The Lentil Intervention Podcast Ben and Emma

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 with Andre and delve into his work since the film’s debut, including the establishment of the Envoy Foundation and their recent annual reports. We revisit the critical importance of protecting sharks as a keystone species in our oceans, highlighting the shortcomings and environmental consequences of current shark control methods while exploring more sustainable solutions.

But that’s not all! In addition to his work with Envoy Foundation, Andre has taken on a new role as a board member of the Norwegian Whale Reserve. (Does he ever sleep? We’re not sure…) This visionary conservation initiative is to be an open sea sanctuary nestled in the pristine fjords of Norway, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing captive whales. We dive into the details of this project and their vision for the future.

Prepare to be inspired by this insightful conversation with an extraordinary human being!

In this episode, we discuss:
Andre’s work since the release of Envoy: Shark CullHis relocation to SingaporeThe imperative of safeguarding sharks for ocean healthShark control (culling) methods still used in Australia and more appropriate alternativesGovernment reluctance to change their culling programsEthical considerations of current programs, including huge concerns regarding bycatchThe fantastic work of the Envoy Foundation – it is conservation reimagined!Recent Envoy Foundation reports including the NSW Shark Meshing Program and the QLD Shark Control Program reviewsAndre’s involvement in the Norwegian Whale Reserve and the project’s missionWays to support the Norwegian Whale Reserve and Envoy FoundationAndre's upcoming projects - watch this space! To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.

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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 impact our communities and our mental health. Many communities have endured bushfires, floods, storms, coastal erosions and heatwaves, yet important community resilience-building actions are still lacking in many areas.

Sally’s recent article in Explorations in Climate Psychology Journal explores the significant mental health impacts associated with the escalating climate disasters in Australia - often overlooked when discussing climate change. So, in this episode, we unpack her article in more detail as Sally highlights the need for trauma-informed care and community-based practices to address this worsening crisis.

In the face of such uncertainty, holistic, resilience-building approaches, that integrate traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern psychological insights are now more important than ever, when it comes to supporting individual and community health.

In this episode, we discuss:
Sally’s recent work and involvement in the Climate Psychology movementThe generational shift occurring within the climate psychology spaceThe high percentage of Australians impacted by climate disastersMental health impacts for disaster survivorsThe huge burdens on local agencies providing mental health support servicesSystemic causes that have driven the climate and environmental crisesA need to honour Indigenous knowledge for a truly inclusive community approachLooking to grassroots community movements to help foster a sense of empowermentCreating safe spaces for sharing stories and trauma, including the importance of ceremonyDealing with eco grief, doomerism and burnoutUtilising grounded narratives when initiating climate conversations
If this story has raised concerns for you or someone you know, you can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636 in Australia or Lifeline at 0800 LIFELINE (0800 54 33 54) or free text HELP (4357) in New Zealand.

To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.

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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 experiences.

In this conversation, we delve into Esther’s upbringing in Kenya, exploring the enduring impacts of colonialism and her insights into the transformative potential of business. We learn the inspiring story behind Sawubona and how Esther’s venture is actively improving the lives of artisans and communities while forging meaningful connections between Africa and New Zealand.

In this episode, we discuss:
Esther’s background and experience growing up in KenyaThe power of education, and being the first in her family to attend universityThe colonisation of Kenya and consequent impacts on communitiesLoss of cultural and community identity and intergenerational traumaThe exploitative nature of capitalismEthical and sustainability issues in business supply chainsThe story of SawubonaThe benefits of supporting social enterprisesEthical considerations as a consumerThe importance of protecting cultural art To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.

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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 the potential use of common anti-inflammatories in treating Alzheimer's disease, Jack's work is at the forefront of medical research.

If this is your first introduction to Dr Auty, please take time to listen to his first podcast episode with us here, as it will give you a more detailed background on his fascinating work to date. In this episode we focus in on Jack’s work with AdriftLab, where he’s been looking at wildlife impacted by microplastic exposure and the ability of plastic to directly induce severe, organ-wide scar tissue formation.

In this episode we discuss:
Jack’s background and previous researchVarious hypotheses which may explain the rise in allergiesThe work of AdriftLab, led by the wonderful Dr Jennifer Lavers‘Plasticosis’ – evidence for a new plastic-induced fibrotic diseaseThe types of plastics commonly found in seabirds and the global marine plastic loadPlastics, microplastics and their unique inflammatory potentialHow inflammation impacts the body and how plastic can make its way into cells throughout the bodyPotential implications of these findings for both humans and other wildlifeThe need for an interdisciplinary approach when researching pollution’s impact on wildlife and human healthIdentifying laboratory sources of microplastic and nanoplastic contaminationTop tips for reducing plastic exposure in daily lifePlastics as a delivery mechanism for a wide range of toxic chemicalsFuture research projects for Jack and AdriftLab

To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.

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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 visually and reconnect with his passion for environmental conservation.

Neal makes a strong argument for the importance of storytelling in science communication. Through his work, he aims to bridge the gap between science and public perception, recognising the significance of compelling narratives in driving positive change. Here we discuss his poignant photojournalism projects and publications, and the mental health toll on those working in environmental academia, and much more.

While many of the topics we cover are quite heavy, they are important to be aware of. Neal encourages us all not to look away, but rather to keep learning, keep broadening our understandings and keep engaging in discussions with others. Knowledge is power and serves as our armour against misinformation. It provides us with the tools to challenge falsehoods and build a better society and future for both people and the planet.

In this episode, we discuss:
Neal’s background and passion for the environmentNeal’s motivation for pivoting to photography after 20 years in academiaCommunicating science via photographyPersuasion and the importance of storytellingMental health risks associated with climate researchProject 'Hope?' And how to grieve for the planetClimate scientists and the pressure to be perfectBuilding systems of support for environmental scientistsClimate anxiety as a Western conceptEnvironmental crises due to our current economic, political and social systemsThe true cost of our food - the story of the salmon and the tomatoCoal Scars – The long-term landscape trauma of our obsession with coalHow we can be more effective advocates for the planetTo view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.

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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 environmental advocate based in Anchorage, Alaska. Max uses his unique blend of watercolours and videography to highlight the complexities of environmental problems impacting both local and global communities.

We learn about Max’s background and inspiring outlook on life, as well as discuss his latest works which focus on the once pristine wilderness of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Unfortunately, even with its remoteness, the world’s rubbish problem has come knocking on Katmai’s shores. Even though the debris on Katmai might come from a world away, when it comes to ocean plastics we are all in the same boat, so this conversation with Max only serves to underscore the need for global action – no matter where we are located, we’ve all got a role to play.

In this episode, we discuss:
Max’s background and love of paintingRetracing his grandmother’s travels and artworkCommunicating climate and environmental science through artImportant considerations for impactful filmmaking and storytellingMax’s relationship with many of the world’s top trail runnersKatmai National Park and its sizeable marine debris problemMax’s previous film No Lost Shoes and his upcoming release Footprints on KatmaiThe ocean’s oxygen factories (phytoplankton) and concerns with microplasticsInspiring behaviour change while living in an imperfect worldMaking a change by starting at homeTo view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.

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