46 episodes

Kate Nelson the Plastic Free Mermaid hasn’t used disposable plastics for a decade. Through her life adventure she meets incredible scientists, activists, entrepreneurs, and pirates whose stories and opinions enrich our world views and inspire us to rise. If you feel called to the planet’s aid, listen in for fascinating conversations with change makers from around the world.

The Mercast | Plastic Free Mermaid talks Change Making Kate Nelson, The Plastic Free Mermaid

    • Science
    • 4.6 • 8 Ratings

Kate Nelson the Plastic Free Mermaid hasn’t used disposable plastics for a decade. Through her life adventure she meets incredible scientists, activists, entrepreneurs, and pirates whose stories and opinions enrich our world views and inspire us to rise. If you feel called to the planet’s aid, listen in for fascinating conversations with change makers from around the world.

    The Truth Behind Shark Culling with Andre Borrell

    The Truth Behind Shark Culling with Andre Borrell

    In the 1930s, Australia’s Government Shark Control Program planted baited drum lines and shark nets around its beaches to protect swimmers and surfers. But what if the true killer isn’t sharks but the very same program that claims to protect us?    
    In this episode, I’m joined by Andre Borrell, director of Envoy: Shark Cull; a documentary that exposes the ugly truth behind Australia’s shark control program. Partnered with experts, it debunks the program’s effectiveness and highlights sharks’ undeserved reputation of being dangerous killers and their important role in sustaining the marine ecosystem.
    This documentary calls us to be the voice for sharks and all other marine life to defend them and their homes. Together, we can facilitate change from our government and help stop the cull. 
     
    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    Shark culling in Australia Society’s irrational fear of sharks Shark fatality statistics Why sharks are essential to the ecosystem The political climate around shark culling How we can put pressure on our politicians Scientific findings behind shark control program Alternatives to shark nets Ways we can contribute to the cause How Andre manages to stay inspired  
    Follow Andre Borrell here:
    Envoy: Shark Cull | Website @EnvoyFilm | Twitter @envoyfilm | Instagram @envoyfilm | TikTok Andre Borrell | LinkedIn Act Now: 3 ways you can help ---
    Did you enjoy today’s episode?
    Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend!
    I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.
     
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    • 1 hr 10 min
    Our Soil Situation with Ryland Engelhart, producer of Netflix’s Kiss the Ground

    Our Soil Situation with Ryland Engelhart, producer of Netflix’s Kiss the Ground

    When we begin our move into a more sustainable life, we can be so quickly reeled into the idea that consuming animal products and byproducts are bad; that we should be into much more plant-based food, but what if that isn’t the big picture?
    In this episode, I have Ryland Engelhart, producer of Netflix’s Kiss the Ground, which is a documentary that focuses on our soil health situation. He shares with us what we need to do to keep our soils diverse, and how we can contribute as soil advocates.
    Being earth-conscious is more than just consuming plant-based choices, it’s contributing and supporting industries and farmers that work in the most sustainable and natural ways to keep our soil healthy and rich.
     
    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    The Process of Photosynthesis The Soil Sphere and the Carbon Cycle Why our Soil is Sick Soil versus Dirt Veganism, and true sustainability Become a Soil Advocate  
    Follow Ryland Engelhart here:
    Kiss the Ground | Website Kiss the Ground Documentary | Netflix Ryland Engelhart | Instagram Ryland Engelhart | Linktree ---
    Did you enjoy today’s episode?
    Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend!
    I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.
     
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    • 1 hr 8 min
    Claiming Your Aboriginality and Paying Homage to Your Ancestry with Ella Noah Bancroft

    Claiming Your Aboriginality and Paying Homage to Your Ancestry with Ella Noah Bancroft

    As a mixed fair-skinned Bundjalung native born in Australia, Ella Noah Bancroft always felt like she was challenged about just how pure she was as an indigenous person. With growing up to words and notions like that, Ella knew she needed to pay homage to her lineage and respect to the stolen generation by continuing their culture and bringing it to the modern era.
    Ella is now the founder and pioneer of The Decolonisation Movement, and had dedicated her life to the rise of female energy as the way for us to reconnect and release ourselves from the bounds of personal, social, and ecological constraints.
    In this episode we talk about the impact of colonisation and how we can respect the fine line between cultural appropriation and appreciation. I definitely recommend that you hear her out on the impact we have on our earth and shared future!
     
    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    Claiming your aboriginality Ella’s mission to pay homage to her lineage The stigma around being mixed-race and the Stolen Generation Colonisation and its impact on natives The fine line between cultural appropriation and appreciation Navigating sustainability these days How we can contribute to change these days The connection between indigenous cultures and environmentalism Ella’s work with young women and storytelling Ella’s last words for us to reconnect with the earth  
    Follow Ella Noah Bancroft here:
    Ella Noah Bancroft | Website @ellanoahbancroft_ | Instagram @ellanoahbancroft_ | Linktree  
    ---
    Did you enjoy today’s episode?
    Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend!
    I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.
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    • 58 min
    Fighting Plastic and Light Pollution for our Turtles with Ranger Lauren Engledow

    Fighting Plastic and Light Pollution for our Turtles with Ranger Lauren Engledow

    Plastic pollution is a problem that affects so many animals, habitats, and people. Turtles have come into the spotlight in recent years though, thanks to the rise in social media awareness for their protection and preservation; with a big factor to that being the viral video of the straw stuck up in a poor turtle's nose.
    This video hit the world hard, but we cannot stop at feeling bad for what is happening when we can make conscious efforts now to save more than just the turtles.
    Today I’m joined by Lauren Engledow, a turtle ranger dedicated to protecting what is left of the species and rebuilding its future here on the beaches of Mon Repos. You’ll hear us talk about this modern-day threat called light pollution and how its strayed hatchlings from where they rightfully belong.
    Be informed, be aware, and make conscious efforts against plastic waste for our shared future.
     
    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    Types of turtles left in the world How plastic pollution affects turtles and surrounding marine life Light pollution and how it stray turtles almost as soon as they’re born Other threats to turtles The imbalance in male and female turtles What we can do to help  
    Follow Lauren and the Mon Repos Turtles here:
    Southern Great Barrier Reef (bundabergregion.org) ---
    Did you enjoy today’s episode?
    Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend!
    I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.
     
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    • 49 min
    Indigenous Solutions to Modern Period Problems with Michele Wilson

    Indigenous Solutions to Modern Period Problems with Michele Wilson

    Periods, something so natural for our bodies as females are oftentimes considered taboo to talk about.
    In this episode, we have Michele Wilson, co-founder of a sustainable and carbon-offset brand of period-proof underwear named Awwa. She's here with us to talk about her Maori roots and how she’s taken inspiration from their innovation and made it widely available to the world.
    Periods don’t have to and shouldn’t contribute to pollution and plastic waste, especially not when it's an integral part of ourselves. Instead of using throw-aways and plastic inside you, please make the switch and contribute to our shared future now.
     
    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    Michele’s inspiration for creating Awwa
    Using old technology in modern times
    Carbon offsetting and sustainable sourcing for Awwa
    Awwa’s impact on indigenous communities in New Zealand
    How their panties work against our periods
    The choices available for zero-waste periods
    New inclusive lines coming up for the trans community and more
     
    Follow Michele and Awwa:
    Michele Wilson | LinkedIn
    Awwa Period Underwear | Website
     
    ---
     
    Did you enjoy today’s episode?
    Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend!
    I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.
     
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    • 47 min
    43: A New Narrative of Progress with Helena Norberg-Hodge Part 5 of 5

    43: A New Narrative of Progress with Helena Norberg-Hodge Part 5 of 5

    To conclude my five-part series with the amazing Helena Norberg Hodge, we discuss reclaiming our power of choice by making the switch to using local products and reducing our emissions. We bring to light the faults of industries, proposing a new way to tackle our overall impact on the planet.
    For the youth listening in-- Helena has a special message for you, addressing the quality of life corporations have placed on you and how we want to support you all through your journeys.
     
    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    An epidemic of anxiety and depression amongst the youth Join the local food movement Taking a step back and asking ourselves how we can ultimately help It's not one solution for the planet-- it's many solutions Staying connected with our local community We have the power of choice  
    Follow Helena Hodge:
    Instagram @helenanorberghodge Twitter @helenanhodge Facebook @HelenaNorbergHodge  
    ---
     
    Did you enjoy today’s episode?
    Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend!
    I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.
    Subscribe to The Mercast
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    • 9 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
8 Ratings

8 Ratings

Bre from the land of lakes ,

The podcast I have dreamed of!

This podcast is my all time favorite - I love the variety of topics and the depth of the discussion - I am always left with things to think about and consider and also left with feelings hope instead of despair about the plight of our beautiful planet.

rat_atat ,

Sound quality makes this hard to listen

I love the topics, the range of discussion & her enthusiasm and would definitely recommend this to others. However I’m giving it 3 stars because they’re hard to listen to. In one episode, they are clearly at the beach and the waves were loud but I was listening in my living room so that was fine. In another, they were clearly in a coffee shop & there were multiple other conversations going on at the same time. I cannot listen to this in my car because the sound recording quality is so low that I cannot year the conversation. Hoping she can upgrade the equipment & keep spreading the good word!!

Newbabybump ,

Huge respect for Kate Nelson and her activism

Kate’s someone who never stops learning and never stops sharing her knowledge in a positive and inspiring way. I am so excited she’s started this new endeavor to further educate us all about how to save our home.

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