Science, Solutions, Santa Cruz

Seymour Studios

Hosted by Jonathan Hicken, Executive Director of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, this podcast spotlights groundbreaking research in Santa Cruz, California, and shares actionable, positive environmental news from the region. Featuring in-depth conversations with scientists from UC Santa Cruz and beyond, along with local leaders and environmental experts, the show makes complex science accessible while highlighting real progress and tangible solutions protecting our unique coastal community.

  1. 10h ago

    DEEP DIVE: From Space Dust to Ocean Stuff with X Prochaska

    How does studying the dust of distant galaxies help us understand our oceans? Apparently, tools that tell us what stars are made of are also good at pointing out things like phytoplankton or heat waves. In this Deep Dive episode, astrophysicist and UCSC professor X Prochaska details his professional pivot from outer space to ocean surfaces. His work with spectroscopy, or understanding how light changes color based on the materials it encounters, turns a palette of colors into clues about ecosystem processes. Adopting AI tools early on helped him process vast amounts of information collected from sea and space frontiers. X now enlists NASA’s PACE satellite and other instruments that glide, float, or fly across the ocean to gather a mass of data that paints a picture of the current climate crisis. Check out the full episode to hear X and guest host Eric Palkovacs discuss the process of making and breaking scientific models, the benefits and concerns of AI, and the importance of thinking outside the box (or planet) with how to use the tools in one’s toolkit.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest background 01:31 Guest's journey from astronomy to oceanography 03:50 Tools used in astronomy and their application to ocean science 08:03 The role of AI in developing scientific theories 13:05 Challenges in measuring ocean color and biological processes 16:54 Monitoring climate change through ocean data 20:50 Potential for creating a digital twin of Monterey Bay 23:58 Impact of AI on scientific research and data collection 28:10 Future directions in ocean and space research 31:58 Implications for fisheries and coastal economies 35:52 The importance of interdisciplinary training and collaboration 38:01 The disruptive impact of AI on scientific jobs and funding 40:49 Conclusion and final thoughts Resources: NASA’s PACE Satellite: https://pace.gsfc.nasa.gov/ Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship: https://www.simonsfoundation.org/people/j-xavier-prochaska/ Keywords: astronomy, oceanography, AI, digital twin, Monterey Bay, ocean color, climate change, scientific modeling, interdisciplinary science

  2. Aug 12

    DEEP DIVE: Extreme Genes and Animal Adaptations with Joanna Kelley

    What do chubby bears and antifreeze fish have in common? A legacy of extreme survival coded into their genes. In this Deep Dive special, guest host Eric Palkovacs sits down with UC Santa Cruz professor Joanna Kelley to chat about her research on animals that develop radical adaptations to overcome freezes, famine, and toxins. Observing how these adaptations are passed down, transformed, or eliminated in the genome can help scientists understand how such traits may help or hinder the animals’ survival in our changing climate. Joanna and Eric also share an exciting update about bringing some of the “crown jewels” of UC Santa Cruz research together under one banner to create more funding and training opportunities for students and scientists. Tune into the full episode to learn more! Resources: https://evogenomes.sites.ucsc.edu/people/lab-members/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Joanna Kelley and her research 03:05 Studying adaptations to extreme environments 08:13 Convergent evolution of antifreeze proteins in different fish groups 12:25 Variation in gene copy number within species 14:16 Research in Monterey Bay and nonpolar environments 20:44 Climate change and its impact on polar and nonpolar species 24:00 Conservation concerns and evolutionary legacy 25:24 Research on bears and their hibernation strategies 27:37 Effects of climate change on bear hibernation and behavior 30:39 Historical presence of bears in California and hibernation habits 32:28 Understanding bear hibernation as metabolic depression 33:22 Environmental cues for hibernation and emergence 34:33 Reproductive strategies and energy reserves in bears 35:21 Announcing the Center for Marine Genomics at UC Santa Cruz 36:01 Goals and vision for the new center 37:04 Building a community of marine genomics researchers 38:05 Training and funding opportunities in marine genomics 39:08 Techniques and challenges in marine DNA extraction 40:25 Future directions and interdisciplinary collaborations 41:02 Closing remarks and acknowledgments Keywords: marine genomics, adaptation, polar fishes, antifreeze proteins, bears, climate change, Monterey Bay, genetic variation, conservation, UC Santa Cruz

  3. Aug 5

    How Philanthropy Funds Resiliency with Hilary Bryant

    Hilary Bryant’s passion and entrepreneurial spirit led her to wear many hats as a Santa Cruz community member. She went from majoring in biology at UCSC to brokering real estate to building an animal hospital to running for Mayor. Now, she’s the Donor Services Director at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County where she helps people make impactful contributions to our present and future community. Hilary sat down with us in the studio to share her keen expertise on preserving what we hold dear in Santa Cruz through whatever governmental, non-profit, and philanthropic means necessary. We discuss everything from the difference between immediate funds and endowments to the privilege of helping people plan their estates at the end of their life. Settle in for the full episode to learn from Hilary just how much can be accomplished through small donations of money, time, or volunteer hours - all of which add up to something not so small at all.  Resources: Community Foundation Santa Cruz County - https://www.cfscc.org/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Santa Cruz's Coastal Challenges 02:04 Hillary Bryant's Background and Connection to Santa Cruz 03:52 The Evolution of Environmental Awareness in Local Government 07:09 The Role of Philanthropy and Community Foundations 10:56 Case Study: CZU Fires and Disaster Response 13:08 The Importance of Preparedness and Endowments eeds 19:03 The Tension Between Slow Government and Urgent Environmental Action 22:03 The Power of Community and Youth Engagement 25:03 Philanthropic Strategies for Land and Water Conservation 28:06 The Role of Science and Research in Policy Making 30:50 The Impact of Community Philanthropy and Legacy Giving 34:00 The Challenges and Opportunities of Nonprofit Collaboration 37:04 Effective Communication and Differentiation in Environmental Work 40:14 The Future of Santa Cruz's Coastal and Oceanic Health 43:06 Addressing Water Security and Climate Change 44:57 The Need for Regional and Cross-Sector Collaboration 47:52 Hope and Inspiration from the Next Generation 48:49 Closing Remarks and Community Call to Action Keywords: Santa Cruz, ocean conservation, philanthropy, government, environmental solutions, community collaboration, coastal erosion, climate change, land trust, disaster preparedness

  4. Jul 29

    Brains Behind the Santa Cruz Water Supply with Heidi Luckenbach

    Follow a drop of water from the Santa Cruz Mountains to your faucet at home in this episode with Heidi Luckenbach, Water Director for the City of Santa Cruz Water. Heidi walks listeners through the water sources and systems that deliver this precious resource throughout the community. With the mind of a civil engineer and a heart for public service, Heidi is passionate about helping people understand the infrastructure they engage with every day. Her team at the Water Department developed Aqua Cruz: The Water Challenge—a board game that challenges players to keep water flowing through Santa Cruz as they draw action cards that reflect real-world weather events and project proposals.  Tune into this episode today to hear Heidi discuss the intricacies of water management in a changing climate and hear her outlook on the future of water independence in Santa Cruz.  Also, join us here at Seymour Center on August 22nd to play Aqua Cruz: The Water Challenge for yourself! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Santa Cruz Water Supply 01:04 Heidi Luckenbach's Journey into Water Management 02:11 The Role of Civil Engineering in Water Utilities 04:22 Sources of Water in Santa Cruz 07:22 Managing Water Sources Seasonally 08:25 Water Mains and Distribution System 10:56 Community Conservation and Climate Impact 14:21 Regional Water Collaboration 29:13 Aquifer Storage and Recovery Explained 32:44 Other Water Supply Options: Recycled Water & Desalination 35:06 Desalination in Santa Cruz 37:38 Cost and Climate Considerations for Water Projects 39:45 Introducing Aqua Cruz: The Water Game 48:22 Community Values and Water Management 49:07 The Role of Public Engagement 50:40 Where to Find the Water Game and Community Events 51:11 Closing Remarks and Community Engagement Resources: Santa Cruz Water Department - https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/departments/water Aquacruz Water Game - https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/departments/water/aquacruz Keywords water management, Santa Cruz, water conservation, water supply, aquifer storage, water infrastructure, climate change, groundwater recharge, drought resilience

  5. Jul 22

    FIELD DIARY: Gelatinous Glowing Wonders of the Deep Sea with Steve Haddock

    Prepare to journey into a deep, mysterious realm on our planet from the comfort of your streaming device. In this special Field Diary episode, guest host Cassidy Beach follows marine biologist Steve Haddock from the podcast studio to a day of deep sea exploration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Steve’s research focuses on the boneless, bioluminescent beings in a slice of the ocean thousands of feet below the surface. He brings Cassidy inside the control room for the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Ventana as it descends to search for these little glowing jellies, then gently brings them up to the surface where they come face to face with scientists. Both in the studio and at sea, Steve and Cassidy discuss how the deep ocean is not a lifeless void, but a vast ecosystem teeming with fantastical lifeforms that support us surface-dwellers in ways we’re only just beginning to understand. Dive into this episode today to learn more about why this wondrous expanse deserves our protection and attention now more than ever before.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Deep Sea Exploration 01:04 Meet Steve Haddock and His Work at MBARI 03:22 Why the Deep Sea Matters to Us 06:25 Light in the Deep: Bioluminescence and Its Roles 10:59 Can We See Bioluminescence in Santa Cruz? 12:34 Accessing the Deep Sea: Technology and Location 13:28 Collecting and Studying Deep Sea Creatures 34:32 Threats to the Deep Sea: Mining and Pollution 43:36 The Impact of Human Activities on Deep Sea Ecosystems 44:21 Future of Deep Sea Research and Conservation 46:25 Citizen Science and Public Engagement in Marine Research 48:01 Lightning Round: Personal Insights from Steve Haddock Resources: MBARI Official Website - https://www.mbari.org Steve Haddock - MBARI Profile - https://www.mbari.org/person/steven-haddock/ Steve’s book: “The Radiant Sea”  - https://bookshopsantacruz.com/book/9781419772375 Bioluminescence Documentary - David Attenborough’s Light on Earth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rpmiaCxyEk Keywords Deep Sea Research, Marine Biology, Bioluminescence, Monterey Bay, Ocean Conservation, Deep Sea Mining, Offshore Drilling, Marine Biodiversity

  6. Jul 15

    DEEP DIVE: California's Marine Protected Area Network with Mark Carr

    In this special “Deep Dive” episode, guest host Eric Palkovacs, Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at UC Santa Cruz, sits down with Mark Carr. Mark is a living legend of marine ecology who helped pioneer the concept of Marine Protected Areas (MPA'S) in California and now advises for new MPA’s all over the world. As a scientist, Eric brings a different perspective to his interviews. He still gets to the core of why this research matters to our community, but he also asks for some key behind the scenes details that reveal the thoughts, twists, and turns behind the science. Mark and Eric discuss land versus ocean conservation, how keystones species fluctuations and climate change have altered California’s underwater ecosystems, and much more in this all-encompassing chat.  If you’re a scientist or someone who likes watching the director’s commentary of a movie, then you’ll love this episode. Prep your SCUBA gear, because we’re going deep on this one.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Mark Carr 02:09 Purpose of the deep dive episodes and scientific storytelling 04:55 Overview of California's Marine Protected Areas and their significance 09:02 History and motivation behind California's MPA network 12:06 Design principles and scientific basis for MPAs 17:07 Stakeholder involvement in establishing MPAs 22:01 Ecosystem types and habitat representation in MPAs 27:08 Monitoring outcomes and ecological responses to MPAs 33:03 Role of key predators and species in ecosystem health 38:52 Climate change impacts and resilience of MPAs 44:53 Future directions and expansion of the MPA network 51:50 Global perspectives and advice for other countries 01:00:03 Summary of lessons learned and importance of ongoing monitoring Resources: Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) - https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MLPA California Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) - https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs UC Santa Cruz Institute of Marine Sciences - https://marine.ucsc.edu British Columbia Marine Protected Areas Planning - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/marine-conservation First Nations Marine Protected Areas in Canada - https://www.bcnature.ca Deep Sea Conservation Coalition - https://www.savethehighseas.org Keywords Marine Protected Areas, California MPAs, Marine Conservation, Ecosystem Monitoring, Climate Change Impact, Marine Biodiversity, Fisheries Management, Marine Science, Conservation Policy

  7. Jul 14

    "What would have to be true?" Sarah Newkirk of Land Trust Santa Cruz

    This week, we're sharing a bonus crossover episode with our friends at "Designing Tomorrow" - a podcast all about creativity and authenticity in social impact strategies. Host Eric Ressler sits down with Sarah Newkirk, Executive Director of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz, who shares her insights on conservation strategies, community engagement, and innovative climate adaptation projects. Tune in to discover how local efforts in places like Santa Cruz can inspire global impact initiatives, and learn more about the importance of guiding the vision of conservation through public engagement. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Designing Tomorrow 00:53 The Role of Conservation in Community Impact 02:55 Sarah Newkirk's Journey as Executive Director 05:35 Strategic Planning and Organizational Change 08:36 Innovative Conservation Projects 11:05 Leveraging Tools for Change 13:51 The State of the Conservation Movement 16:58 Connecting Local and Global Conservation Efforts 19:40 The Importance of Public Engagement 22:28 Joy in Conservation Work 25:26 Building Relationships for Success 28:12 The Role of the Public in Conservation 31:06 Conclusion and Call to Action Resources Land Trust of Santa Cruz - https://landtrustsantacruz.org/ Wildlife Crossing Project - https://landtrustsantacruz.org/wildlife-crossing Sea Level Rise Adaptation at Beach Ranch - https://landtrustsantacruz.org/beach-ranch Learning the Land Podcast - https://landtrustsantacruz.org/podcast Keywords: conservation, climate adaptation, community engagement, land trust, Santa Cruz, wildlife crossings, environmental impact, nonprofit leadership

  8. Jul 8

    Senator John Laird on 50 Years of Conservation in California

    Imagine sitting by Mission Street for an hour and only seeing 5 cars pass through, or being in one of the first graduating classes from the “new” school of UC Santa Cruz. That’s the perspective Senator John Laird brings to this episode as shares his extensive experience across California’s local and state governments. As he reflects on the past 50 years of environmental policy, he highlights the long-term mindset needed to tackle looming problems when short-term budgets and election cycles cloud the decision making process. Approaching the end of his term limit as a Senator is not slowing him down, but fueling his fire to do as much as he can to set future generations up for success. Check out this episode with Senator Laird for a deep discussion on purpose, politics, and perseverance in the past half century of California legislation. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Senator John Laird's Environmental Journey 01:38 Senator Laird's Early Years and Connection to Santa Cruz 02:35 Involvement in Santa Cruz City Council and Environmental Initiatives 04:23 The Blue Wall and Anti-Oil Drilling Campaigns 07:41 Origins of Environmental Advocacy and Water Policy in California 10:25 Water Independence in Santa Cruz and State Water Issues 12:21 Water Bond and Infrastructure Challenges in California 15:04 Levee Repair and Flood Prevention in Pajaro Valley 18:06 The Pajaro River Levee Breach and Emergency Response 20:18 Innovative State Funding for Local Water Projects 22:57 Climate Change, Ocean Health, and Water Recycling 27:15 Saltwater Intrusion and Groundwater Management 29:31 Bridging Short-Term and Long-Term Environmental Planning 38:20 Role of Long-Term Monitoring and Science in Ocean Protection 43:06 Future Challenges and Opportunities in Santa Cruz 48:01 Final Reflections and Call to Action Resources: Senator John Laird - Official Website - https://sd23.senate.ca.gov/ California Ocean Protection Council - https://www.opc.ca.gov/ Save Our Shores - https://saveourshores.org/ Water Recycling in California - UCLA Study by Andy Fisher - https://www.uclalawreview.org/ Cap-and-Trade Program - California Air Resources Board - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/cap-and-trade Keywords: environmental policy, water management, climate resilience, Santa Cruz, ocean protection, levee repair, water recycling, coastal planning

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About

Hosted by Jonathan Hicken, Executive Director of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, this podcast spotlights groundbreaking research in Santa Cruz, California, and shares actionable, positive environmental news from the region. Featuring in-depth conversations with scientists from UC Santa Cruz and beyond, along with local leaders and environmental experts, the show makes complex science accessible while highlighting real progress and tangible solutions protecting our unique coastal community.

Information

  • Creator
    Seymour Studios
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Seymour Studios