Rob Read from Neptunes Pirates (https://www.neptunespirates.uk/) about the evil villain behind Iceland's whaling industry. Warning: This episode contains descriptions of whale hunting that may upset some listeners. Contact [email protected] for more information about sponsoring MCHH ep…

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US Government Rolls Back Environmental Protections for Energy Drilling 9:31

1M ago9:31

9:31

Energy policy shifts in the U.S. are sparking concern as the government rolls back environmental regulations to fast-track oil and gas drilling. In this episode, we examine how these rollbacks could jeopardize ecosystems, especially marine environments, and undermine efforts to transition to clean energy sources. Environmental protections have long…

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Defunding Science Due To DEI: What It Means for Canada 18:55

1M ago18:55

18:55

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) have become integral components of Canadian science funding. In this episode, we explore Pierre Poilievre's plan to strip funding from research programs that incorporate so-called "woke" policies like EDI. We examine how EDI policies are currently embedded in major grants from NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, and more, and…

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US Opens Up Marine Protected Areas to Fishing: What This Means for Ocean Conservation 8:34

1M ago8:34

8:34

Fisheries: In this episode, we see the surprising news that the U.S. government is opening up parts of its marine protected areas (MPAs) to commercial fishing. This rollback of protections in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument has sparked debate about the future of sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity. Ocean: We explore wh…

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The Latest Gossip on Whaling (with guest Rob Read) 20:46

1M ago20:46

20:46

Dr Scarlett Smash and Dr Craken MacCraic discuss some of the behind the scence gossip on whaling with Rob Read from Neptunes Pirates (https://www.neptunespirates.uk/). If you thought that whaling was already scandalous, just wait until you hear what is going on behind the scenes! Warning: This episode contains descriptions of whale hunting that may…

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AI-Powered Conservation: The Future of Coral Reef Protection with Andy Ridley 55:03

1M ago55:03

55:03

Great Barrier Reef bleaching is accelerating at a dangerous pace, and yet, hope rises from a unique blend of technology, data, and collective action. In this powerful episode, Andrew talks to Andy Ridley, the founding CEO of Citizens of the Reef, about how they are building one of the most ambitious citizen science movements on the planet. They dis…

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How McKnsea Balances Her Marine Career and Content Creation to Inspire Ocean Advocacy 1:08:08

2M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

Ocean conservation is more than a job—it’s a calling. In this episode, we sit down with McKenzie Margereth, known online as McKnsea, who shares her inspiring journey of making bold career decisions in marine biology while becoming a powerful voice for science communication on social media. Her story highlights the challenges and triumphs of balanci…

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Coral Restoration In Trouble: Why Saving Reefs Takes More Planting Coral 16:45

2M ago16:45

16:45

Coral restoration is often seen as a beacon of hope for our oceans—but are we putting too much faith in it? In this episode, we dive into why coral bleaching has become an annual event, especially on the Great Barrier Reef, and whether restoration can keep up with the pace of climate change. We explore what recurring stress events mean for the long…

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Rebuilding Fisheries in Canada: Capelin Biomass Falling Yet Fishing Stays Open 10:57

2M ago10:57

10:57

Rebuilding fisheries in Canada: Capelin biomass is only at 16% of its pre-collapse level, which spells disaster for northern cod's recovery. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin breaks down the troubling state of Canada’s east coast fisheries. With DFO ignoring science-based recommendations, capelin is being harvested desp…

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How can we stop the Faroe Islands whale hunts? With Rob Read from Neptune's Pirates - Part 2 22:40

2M ago22:40

22:40

Dr Scarlett Smash and Dr Craken MacCraic chat with Rob Read from Neptunes Pirates (https://www.neptunespirates.uk/) about how we might be able to stop the pilot whale and dolphin hunting in the Faroe Islands. Warning: This episode contains descriptions of whale hunting that may upset some listeners. Contact [email protected] for more i…

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Shark Communication: Graduate Studies, Sharks Science, and TikTok with Kenzie Horton 1:12:08

2M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Shark communication is critical in changing their "man-eating" reputation from the movie Jaws. Sharks need protection so telling people about the wonders of sharks is essential. Marine biology is more than just a job — it’s a lifestyle driven by passion and purpose. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with marine b…

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Dire Wolf Brought Back? The Wild Science and Ethics of De-Extinction 47:21

2M ago47:21

47:21

De-extinction is no longer just science fiction. In this episode, we dive into the controversial concept of bringing back extinct species—specifically the dire wolf—using cutting-edge genetic engineering. Inspired by the headline-grabbing efforts to resurrect woolly mammoths, scientists are now exploring how DNA from ancient canids could be used to…

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What is the grindadráp ? With Rob Read from Neptune's Pirates - Part 1 21:09

2M ago21:09

21:09

What is the grindadráp ? Dr Scarlett Smash and Dr Craken MacCraic chat with Rob Read from Neptunes Pirates (https://www.neptunespirates.uk/) about pilot whale and dolphin hunting in the Faroe Islands. Warning: This episode contains descriptions of whale hunting that may upset some listeners. Contact [email protected] for more informati…

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Rare Intersex Southern Right Whale Discovered Through Genetic Testing 9:49

2M ago9:49

9:49

Intersex marine mammals are an exceptionally rare topic in marine biology, and in this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking discovery of an intersex southern right whale. The whale, sampled in 1989, was recently found to possess XY chromosomes through genetic testing. This revelation opens up new conversations about sex differentiation in marine …

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Why the US Might Start Deep Sea Mining (And What It Means for the Ocean) 14:42

2M ago14:42

14:42

Deep sea mining is making headlines as the United States considers allowing operations within its boundaries. In this episode, Andrew Lewin dives into a recent development involving a Canadian company, The Metals Company, that is pushing to mine the deep sea in US territory. What does this mean for the environment, international law, and ocean cons…

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Seafood Laws and Ocean Justice: How Legal Frameworks Shape the Future of Fisheries 1:04:07

2M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

Fisheries are more than just the act of catching fish—they’re tightly woven into the fabric of science, activism, and community livelihoods. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we speak with Eva van Heukelom about the many layers of fisheries management and how sustainable practices are shaped not just by data and tradition but by the lega…

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Ocean Conservation Career Is Not A Straight Path...and that's okay 19:52

2M ago19:52

19:52

Ocean conservation careers often don’t follow a predictable path—and that’s completely normal. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin shares why expecting a traditional, linear route in marine biology or conservation can lead to frustration. Instead, he reflects on the non-linear journeys many professionals, including himsel…

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What is the deadliest sea creature? 20:24

2M ago20:24

20:24

Dr Scarlett Smash & Dr Craken MacCraic talk about some of the deadliest creatures in the ocean. But which creature is the real John Wick of the Seven Seas? Find out on this episode Contact [email protected] for more information about sponsoring MCHH episodes or having advertisements on the show Music credits By Jolly Shore Leave "Al Fo…

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Why Talking About the Ocean in Everyday Life Can Save It 19:35

2M ago19:35

19:35

Ocean conversations matter more than we think. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explores how the simple act of bringing up marine topics in everyday conversations—with friends, at restaurants, during social gatherings—can lead to a ripple effect of awareness, engagement, and ultimately, protection. The ocean affects all of …

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How D and D Can Help with Environmental Education Through Immersive Learning 48:52

2M ago48:52

48:52

D and D can help with environmental education by creating immersive, story-driven learning experiences that engage students on a deeper level. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Thaler, who’s using Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) to teach environmental concepts in a way that feels more like play than a lesson. Through world-building, role-playing…

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Plastic Pollution Research: How Microplastics Threaten Coral Reefs and What We Can Do About It 1:14:42

2M ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing threats to our oceans today. In this episode, we explore how microplastics—tiny fragments of plastic waste—make their way into tropical marine ecosystems and cause lasting damage. Whether it’s through broken-down consumer products or fishing gear, plastic pollution infiltrates ocean habitats and harms m…