We are joined by Sheena Chhabra, campaigner for the Plant Based Treaty—a groundbreaking global initiative tackling the climate and ecological crises by putting food systems at the heart of the solution. The Plant Based Treaty is calling for a shift toward a just, plant-based food system that respects planetary boundaries, protects biodiversity, ref…

Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop is a former Principal Scientist with the Queensland Government Natural Resources, where he spent three decades using satellite data to monitor vegetation cover and deforestation. Since leaving that position, he has co-authored the Beyond Zero Emissions’ Land Use Plan, worked with the NGO World Preservation Foundation, and …

Nina Trinquet is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and PhD candidate based in Melbourne. Take a listen as Nina shares her wisdom on how a whole food plant-based diet can prevent and manage chronic disease. Nina works with individuals aiming to improve their health through diet, with a particular focus on cardiovascular health. She is also an avid …

Dakota Jones is more than just a world-class trail runner—he’s a passionate environmental advocate on a mission to drive meaningful climate action. As a professional athlete for NNormal and the Founder and Executive Director of Footprints, an environmental nonprofit, Dakota is dedicated to empowering individuals to create tangible change in their l…

Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop worked as a Principal Scientist with Queensland Government Natural Resources, using satellite data to monitor three decades of vegetation cover and broadscale deforestation. He left the government in 2010 to co-author the Beyond Zero Emissions’ Land Use Plan, a plan to take Australia’s land use and agriculture emissions be…

John Jurko II is the lead director and producer of RHINO MAN, a powerful documentary that highlights the courage and dedication of field rangers who risk their lives to protect South Africa's rhinos from poaching. More than just a conservation film, RHINO MAN tells a universal story of resilience, bravery, and the human spirit—a heroic tale of indi…

Professor Niki Harré, Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland, and author of Psychology for a Better World: Working with People to Save the Planet and The Infinite Game: How to Live Well Together, shares her vision of resilient, compassionate, and creative communities as the foundation for sustainability. As discussed in her …

Lydia Green is the Founder and Project Director of Manta Watch New Zealand, a charitable trust dedicated to protecting and studying manta rays. With a Marine Biology degree (Hons) and over 15 years of experience in marine science, Lydia has worked in waters across the globe, from Fiji to Mexico, bringing a wealth of expertise to New Zealand's manta…

In this episode, we bring you a recording of Emma Strutt's presentation as part of the recent 2024 Athletes for Nature Webinar Series. Emma is Ben's partner in crime here at The Lentil Intervention, but for anyone not familiar with her professional background, she is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifest…

In this episode, we bring you a recording of Damian Hall’s appearance as part of the recent 2024 Athletes for Nature Webinar Series. Damian is a renowned ultramarathon runner and athletics coach who has represented Great Britain, consistently achieving remarkable results in some of the world’s most challenging races. He is also a seasoned journalis…

In this episode, we bring you a recording of Dr Mike Joy’s presentation as part of the recent 2024 Athletes for Nature Webinar Series. This was the first of a 3-part online webinar series for outdoor enthusiasts about the current climate emergency and the actions we can take to protect our playground. Mike is a leading freshwater ecologist, researc…

Dr Kate Wylie is an Adelaide-based GP, the founder of Climate Medicine, and the Executive Director of Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), a not-for-profit advocacy organisation that recognises human health depends on a healthy environment. Dr Wylie is a master communicator who has emerged as a leading voice in Australia for highlighting th…

Andre Borell is not just a filmmaker and investor, he’s a catalyst for change and a maker of good trouble! We first chatted with Andre in season two of the podcast, hot on the heels of the release of Envoy: Shark Cull, a documentary that sheds light on the long-running ‘shark safety’ programs in place in QLD and NSW. In this episode, we catch up wi…

Dr Sally Gillespie is an author, lecturer, workshop facilitator, and trainer for Psychology for a Safe Climate. We first spoke with Sally in season 2, episode 27 about her book Climate Crisis and Consciousness: Re-imagining Our World and Ourselves and how to deal with eco-anxiety. Since speaking with Sally in 2021, the changing climate continues to…

Esther Gathambo, originally hailing from Kenya and now calling New Zealand home, is a social entrepreneur and businesswoman driven by a powerful mission. In 2020 Esther founded Sawubona, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering African artisans, promoting fair trade and sustainability practices, and nurturing a sense of community and shared expe…

Joining us for his second appearance on the show, Dr Jack Auty is a lecturer in the Medical Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Tasmania. Jack leads research on the intricate connections between inflammation and disease. With a diverse array of interests, ranging from the impact of microplastics on lung and gut inflammation to t…

Dr Neal Haddaway is a photojournalist and environmental photographer whose work highlights the damaging impacts of capitalism and unchecked economic growth. With a PhD in environmental science and a 20-year career in environmental research and academia, Neal boldly chose to transition his career to photography fuelled by a desire to inspire others …

And we’re back! Welcome to Season 5 of The Lentil Intervention Podcast. We are thrilled to be bringing you more insightful discussions, inspiring stories and scientific snapshots this year, and we are certainly kicking things off with a bang with our first guest, Max Romey. Max is a phenomenal artist, filmmaker, producer, educator, trail runner and…

We’ve reached the Season 4 finale of The Lentil Intervention podcast! In our last episode for 2023, we sit down with podcast favourite Dr Mike Joy to recap the pressing environmental and climate concerns that have defined the past year. We also had a frank discussion about the necessary actions that could result in a better future for all. From cli…

Professor Ilan Noy is the Chair in Economics of Disasters and Climate Change - Te Āwhionukurangi, at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. Ilan’s research and teaching focus on the economic aspects of natural hazards, disasters, climate change, and other related topics in environmental, development, and international economics. Ilan …

Dr Luke Kelly is an Associate Professor in Quantitative Ecology at the University of Melbourne, leading teams both locally and internationally. Luke studies the dynamics of plant and animal populations, educates about biodiversity and human well-being, and collaborates with diverse stakeholders to prevent species extinction. With expertise in ecolo…

In this episode, we chat with running legend Damian Hall, a record-breaking ultramarathon runner and athletics coach who has represented Great Britain and continues to achieve competitive results in some of the world’s toughest and gruelling races. Damian is an experienced journalist and author of several books, including the award-nominated We Can…

In this episode, we discuss alternative protein with Dr Simon Eassom, Executive Director at Food Frontier, Australia and New Zealand’s independent think tank on alternative proteins. Simon is an experienced leader, business executive, and strategic thinker and has had a distinguished career as a university professor with a Ph.D. in applied ethics a…

Emma Wingrove is a reuse specialist, passionate about bringing New Zealand to the forefront of sustainability and climate change solutions. In 2014, while undertaking her university degree, Emma established The Clean Up Crew Aotearoa, after identifying the hideously overlooked problem of litter and neglected beaches of the beautiful North Shore of …

Dr Kate Sievert is a Research Fellow at GLOBE at Deakin University with a special interest in power and politics with regard to food systems and their relationship with population and planetary health. Kate is also a co-founder of Healthy Food Systems Australia, an advocacy group dedicated to bettering food systems for all Australians and the land.…

Deirdre Kent is a long-time environmental activist with a background in teaching, campaigning, and lobbying and is also a prolific author, having written six books. Deirdre has been involved in numerous research and political campaigning efforts and has established various organisations such as Transition Town Ōtaki, the Ōtaki Timebank and The New …

Dr Jennifer Lavers is an Indigenous scientist and seabirds and plastic pollution expert, working as a Healthy Country Plan Coordinator for the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC) and as the coordinator of Adrift Lab. Jennell Reynolds is a community engagement officer and previous Tjaltjraak Ranger, also with ETNTAC. Ke…

Sahra Kress is a committee member of Degrowth Aotearoa NZ and comes to this conversation about degrowth drawing passionately from her position as a midwife, deeply concerned about the future of the children she delivers. Sahra has spent years working at the interface of social, cultural, and environmental complexity. Her work includes 18 years of L…

Nathan Surendran is a Transition Engineer and principal consultant at Schema Consulting Limited, bringing with him an extensive knowledge of macro-scale systems and risks, and synthesising economic, energetic, and environmental factors. Nathan is an active member of Degrowth Aotearoa New Zealand and passionately advocates for realistic, fact-based …

Sarah Bekessy is a Professor in Sustainability at RMIT University and a Lead Councillor of The Biodiversity Council. Sarah leads the ICON science research group, working to understand better and manage the interactions between society and our natural environment. A leading expert in biodiversity-sensitive urban design, Professor Bekessy co-develope…

John Berry is Co-Founder, CEO and Resident Wayfinder at Pathfinder Asset Management. John also serves as a Trustee for Men’s Health Trust New Zealand and an advisory board member of The Mind Lab. John is committed to making ethical investment accessible to all NZ investors. But dive a little deeper into the subjective world of ethical investing and…

Shaun Lee is an Auckland-based designer, illustrator and photographer. Shaun started his career as a web designer and then co-founded Auckland’s foremost business-to-business design studio. Shaun now only works on environmental initiatives and has dedicated his life to improving the state of the planet. A true eco-warrior in every sense. His enviro…

Chloe Price is a freshwater ecologist and environmental scientist based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. Chloe has an interdisciplinary academic and professional background in freshwater and terrestrial ecology and is passionate about ecological restoration and regeneration, catchment enhancement, and fostering collaboration within and between communi…

Dr Emily Flies is an award-winning science communicator and researcher in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Tasmania. Emily has co-founded two successful Science in the Pub non-profit organisations (in Adelaide and Hobart), is the founder and director of Tasmania's Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship Program and co-leads the He…

Harrison Talarico is a Field Ranger with the New Zealand Department of Conservation, working as a member of the Southern New Zealand Dotterel/Tūturiwhatu Recovery Team on Rakiura. For long-term listeners however, Harrison will be a familiar name, as he first joined us in season 2 episode 43 – at that time as an honours student with Adrift Lab, wher…

Lauren Sandeman is a dedicated ocean campaigner, whose current work focuses on transforming Australia's shark culling programs into scientifically-supported non-lethal mitigation programs as the campaign head of Sea Shepherd's Shark Defence Campaign. Lauren is also a TEDx speaker and co-founder of Cosplay Clean Up Global, inspiring people to embrac…

Associate Professor Martin Brook is a Chartered Geologist (CGeol) and director of the Master of Engineering geology degree at the University of Auckland. Martin was part of the landslide emergency response team for the Gisborne state of emergency in November 2021 and has published over 80 journal articles with many focusing on landslide investigati…

Professor Corey Bradshaw is the Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology at Flinders University, Director of the Global Ecology Laboratory and a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage. Corey is a master communicator and prolific researcher, having hundreds of scientific papers to his name. He…

Dr Niyati Sharma is a Dermatologist with a sub-speciality in paediatric dermatology, extensive clinical experience with skin of colour and a Master of Public Health where she specialised in nutrition, policy and advocacy. Dr Sharma is also the founder of Inside Out Dermatology clinic in Melbourne. Given her diverse training and qualifications, Niya…

Dr Michael Greger is a licensed general practitioner specialising in clinical nutrition He is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine, and a founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. In 2017 Dr Greger was honoured with the Lifestyle Medicine Trailblazer Award…

We’re rounding out season three with a bang, marking our 100th podcast episode! We have two popular return guests joining us and one fresh face; we speak to our favourite freshwater ecologist and science communicator Dr Mike Joy as well as zero-waste extraordinaires Hannah Blumhardt and Liam Prince. Hannah is a Senior Associate at the Institute of …

In our 99th episode, Ben and Emma take a moment to reflect on the past 3 years and inform listeners on plans for The Lentil Intervention moving forward in 2023 and beyond! We provide an update on our major campaigns and our plans for climate and health advocacy moving forward. Next year we aim to showcase more local success stories and highlight th…

Dr Anis Ta’eed is a nephrologist and general physician (FRACP) working in Fiji since 2020. Dr Ta’eed works as the head of Nephrology at CWM Hospital in Suva and serves as director of the Fiji National Kidney Centre. Anis is also a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician (IBLM) and is passionate about the benefits of plant-based diets for kidne…

David Spratt has been Research Coordinator for the independent think tank Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration since 2014. He was co-founder of the Climate Action Centre in Melbourne and co-authored Climate Code Red; the case for emergency action. David is a prolific climate science communicator, writing regularly for popular public…

Environmentalist, campaigner, content creator and all-around legend, Geoff Reid joins us again on the podcast for an update on his latest work. If you’re new to Geoff’s work we suggest checking out our first conversation with him (S1 Ep25) – but not until you take a listen to this one, because Geoff has an exciting project launching into the world …

Dotsie Bausch is a plant-powered athlete, an Olympic medallist, renowned public speaker, podcast host and founder of the non-profit organisation Switch4Good. Her achievements are nothing short of phenomenal. After overcoming an eating disorder and cocaine addiction, her therapist suggested taking up an activity, which ultimately set Dotsie on the p…

Simon Michaux is an Associate Professor of Geometallurgy at the Geological Survey of Finland in the Circular Economy Solutions Unit. Holding a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Physics and Geology and a PhD in Mining Engineering from the University of Queensland, Simon has extensive experience in mining research and development, circular econom…

Thomas Tothill is a passionate environmental consultant, research technician and PhD candidate with Marine Futures Lab at the University of Western Australia. With a diverse background in marine and environmental sciences, Thomas is now undertaking his PhD where he is working in collaborative partnership with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title A…

In this episode, we’re chopping it up with the inspiring Josh Uluilakeba, AKA the Maoli Chef. Josh is a plant-based chef and entrepreneur, who’s on a mission to bring more plant-based cuisine to Fiji! Like many other Pacific Islands, Fiji has undergone economic and nutrition changes that have contributed to a dramatic rise in non-communicable disea…

Chris Darwin’s mission is a life of love – and what a life he’s led so far! With a background in advertising and a career as a mountain guide, Chris is what you would call a certified adrenaline junkie, having been involved in two world-first expeditions: The world’s highest dinner party on Peru’s highest peak and the first round-Britain windsurfin…