Oceans Matter Podcast Daniel OConnell

Join us on this exciting episode of The Oceans Matter Podcast as we dive deep into the world of innovation and sustainability. Meet Zac Duryea and Jack Vitnell, the Co-Founders of Phycologic, a remarkable bio-tech startup that's harnessing the incredible photosynthetic abilities of marine macroalgae to revolutionize indoor spaces and bring a breath of fresh air.

My first encounter with Zac started years ago during a memorable surfing expedition in South Sumatra. A fearless heavy water enthusiast, riding big boards and conquering even the most challenging slabs along New South Wales' coastline by board and by body. Co-Founder Jack shares the same adventurous spirit. A true waterman and an exceptional rock climber, Jack's passion for the elements is undeniable.

Discover the inspiring story behind their flagship product, the Seatree—a unique creation crafted from marine algae. Seatree is transforming indoor air quality, indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. Zac and Jack are offering a solution that not only enhances indoor spaces but also promotes cleaner, healthier living and presents as a memorizing display .

Tim Silverwood is an award winning environmentalist who Co-Founded the take three for the Sea movement. He spent 10 years leading and building this world wide movement, while also becoming a leading voice in the fight for cleaner and healthier oceans.



Tims latest project which he founded in 2020 was the OIO or Ocean Impact Organisation. Oil is Australia’s first ocean impact eco system and start up accelerator. 



Tim has been aware the NSW green globe champion 2014, Tim starred as an Ocean Guardian in 2017 feature documentary “Blue and in 2011 sailed 5000km across he sea to the infamous Great Pacific Garbage patch and shared his experiences as a TEDx talk. 



We spoke about his journey through life and finding himself in the position to become a leader of a big movement, somewhat unexpectedly. How he has listened to his inner voice and intelligence to create a life chasing what his passions are and learning along the way.

Richie Vas is no stranger to the exhilarating world of big wave surfing, having grown up amidst the notorious era of the Bra Boys. Alongside renowned surfers like Mark Matthews, Richie emerged as a fearless leader in the realm of big wave surfing, particularly in the groundbreaking genre of Slab Surfing, which found its roots in Australia. But Richie's story doesn't stop there.

Taking his passion for combat sports to new heights, Richie ventured into the realm of professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and even competed in the prestigious UFC. In this episode, we delve into his recent thrilling escapades at the monumental XL Wedding Cake Swell. We also explore the intricacies of growing up in Maroubra, discussing the challenges, triumphs, and unique experiences that shaped Richie's life.

From a tumultuous past, including brushes with the law, Richie's journey has led him to a place of remarkable transformation. Today, he is not only a dedicated father but also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) coach, guiding others on their own path to greatness. Join us as we unravel the multifaceted life of Richie Vas, a truly committed waterman.

Glen Casey has had an astonishing journey through life. Being born in the inner western suburbs of Melbourne, Glen stumbled upon surfing in his teenage years and was instantly hooked. This self-described addiction has seen him cement himself in some of surfing's deep history, from getting a job at Rip Curl to competing in the Rip Curl Pro ( the first and probably last Melbournian to do so). He went on to pioneer some of Victoria's rugged south coast land and big waves with surfing royalty such as Wayne Lynch, Maurice Cole, and Simon Buttoshaw.

Glen then started a sales agency and scaled it to an 11 million dollar business before parting ways with it to focus on a cause that was closely aligned with his heart. This came in the form of being contacted by Yvon Chinouard from Patagonia and opening Australia’s first Patagonia store in Byron Bay. Since then Glen has moved on to other projects and is still above all else fighting for a cleaner ocean and a brighter future for his daughter Willow. It was a pleasure to chat with such a humble, well-read, and spoken character that clearly has had his place in the history of surfing and continues to do all he can to keep our oceans a little healthier. 

 Pete Ceglinsk is the CEO and founder of Seabin, a company that's dedicated to tackling one of the biggest problems facing our oceans today: plastic pollution.



 Pete is a passionate environmentalist and entrepreneur, who along with Andrew Button invented the Seabin, an innovative device that works like a floating trash can, sucking in plastic and other debris from the water's surface.



We talked about Petes fascinating journey which led him to this point in his life, the struggles of the start-up journey , his love for the ocean and surfing and his outlook on the future of the marine eco-space. It was a big honor to have Pete on the show as a longtime fan of him and his organization. Hope you enjoy. 

James Griffin is the Member for Manly and NSW Environment and Heritage Minister. He has been hugely influential in protecting our oceans and promoting the sport of surfing in NSW. 

James is responsible for environmental initiatives such as replanting seaweed in the Sydney Harbour, Banning single-use plastics, and incentivizing electric vehicles in NSW. He helped secure the WSL QS pro in Manly and the WCT Pro event in Narrabeen.

We sat down to speak about all this and more!