72 episodes

Dr. David Ebert and Andrew Lewin interview shark scientists and conservationists to find out the steps they took that lead them to study and work with sharks. Interviews include stories of field shenanigans; career choices and advice; and, the science of sharks that may or may not include great white sharks...mostly not.

Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation Speak Up For Blue

    • Science
    • 4.4 • 9 Ratings

Dr. David Ebert and Andrew Lewin interview shark scientists and conservationists to find out the steps they took that lead them to study and work with sharks. Interviews include stories of field shenanigans; career choices and advice; and, the science of sharks that may or may not include great white sharks...mostly not.

    Unveiling the Secrets of Isla de Plata's Manta Ray Population

    Unveiling the Secrets of Isla de Plata's Manta Ray Population

    In this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, co-hosts Andrew and Dr. David Ebert interview Michel Guerrero, the founder of Project Mantas Ecuador and Fundacion Megafona Marina del Ecuador. They discuss Michel's career and his discovery of one of the largest populations of manta rays in the world, right in his own backyard in Ecuador. The episode explores the growth of shark science, public interest in sharks, and the diverse fields within shark science.
    Tune in to learn more about Michel's fascinating journey and his work with manta rays.
    Connect with us:
    Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
    Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
    Website: https://saveourseas.com/
    Dave: 
    Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

    Andrew:
    Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
     
    In this episode, our guest shares his journey of starting their own business and the challenges he faced along the way. Initially a marine biologist, Michel had no prior knowledge of accounting, business management, or running a business. However, through determination and willingness to learn led him to take courses and acquire the necessary skills. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and improvement, highlighting his dedication to acquiring knowledge. Additionally, he expresses gratitude for the guidance and training received from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), underscoring the significance of seeking support when venturing into entrepreneurship.
    Michel delves into the requirements and obstacles of starting a business, emphasizing the need for passion, commitment, sacrifice, and hard work. He recounts his own experience of learning and taking courses to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Furthermore, they express appreciation for the assistance and training provided by PADI.
    Michel also reflects on the transition from being a scientist to becoming an entrepreneur, acknowledging that many individuals are currently attempting the same shift. He identified having a clear vision and being willing to invest the necessary effort and make sacrifices as the biggest challenges in starting a business. Comparing the workload of an entrepreneur to that of a regular job, Michel notes that entrepreneurs often work 12-14 hours a day, in contrast to the typical 8 hours. 
    When asked for advice for those interested in pursuing a similar path, Michel emphasizes the significance of following one's passion, persisting, and working diligently. He acknowledges the journey may not be easy, but by remaining focused on the objectives and pursuing his dreams, opportunities will eventually arise. Michel also stress the importance of approaching everything with love and maintaining a positive attitude.
    Overall, this episode sheds light on the challenges and requirements of starting a business, underscoring the need for passion, commitment, sacrifice, and hard work. Michel's personal experience and advice serve as an inspiration for individuals interested in pursuing entrepreneurship. 

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Exploring the Diversity of Fields within Shark Science

    Exploring the Diversity of Fields within Shark Science

    On this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, Dr. Charlie Huveneers joins as a guest to discuss his career studying the Wabbegon sharks. The hosts express their excitement about this unique shark and the interesting conversation that follows. They delve into the growth of shark science, from the limited knowledge in the early 1900s to the diverse fields within the discipline today. The hosts also highlight the public's increased fascination with sharks, spurred on by movies like Jaws. With a focus on exploration, discovery, genetics, and ecology, the Beyond Jaws podcast aims to introduce listeners to shark scientists and their work, taking knowledge beyond fear and stereotypes. The hosts are thrilled to have Charlie on the show, as they have followed his career from its early stages and are eager to hear about his experiences and research.
    Connect with us:
    Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
    Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
    Website: https://saveourseas.com/
    Dave: 
    Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

    Andrew:
    Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
    In this episode, the guest speaker explores the potential benefits of researchers participating in TV shows. While acknowledging that simply appearing on TV may not directly advance one's career, the speaker suggests that researchers can leverage this opportunity to their advantage. One way to do so is by utilizing the platform to secure funding for their research. Initially hesitant, the guest speaker admits to feeling like they were compromising their integrity. However, they soon realized that by establishing relationships with reputable production companies and conducting meaningful research, they could derive value from these experiences.
    The guest speaker shares that their involvement in various production and documentary trips provided them with research opportunities that would have been otherwise inaccessible through traditional funding channels. By participating in these shows, they gained access to resources and opportunities that would have otherwise been unavailable. It is crucial to establish clear expectations with the production company from the outset, ensuring that the research trip aligns with their work and is not merely a series of random experiments for the show. The guest speaker emphasizes that they would not allow a crew to accompany them on their research trips, as it would disrupt their work. Instead, production companies approach them due to their interest in the research, seeking to film it.
    The episode also sheds light on the financial aspect of participating in TV shows. The guest speaker advises young researchers to consider what they hope to gain beyond mere television exposure. They encourage researchers to be transparent about their funding needs, whether it be for their research, educational expenses, or acquiring necessary equipment. The guest speaker highlights that networks generate millions, if not tens of millions, of dollars from these shows, emphasizing that researchers should not undervalue themselves. They suggest that any form of support, whether financial or mentorship, can significantly benefit researchers in their scientific careers.
    Overall, the episode suggests that participating in TV shows can be advantageous for researchers if they can leverage it to secure funding for their research. It provides an opportunity to establish relationships with production companies, access resources for research, and potentially receive financial support.
    In addition, the guest speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance, resilience, and embracing rejection in the field of research. They explain that achieving one's goals in a research career often requires persistence and a thick skin. They also acknowledge that even experienced researchers face rejection in funding applications and paper submissions. However, they

    • 1 hr 17 min
    Exploring the World of Sharks: Behind the Scenes with Underwater Cinematographer Andy Casagrande

    Exploring the World of Sharks: Behind the Scenes with Underwater Cinematographer Andy Casagrande

    In this episode of Beyond Jaws, we have the pleasure of speaking with award-winning cinematographer Andy Casagrande. With over 100 episodes of Shark Week under his belt, Andy is a true expert in underwater cinematography. He has won two Emmy Awards for his wildlife cinematography and has worked with top networks such as National Geographic, BBC, and Discovery. Andy's passion is to shed light on the hidden lives of misunderstood predators and inspire people to care about our planet. Join us as we dive into the world of sharks and learn about Andy's fascinating journey as a wildlife filmmaker.
    Connect with us:
    Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
    Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
    Website: https://saveourseas.com/
    Dave: 
    Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

    Andrew:
    Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
     

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Interview with Dean Grubbs on his new book: The Lives of Sharks

    Interview with Dean Grubbs on his new book: The Lives of Sharks

    In this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, co-hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert discuss their love for books and introduce a book called "The Lives of Sharks" by Daniel Abel and Dr. Dean Grubbs. They invite Dean onto the show to discuss the book, its unique approach, and what sets it apart from other shark books. The hosts also explore the history and growth of shark science, from the early misconceptions to the public's fascination with sharks fueled by the movie "Jaws." Tune in to learn more about the fascinating world of sharks and the work of shark scientists.
    Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Lives-Sharks-Natural-History-Shark/dp/0691244316
    Princeton Press: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691244310/the-lives-of-sharks
    Connect with us:
    Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
    Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
    Website: https://saveourseas.com/
    Dave: 
    Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

    Andrew:
    Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
     
    The podcast features an interview with Dr. Dean Grubbs, the Associate Director of Research at Florida State University's Coastal and Marine Laboratory. Dr. Grubbs has previously been a guest on the podcast in February 2022, where he discussed his background and career trajectory. In this episode, he returns to talk about his new book, "The Lives of Sharks," published by Princeton University Press. The book is the result of 30 years of teaching shark biology courses, with a particular influence from Bimini, where Dr. Grubbs and his colleague, Dan Abel, have been teaching these courses. Described as a great read for anyone interested in sharks, Dr. Grubbs encourages listeners to check it out and consider its origins in their passion for teaching about the biology and ecology of sharks.
    The book discussed in the episode aims to provide engaging and accessible information about sharks for a wide range of readers. The hosts mention that their first book collaboration, "Shark Biology and Conservation," was more detailed and targeted towards students and shark enthusiasts seeking in-depth information about sharks' evolution, physiology, and ecology. However, they wanted their second book to be less intense and detail-oriented, making it accessible to anyone interested in sharks, including the podcast's listeners. They aimed to scale back the level of detail and make the book engaging and accessible to a broader audience.
    The book is described as packed full of information, featuring wonderful illustrations and amazing images. It is not merely a coffee table book with beautiful pictures but also contains valuable information that everyone will appreciate. The hosts express their appreciation to the author, Dean, for putting the book together and for joining them on the show to discuss it. They highly recommend the book to anyone interested in sharks and believe it is an excellent choice for holiday reading. The book aims to bridge the gap between coffee table books and scholarly textbooks, providing basic information about sharks while also piquing the interest of those well-versed in shark literature.
    The hosts also mention that Dean brings 30 years of teaching experience and firsthand knowledge of teaching about sharks to students. They emphasize that the book is not only for students but also for those who have had a lifelong fascination with sharks. It is described as a unique book that covers an area that is not well-published. The hosts express their excitement for people to read the book and learn something new about sharks that they won't find anywhere else. Overall, the book aims to provide engaging and accessible information about sharks for a wide range of readers, from students to lifelong shark enthusiasts.

    • 33 min
    From Coral Reefs to Sharks: Nick Dulvy's Journey - Part 2

    From Coral Reefs to Sharks: Nick Dulvy's Journey - Part 2

    In this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, co-hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert continue their interview with shark scientist Nick Dulvy. They discuss Dulvy's work with the IUCN Red List and his transition from studying coral reefs to focusing on sharks at Simon Fraser University. The episode explores the growth of shark science and public interest in sharks, fueled in part by the movie Jaws.
    Tune in for an exciting and informative conversation about shark research and conservation.
    Connect with us:
    Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
    Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
    Website: https://saveourseas.com/
    Dave: 
    Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

    Andrew:
    Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
     

    • 39 min
    From Northern Ireland to Fiji: The Journey of Dr. Nick Dulvy

    From Northern Ireland to Fiji: The Journey of Dr. Nick Dulvy

    In this exciting two-part episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, Dr. Nick Dulvy joins the hosts to discuss his extensive knowledge of sharks, dogfish, skates, and coral reef research. The episode explores the evolution of shark science, from the early days when people only knew that sharks could bite, to the growth of the field and the diverse areas of study within it. With the help of Dr. Dulvy, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures and go beyond the fears perpetuated by movies like Jaws. Don't miss this captivating conversation with a renowned shark scientist!
    Connect with us:
    Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
    Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
    Website: https://saveourseas.com/
    Dave: 
    Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

    Andrew:
    Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
    Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
     

    • 1 hr 3 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
9 Ratings

9 Ratings

fugyij ,

This podcast was such a perfect find!

I am not sure how I stumbled across this podcast, but this is the rare-to-find elasmobranch podcast I’ve been missing! I am a PhD student at JCU working on coastal stingrays, and it’s so great there is a podcast spreading our love of sharks and rays to a broader audience. I particularly liked the interview with Dr. Chin!

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