9 episodes

Plastic Podcast uses science as an entry point to investigate the story of plastic. How we got here, how plastic is affecting us now, and how we should move forward. In addition to interviewing scientists that study the usual suspects of microplastics and garbage patches in the sea, host Clark Marchese will interview experts in history, social justice, museum studies, and governance to tell the full story of humanity's relationship with plastic. Learn more about the show at pineforestpods.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plastic Podcast Pine Forest Media

    • Science
    • 5.0 • 5 Ratings

Plastic Podcast uses science as an entry point to investigate the story of plastic. How we got here, how plastic is affecting us now, and how we should move forward. In addition to interviewing scientists that study the usual suspects of microplastics and garbage patches in the sea, host Clark Marchese will interview experts in history, social justice, museum studies, and governance to tell the full story of humanity's relationship with plastic. Learn more about the show at pineforestpods.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Our Plastic Diet: Microplastics in Food Stuffs with Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu

    Our Plastic Diet: Microplastics in Food Stuffs with Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu

    This episode of Plastic Podcast delves into the pervasive issue of microplastics in our food. Featuring insights from Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu, a marine biologist and expert on plastic pollution, the discussion illuminates the alarming prevalence of microplastics in various food items, from seafood to staples like salt and spirulina. They explore how these tiny pollutants make their way into our meals, the potential health implications, and the broader environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. As they unravel the complexities of microplastic contamination, including its pathways and effects on human health, the episode sheds light on the urgent need for research, policy change, and individual action to mitigate this invisible threat lurking in our everyday diet.
    Episode Guest: Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu
    Browse his publications on Research Gate .
    Mikroplastik.org for more research on microplastics
    Plastic People Documentary Trailer on Youtube
    Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu’s book, Plastic Waste Trade, A New Colonialist Means of Pollution Transfer
    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 
    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 
    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 30 min
    Plastic for Posterity: Museum Studies x Polymer Chemistry with Dr. Yvonne Shashoua

    Plastic for Posterity: Museum Studies x Polymer Chemistry with Dr. Yvonne Shashoua

    In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese delves into the interdisciplinary world of plastic conservation with Dr. Yvonne Shashoua, a researcher at the National Museum of Denmark. They explore the nuanced role of plastics in history, culture, and the environment, discussing everything from the preservation of historical artifacts like WWII propaganda balloons and spacesuits to the impacts of plastic degradation in ocean environments. Dr. Shashoua shares insights from her extensive career in polymer chemistry and museum conservation, revealing the complexities of preserving plastic artifacts for future generations and the potential for reusing waste materials in innovative ways. This episode serves as a fascinating exploration of how museum science and conservation can inform our understanding of plastics and their place in our world.
    Episode Guest:  Dr. Yvonne Shashoua
    Browse her publications on Research Gate .
    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 
    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 
    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 30 min
    Turtles and Straws with Dr. Christine Figgener

    Turtles and Straws with Dr. Christine Figgener

    In this episode, host Clark Marchese interviews sea turtle biologist Dr. Christine Figgener. In 2015, Dr. Figgener filmed a viral video where she pulled a straw out of a turtle’s nose. This video prompted an anti-straw movement and solidified turtles as the symbol of plastic’s impact on marine life. The conversation allows an opportunity to reflect on the video and the movement almost ten years later. The two also candidly discuss the broader implications of plastic waste on marine life, the intersection of science and activism, and the urgent need for global environmental change. 
    Episode Guest:  Dr. Christine Figgener
    Browse her publications on Research Gate .
    Follow Dr. Figginer on Instagram
    Pre-order My Life with Sea Turtles by Christine Figgener
    Find the viral video of the turtle and the straw on YouTube
    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 
    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 
    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 34 min
    Plastic Art: History and Activism with Dr. Johannis Tsoumas

    Plastic Art: History and Activism with Dr. Johannis Tsoumas

    Episode Description: This episode of Plastic Podcast explores the multifaceted relationship between plastic and art, tracing its evolution from a novel medium to a vehicle for environmental activism. Featuring insights from Greek artist and art historian Dr. Johannis Tsoumas, the episode delves into the early adoption of plastics in art, highlighting the revolutionary shift brought about by acrylic paints in the 1930s and its subsequent influence on movements like abstract expressionism and pop art. It transitions into the role of plastic in contemporary art as a tool for protest against environmental degradation, showcasing the works of artists like Pamela Longobardi and Pascale Marthine Tayou. Through a blend of historical context and artistic critique, the episode unveils the complex narrative of plastic, portraying it as both a symbol of consumerist excess and a catalyst for socio-political awareness and change
    Episode Guest:  Dr. Johannis Tsoumas
    Browse his publications on Google Scholar and view some of his art here. 
    Find the artwork discussed today using this link 
    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 
    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 
    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 29 min
    The Truth About Biodegradable Plastics with Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones

    The Truth About Biodegradable Plastics with Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones

    In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese delves into the complex world of biodegradable plastics. Joined by environmental biologist Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones, they explore the scientific and environmental nuances of bioplastics, debunking common myths and uncovering the truth behind greenwashing. They discuss historical breakthroughs to the current surge in biodegradable plastic production, their real environmental impacts, and how they aren’t so different from conventional plastics. The discussion extends to the social and economic implications, and the potential for international policy change through the upcoming United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to understand the nuanced reality of biodegradable plastics and their role in our environmental future.
    Episode Guest:  Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones
    Browse their publications on Research Gate
    More information on alternative plastics and the UN Treaty 
    More information on Scientist’s Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty. Follow them on LinkedIn for policy briefs!
    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 
    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 
    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 39 min
    What is a Zero Waste City? with Jack McQuibban

    What is a Zero Waste City? with Jack McQuibban

    This episode of the Plastic Podcast delves into the concept of zero waste cities, exploring how urban areas can drastically reduce their waste footprint. Our host, Clark, engages with Jack McQuibban from Zero Waste Europe to uncover the intricacies of achieving zero waste status, examining the balance between individual actions and systemic changes necessary for this ambitious goal. They discuss the challenges cities face, the importance of local action, and the global impact of zero waste initiatives. By highlighting successful strategies and the potential savings in waste management, the episode paints a hopeful yet realistic picture of the future of waste reduction, advocating for a collaborative approach that involves policymakers, communities, and individuals alike in the quest for a sustainable, waste-free world.
     Episode Guest: Jack McQuibban
    More information about Zero Waste Europe here
    Further reading about zero waste cities here:
    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 
    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 
    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 35 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
5 Ratings

5 Ratings

Alayna from Paris ,

My favorite podcast!!!

❤️❤️This podcast is amazing— so well researched, featuring expert guests who are passionate to share their specialty, and of best of all, subtle comedy and nods to queer culture by the host. A must listen!!

Hello it’s M3 ,

Love

What an adorable host! So smart and extremely knowledgeable! I love love loved this!

NathJ99fif ,

We ♥️ gays and science

Researched, relevant and really fun! A perfect source of digestible scientific information, with an adorable host

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