Cat Among the Penguins

Jenny Hickman
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Natural Sciences

Cat Among the Penguins cuts through the hype about environmental issues. Each episode offers an honest analysis of controversial topics in the environment, nature and conservation. We are two friends who see things differently – throughout our careers, we have found endless nuances in debates about nature. We’re now here to share them in a podcast. Sensationalism won’t protect nature and the environment, so instead we set out to explore the debates with science, clarity and compassion.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 8: Can coral restoration rebuild reefs?

    The conversation explores the practice of coral reef restoration, highlighting the impact of coral bleaching and the various methods used for restoration. It also features an interview with Ken Niedermeyer, the founder of Reef Renewal USA, who discusses their approach to coral restoration. Takeaways Coral bleaching is a severe threat to coral reefs, and the practice of coral restoration varies in approach and scale.Coral restoration involves methods such as coral gardening, fragging, and industrial-scale propagation, with organizations like Reef Renewal USA leading large-scale restoration efforts.

  2. Aug 26

    Episode 7: Are we living through an Octopocalypse?

    This week, Cat Among the Penguins explores the phenomenon of the 'Octopocalypse' and its potential implications for the environment and biodiversity. As octopus numbers surge around the UK, what does this mean about the state of our ecosystems, and could it even be a sign that our oceans are undergoing a mass extinction? Join Jenny and Becky as they delve into the concept of mass extinction events, the Holocene extinction, and the global biodiversity crisis. The impact of the rise in cephalopod populations on fisheries and the reasons behind the octopus bloom are also discussed, along with an investigation into its potential causes. Takeaways The rise in cephalopod populations may be indicative of a larger environmental issue.The global biodiversity crisis is a significant concern with far-reaching implications. Chapters 00:00 The Octopocalypse01:31 Mass Extinction Events02:34 The Holocene Extinction03:49 Global Biodiversity Crisis04:48 Rise in Cephalopod Populations05:07 Impact on Fisheries06:41 Octopus Sightings and Diving08:20 Reasons for Octopus Bloom09:30 Investigating the Octopus Bloom

  3. Aug 19

    Episode 6: Does it matter that I'm part Neanderthal?

    This episode Jenny and Becky delve into the significance of Neanderthal DNA and its impact on human evolution and identity. They explore the characteristics and extinction of Neanderthals, the interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans, and the implications for species definitions and cultural taboos. What does it mean that humans frequently interbred with other hominin groups, what genetic legacy did this leave behind, and what does it mean for humans today? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neanderthal Genetics02:02 Neanderthal Characteristics and Extinction03:33 Interbreeding with Neanderthals05:32 Breaking Taboos and Species Definitions06:01 Interbreeding with Other Hominin Groups

  4. Aug 12

    Episode 5: Are free-living honeybees a conservation priority or a threat?

    In Episode 5 of Cat Among the Penguins, Jenny and Becky revisit honeybees. In Episode 2 we heard how honeybees are a domestic animal - farmed by people for agricultural purposes. But this time, we discuss the populations that live in the wild. Free-living honeybees are seen by many as a threat to honeybee populations. But is this really the case? Should we be worried about free-living bees and their impact on domestic bees, or is there a different way to view the situation?

  5. Aug 5

    Episode 4: Can wildlife tourism save ocean giants?

    Swimming with ocean megafauna such as whale sharks and manta rays is increasingly popular for holiday makers across the globe. It is often sold as an opportunity to contribute to data collection, or to progress conservation for these species. But is this true? Jenny and Becky talk to Dr. Simon Pierce and Janis Argeswara from the Marine Megafauna Foundation to find out.

  6. Jul 29

    Episode 3: Does nature have intrinsic value?

    This week Jenny and Becky dive in to environmental philosophy and ask the question does nature have intrinsic value? And if so, where does this lie, in sentient beings, living organisms, ecosystems, or species?

  7. Jul 22

    Episode 2: Is it time to end our obsession with honeybees?

    This week we meet with Professor Dave Goulson and Dr. Elynor Moore to discuss the media hype around saving honeybees. Are they in as much trouble as we think, or is it time we end our obsession with saving them?

  8. Jul 15

    Episode 1: Can we stop the lionfish invasion?

    In Episode one, we meet with Dr. Monica McCard and Lisette Keus from Lionfish Caribbean to discuss the problems of invasive lionfish in the Western North Atlantic. We talk about the success of culling efforts, the possibility of eradication and even a robot fish hoover.

  9. Season 1 Trailer

    Trailer: Cat Among the Penguins

    Welcome to Cat Among the Penguins, the brand new podcast that dives in to conservations most challenging debates. With hosts Rebecca Nesbit and Jenny Hickman

Trailer

About

Cat Among the Penguins cuts through the hype about environmental issues. Each episode offers an honest analysis of controversial topics in the environment, nature and conservation. We are two friends who see things differently – throughout our careers, we have found endless nuances in debates about nature. We’re now here to share them in a podcast. Sensationalism won’t protect nature and the environment, so instead we set out to explore the debates with science, clarity and compassion.

Information

  • Creator
    Jenny Hickman
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jenny Hickman
  • Show Website
    Cat Among the Penguins