Ocean Pod

Nina Wootton and Bronwyn Gillanders
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Ocean Pod is a marine science podcast hosted by Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders—two Australian marine scientists with a passion for all things to do with ocean. Whether you're an ocean lover, student, or part of a coastal community, this podcast invites you into engaging conversations that explore marine life, uncover ocean mysteries, and spotlight the people working to protect our blue planet. Ocean Pod is your meeting place for stories from the sea—one episode at a time.

  1. Searching for seadragons

    26 MAR

    Searching for seadragons

    In this episode of Ocean Pod, Bronwyn and Nina dive into the world of seadragons. From their intricate camouflage to their unique reproductive strategies, we explore what makes these animals so special and why they are so closely tied to the health of our coastal ecosystems. Joining us is Professor Greg Rouse, from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Greg shares insights from his global career in marine biology, including his work on deep-sea ecosystems and his journey from studying in Australia to leading research in the United States. We also explore his work on seadragons, including the innovative SeadragonSearch project, which uses citizen science and photo identification to track individual animals and support conservation efforts. We discuss what we’re learning about seadragon populations, the challenges they face - from habitat loss to environmental events like harmful algal blooms - and how the community can get involved in protecting them. Plus, as always, we kick things off with Tide Talk, where Bronwyn and Nina share something from the ocean world that caught their attention this week. 🌊 In Bronwyn’s tide talk she spoke about new species evolving within a few thousand years of a mass extinction event. You can read that here: https://doi.org/10.1130/G53313.1 The link that we spoke about showing the first time weedy seadragons have been recorded mating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8-3mln3q8I Seadragon search: https://seadragonsearch.org

    40 min
  2. Whale sharks

    11 MAR

    Whale sharks

    In this episode of Ocean Pod, Bronwyn and Nina dive into the world of whale sharks - the largest fish in the ocean. Joining us to explore the science behind whale shark behaviour and migration is Dr Ben D’Antonio, a Research Scientist at the Shark Research Foundation. Ben’s work focuses on understanding how sharks and other marine megafauna move through the ocean using cutting-edge biologging technology. We also hear about Ben’s journey into marine science - from studying at the University of Adelaide to completing his PhD at the University of Western Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science - and what inspired him to focus his career on whale sharks. Plus, as always, we kick things off with Tide Talk, where Bronwyn and Nina share something from the ocean world that caught their attention this week.

    33 min
  3. Ocean comedy

    24 FEB

    Ocean comedy

    In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders are joined by stand-up comedian and former marine biologist Forrest Shaw to explore what happens when ocean science meets humour. After spending a decade working as a marine biologist in Florida, US, Forrest swapped fieldwork for the stage - but he hasn’t left the ocean behind. Now a professional comedian, Forrest uses comedy to shine a spotlight on pollution, overfishing and climate change in the sea. The conversation dives into Forrest’s journey from marine science to stand-up, how he balances humour with serious environmental issues, and why giving the ocean a “voice” in his Adelaide Fringe show The Ocean Hates You! might be one of the most effective ways to get people thinking about conservation. Along the way, he shares insights into science communication, audience reactions, and why laughter can sometimes open doors that data alone cannot. Plus, in this week’s Tide Talk, Nina and Bronwyn chat about what’s been making waves in ocean science recently. To see Forrest's show at the Fringe, buy tickets here: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/forrest-shaw-usa-the-ocean-hates-you-af2026 Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpod Get in touch: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

    37 min
  4. Sea snakes

    23/12/2025

    Sea snakes

    In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders learn about some of the ocean’s most specialised and least understood reptiles - sea snakes. They are joined by Dr Jenna Crowe-Riddell, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Adelaide, whose research explores how sea snake brains and sensory systems have evolved for life underwater. Jenna unpacks the remarkable sensory “toolkit” that allows sea snakes to navigate, hunt, and survive in the marine environment, from their unique adaptations to their often misunderstood behaviours. The conversation also touches on why sea snakes are so frequently overlooked in discussions of marine wildlife, the ecological roles they play, and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing ocean. Plus, in this week’s Tide Talk, Nina and Bronwyn chat about what’s been making waves in ocean science recently. Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpod Get in touch: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

    47 min
  5. Busting ocean myths

    15/12/2025

    Busting ocean myths

    In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders dive into a fun and science-backed ocean myth-busting session, unpacking some of the most common “facts” we’ve all heard growing up by the sea. Using scientific evidence and real-world examples, they separate fact from fiction and explain why these myths persist. This episode highlights how misinformation about the ocean can shape the way we understand marine life and ocean processes - and why getting the science right matters for ocean literacy and conservation. Some key resources from this weeks episode include: Professor Cullum Brown talking about goldfish memories - https://www.livescience.com/goldfish-memory.htmlMark Rober's YouTube testing if sharks can smell blood - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugRc5jx80ygJournal of Biological Rhythms study talking about different shark species rhythms - 10.1177/0748730420932066Plus, in this week’s Tide Talk, Nina and Bronwyn discuss what’s been making waves in ocean science. Bronwyn talks about how the Great Australian Bight might soon become a UNESCO world heritage site, and Nina talked about Narwhals behaviour changing from noise pollution. Read more here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/25/shipping-noise-arctic-whales-narwhals-sound-quieter-vessels Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpod Get in touch: Nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

    36 min
  6. Why do we fear sharks?

    25/11/2025

    Why do we fear sharks?

    In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders are joined by Dr Brianna le Busque, an Environmental Psychology Scientist whose research looks into how humans perceive and interact with the ocean’s most misunderstood predators - sharks. Bri explores how human behaviour and fear shape our relationship with sharks, from how children develop curiosity or concern to how media portrayals influence public attitudes. Her research challenges common misconceptions and highlights why understanding human psychology is essential for effective marine conservation. In this episode Brianna also recommends a few shark documentaries. These include Blue Planet (a classic!), as well as Sharkwater Extinction on Amazon/Apple TV and Super Shark Highway on ABC iview. Plus, in this week’s Tide Talk, Nina and Bronwyn discuss what’s been making waves in the world of ocean science - from fish kills to citizen science. Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpod Get in touch: Nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

    30 min
  7. Live coral trade

    05/11/2025

    Live coral trade

    In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders are joined by Jasmin Broadbridge, a PhD candidate in the Wildlife Crime Hub at the University of Adelaide, whose research focuses on the world of the live coral trade. From vibrant reef ecosystems to bustling aquarium markets, Jasmin explores how live corals are harvested and traded across Australia, uncovering the complexities of domestic and international supply chains. Her work investigates where unsustainable practices or legal loopholes may occur, and how better management could protect these delicate, reef-building organisms for future generations. Plus, in this week’s Tide Talk, Nina and Bronwyn share what’s caught their attention in the world of ocean science - from the health benefits of seafood to Nina's recent field trip to remote South Australia. Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpod Get in touch: Nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

    34 min
  8. Bowhead whales

    21/10/2025

    Bowhead whales

    In this episode of Ocean Pod, Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders are joined by Nick Freymueller, a paleoecologist and biogeographer whose research explores how species respond to a changing climate.. Nick recently completed a joint PhD between the University of Copenhagen and the University of Adelaide, using fossils and ecological modelling to understand how Arctic species like the bowhead whale have survived dramatic shifts in climate over time. From whale fossils and ancient DNA to modern conservation, this episode dives into what the past can teach us about resilience, adaptation, and the future of our oceans. Follow us on Instagram: @oceanpod Get in touch: nina.wootton@adelaide.edu.au

    35 min
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About

Ocean Pod is a marine science podcast hosted by Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders—two Australian marine scientists with a passion for all things to do with ocean. Whether you're an ocean lover, student, or part of a coastal community, this podcast invites you into engaging conversations that explore marine life, uncover ocean mysteries, and spotlight the people working to protect our blue planet. Ocean Pod is your meeting place for stories from the sea—one episode at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Nina Wootton and Bronwyn Gillanders
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nina Wootton 2025
  • Show Website
    Ocean Pod

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