Where The Ocean Meets:

Joel Tasche
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My biggest life regret? Studying business instead of marine biology. 💔 The ocean fills me with happiness, wonder, and fascination—yet I know so little about it. By day, I fight ocean plastic pollution to make amends. By night, I create this show. ☯️ This podcast is my journey, as an amateur ocean enthusiast, to explore the ocean as an ecosystem, playground, and economic powerhouse—no expertise required to dive in (though experts might enjoy hearing from their colleagues). If you're curious about the force covering 70% of our planet and sustaining life, join me—listen and follow now. 🌊

  1. 2D AGO

    Why Are Companies Destroying Our Planet Allowed To Make Money? | Where The Ocean Meets: Will Pearson

    Building a Positive Vision for the Future with Will Pearson Episode Summary We haven't had a positive vision of the future since Star Trek in the 1960s. In this episode, I sit down with Will Pearson, co-founder of Ocean Bottle, to design a roadmap for what comes next. From reshaping capitalism to putting the ocean at the center of our economy, we explore how to build systems where businesses give more than they take and planetary healing becomes profitable. Guest Will Pearson - Co-Founder of Ocean Bottle, Forbes 30 Under 30, B-Corp advocate Ocean Bottle has collected over 22 million kg of ocean-bound plastic while building an 8-figure revenue business. Will is also the founder of B+, an initiative bringing together the world's most ambitious companies on climate and nature. Key Topics Reshaping Capitalism: Start, Stop, Keep Why businesses that heal the planet should be profitableThe B+ initiative: connecting regenerative startups with global corporationsMoving from businesses that reduce harm to businesses that create positive impact Ocean-Centered Future Putting ocean health at the center of economic planningMarine protected areas and biodiversity restorationWhy we need sharks back in the MediterraneanPlastic Economy Transformation Design problems: 400-year materials for week-long productsBreaking plastic's dependence on oil industry byproductsBuilding collection infrastructure that provides income opportunities Media and Culture Change Why constructive optimism beats fear-based messagingMaking scientists and ocean researchers the new cultural heroesThe need for platforms that celebrate positive solutions Memorable Quotes "We need to flip the question - instead of asking why environmental companies should be allowed to profit, we should ask why companies destroying the planet are allowed to make money." "Businesses need to give more than what they take. We're getting to a point where companies reduce negative externalities to zero and actually drive positive impact." "Without a doubt, if we can protect the ocean and allow it to regenerate itself, it will be our biggest ally against climate change and the biodiversity crisis." Resources Mentioned B+ Initiative - Community of ambitious climate and nature companiesAtmos & Earthrise Studios - Instagram channels for sustainability stories"Ocean" by David Attenborough - Book recommendation"Blue Mind" - Book on human connection to waterCleanHub - My company partnering with Ocean Bottle on collection Connect with Will Ocean Bottle: oceanbottle.coLinkedIn: ⁠Will Pearson⁠ Connect with Me CleanHub: cleanhub.comLinkedIn: ⁠Joel Tasche⁠ This episode is part of Where The Ocean Meets, exploring the intersection of business, sustainability, and ocean conservation. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    1h 10m

  2. MAR 19

    From MS Diagnosis to World Record Apnea Diver | Where The Ocean Meets: Anna Karina Schmitt

    Smoking, party lifestyle, MS Diagnosis - World Record in Apnea Diving? How do all these things come together? Anna and me sit down to cover her wild ride from speed boats, to finding tranquility at 80m below sea level without oxygen. Join us in this conversation that has more highs and lows than the wild oceans. This is also your chance to acompany a world record dive without getting your feet wet. Summary In this conversation, Anna shares her journey as a world record apnea diver, discussing the mental and physical challenges of freediving, her early experiences with water, and how her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis led her to a healthier lifestyle. She emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, the joy of diving, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in her sport. Anna also reflects on the deeper connections between humans and water, and how freediving has shaped her perspective on life and health. Takeaways - Anna-Karina set a world record in apnea diving under challenging conditions. - Breath-holding can be a blissful experience when the mind is free of expectations. - Early experiences with water shaped her love for diving. - Freediving provided a sense of community and belonging. - The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis prompted a lifestyle change towards health. - Mental preparation is crucial for success in freediving. - The joy of diving comes from being present in the moment. - Every dive is a learning experience, whether good or bad. - The mind plays a significant role in physical performance. - Freediving teaches resilience and the importance of self-care.

    1h 3m

  3. MAR 12

    Building A Nervous System For The Ocean | Where The Ocean Meets: Sergei Nozdrenkov

    If you've ever wondered how technology could actually save nature (instead of destroying it), this conversation will blow your mind. What happens when a Google X engineer who grew up driving tractors in a small village becomes obsessed with saving coral reefs? Meet Sergei Nozdrenkov, founder of Wildflow, who's building something that sounds like science fiction: a "nervous system for the planet." Sergei's journey from reading Arthur C. Clarke's 'The Deep Range' to diving in Iceland's tectonic plates to working with sharks in Mexico is wild enough. But his current mission? Creating AI that can process massive streams of ocean data—3D coral imagery, bioacoustic recordings, eDNA samples—and turn them into actionable conservation decisions in real-time. We dive deep into how nature's own algorithms could revolutionize ecosystem management, why 84% of coral restoration projects are never monitored, and Sergei's audacious vision of modeling the entire biosphere. Plus: coral that eats fish, why wolves brought rivers back to Yellowstone, and his prediction for when we'll meaningfully communicate with whales. Books Mentioned 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke The Deep Range by Arthur C. Clarke How to Speak Whale by Tom Mustill

    1 hr

  4. MAR 5

    Will Marine Protected Areas Save Humanity? | Where The Ocean Meets: Dr Fabio Favoretto

    At the UN Oceans Conference, I heard a bold claim from an Australian billionaire: if we turn 30% of the world's ocean into marine protected areas, we can fix the oceans. This sparked a fascinating conversation with Dr. Fabio Favoretto, an internationally renowned marine scientist who has dedicated his career to researching these protected zones. What started as an academic discussion turned into one of the most entertaining and eye-opening conversations about ocean conservation. Dr. Favoretto paints vivid pictures of healthy oceans where the sun goes dark from massive schools of tuna, and of devastated seas that have become underwater deserts. He explains what marine protected areas really are, why they're so controversial, and the surprising obstacles we face in establishing them.Most importantly, this conversation offers hope - because the science shows that when we stop interfering, nature doesn't just survive, it explodes back to life with breathtaking speed. About FabioDr. Fabio Favoretto - Marine ecologist and internationally renowned scientist specializing in marine protected areas research. With over 4,000 dives around the world, Dr. Favoretto has conducted groundbreaking research at Mexico's Revillagigedo Archipelago and works to demonstrate how ocean protection benefits both marine ecosystems and fishing communities. In this epsode you will learn about:Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): What they are and why only 3% of the ocean is truly protected Ocean Recovery: How ecosystems can bounce back in just 10 years when left alone The Mediterranean Crisis: How Europe's sea was transformed from a biodiverse paradise to an underwater desert Industrial vs. Artisanal Fishing: The real culprits behind ocean depletion The Spillover Effect: How protecting areas actually helps fishermen 30 by 2030 Movement: The global push to protect 30% of oceans by 2030 Hope and Solutions: Why getting out of nature's way is the key to recovery Key Quotes"The sun darkened. Everything went and I could feel the movement of the water because thousands of tunas were like just going... you could see like, like basically Formula One cars." - Dr. Favoretto describing an encounter at Revillagigedo "That was stolen from me. I could have dove with mantas, white sharks, turtles, seals... I could have dove in the Mediterranean Sea, and I cannot anymore." - On the degradation of the Mediterranean "The ocean is not dying. The ocean will never die... We are the ones that are paying the price, but we are not realizing it." "We can do almost whatever we want with 97% of the ocean. So what are we talking about? We are really fighting about the 3%." "It's either protect or go extinct." Resources Mentioned Revillagigedo Archipelago (Mexico's "Galapagos") Pristine Seas Initiative (National Geographic) Cabo Pulmo Marine Protected Area success story "The Unnatural History of the Sea" by Carl Roberts 30 by 2030: ocean protection movement Stay tuned for more deep dives into ocean conservation, marine science, and the people working to protect our blue planet.

    59 min

  5. FEB 26

    Climate Change is Destroying the Great Barrier Reef | Here's Why with Dr Jodie Rummer

    Witness firsthand the devastating impact of 31-degree water temperatures as Dr. Jodie Rumer describes the beginning of coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. This episode dives into the physiology of the climate crisis, showcasing how marine heatwaves are affecting fragile ecosystems. Discover the critical science behind these changes and what it means for the future of ocean life.Imagine an Episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast but instead of humans, we discuss fish.Still the same keywords: VO2 Max, heart rate, oxygen levels, and how to improve performance. But this is not about self-improvement. It's about studying how fish - some of the best athletes in the world - adapt to climate change.Jodie enlightens me on how fish experience an ocean that is getting too hot. How they react, what their coping mechanisms are - and most importantly: If there is hope.About Jodie"Over her career, Dr. Rummer has researched fish buoyancy, exercise, and is a leading authority on the evolution of oxygen transport and how fish maintain performance during stress. Her team combines physiology, ecology, and evolution to address issues important to conservation, particularly focusing on the effects of climate change and other anthropogenic stressors on coral reef fishes, sharks, and rays.With over 150 peer-reviewed publications and presentations at more than 120 professional conferences worldwide, Dr. Rummer's research has made significant contributions to our understanding of marine ecosystems and climate change impacts."(From her website: https://jodierummer.com)

    1h 3m

  6. FEB 18

    What It Takes To Become A Big Wave Surfer | Where The Ocean Meets: Lena Kemna

    When It's Never Too Late - Lena Kemna's Journey from Student to Big Wave Surfer Episode Description "It's too late." How many times have you heard those words? Most of us accept these limits and settle into the lives we think we're supposed to have. But what happens when someone completely rewrites the rules? Meet Lena Kemna - a woman who picked up her first surfboard at 24 while deep in her studies. Just a few years later, she's paddling out at Nazaré, Portugal, facing waves that tower eight stories high. This isn't just about learning to surf late in life. It's about discovering a passion so powerful it forces you to question everything you thought you knew about yourself. In this candid conversation, Lena shares the real story behind her extraordinary journey - from that first chaotic surf lesson in Fuerteventura to competing in big wave competitions. This is a story about not listening to what common sense tells you, and proving that you can have it all if you define what your "all" is. What You'll Learn - Why starting surfing at 24 might actually be an advantage for big wave surfing - The mental approach that keeps Lena safe in 20+ foot waves- How she balances a PhD in marketing with professional big wave surfing - The reality of surf culture and localism in Portugal and Germany - Why she's "not an adrenaline junkie" despite surfing massive waves - The importance of intuition and preparation in extreme sports- How to navigate toxic environments while pursuing your passionKey Topics Discussed - That pivotal wave in Bali that changed everything - Moving to Portugal and organizing life around the ocean - The difference between paddle surfing and tow-in surfing at Nazaré - Dealing with jet ski chaos and the big wave community - Taking a break from surfing due to toxic culture - The rediscovery of love for the sport in Madeira - Balancing academic life with professional surfing - Managing finances as an extreme athlete - Her approach to sponsors and staying true to values About Lena Kemna Lena Kemna is a professional big wave surfer and PhD candidate in marketing who started surfing at 24. She now surfes at among others Nazaré, Portugal, one of the world's most famous big wave spots. She's also an accomplished freediver and advocates for authentic representation in extreme sports. Based in Portugal, she's building toward creating her own big wave team. Memorable Quotes from the Episode - "I'm quite German about it" - on her all-or-nothing approach to pursuits - "It was survival... just being out there in the power of the ocean, I think that kind of hooked me" - "For me it wasn't a hard decision, it was a very clear decision that I was like, it's the only way I want my life to revolve around the ocean" - "I like to do it kind of inside of my comfort zone... I'm not a crazy adrenaline junkie" - "If you go into a meeting room with the board of directors, it's never going to be as scary as a 24-foot wave behind it" - "There is no window" - on when it's too late to pursue dreams - "If I'm not having fun, I can just go home" Resources Mentioned - Nazaré, Portugal - legendary big wave surfing spot - Ericeira, Portugal - where Lena does most of her surfing - Madeira - where she rediscovered her love for surfing - The importance of apnea training for big wave surfing Connect with Lena @lena.kemna https://www.lenakemna.com/ --- This episode challenges everything you think you know about timing, risk, and following your passion. If you enjoyed it, subscribe and leave us a review to help others discover these stories of people who refused to accept "it's too late."

    50 min

  7. JAN 22

    Sharks: 450 Million Years Of Evolution Formed The Ultimate Predator (With A 6th Sense)

    Are sharks truly the monsters Hollywood made them out to be? In this episode, host Joel Tasche sits down with Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza, Executive Director of the Ocean First Institute and member of the Explorers Club, to dismantle decades of "bad PR" for sharks.  From the surprising social lives of Hammerheads to the "sci-fi" electrical senses that allow sharks to navigate the globe, Dr. Mikki reveals why these ancient survivors are critical to our planet's health. Whether you’re a surfer, a diver, or someone who’s still a little afraid of the dark water, this conversation will replace your fear with fascination.  Key Topics & Timestamps  [01:21] Myth-Busting Reproduction: Do all sharks lay eggs? Discover the "Adelphophagy" (sibling-eating) survival strategy.  [03:29] Ancient Survivors: Why sharks are older than trees and the rings of Saturn.  [05:22] The "Punch the Nose" Rule: The science behind the shark’s snout and its electro-sensors.  [06:27] The Hammerhead Enigma: Why they have that "weird" head shape and their surprising social hierarchies.  [08:55] Ecosystem Engineers: Why healthy oceans are impossible without apex predators.  [12:15] The Jaws Effect: How 50 years of cinema broke our connection to the water.  [19:18] The Science of the "Hammer": Vision, smell, and the "metal detector" sense.  [37:02] Do Sharks Smell Human Blood? The truth about the "key and lock" mechanism of shark olfaction.  [45:15] Orcas vs. Great Whites: The mystery of "Port and Starboard" in South Africa.  [51:15] Advice for Surfers: How to behave if you encounter a shark in the lineup.  Top 5 Facts You’ll Learn  They Are Not Mammals, But... Some sharks have placental-like umbilical cords and give birth to live "pups."  Electro-Reception: Sharks use Ampullae of Lorenzini to detect the heartbeat of prey hidden under sand.  The Human "Odor": Research shows sharks have a minimal response to human blood compared to fish blood.  Navigational Geniuses: It is believed sharks use Earth’s magnetic fields as a "superhighway" to travel across oceans.  Shy Giants: Hammerheads are often shy, sophisticated, and exhibit non-verbal communication.  About Our Guest: Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza is a world-renowned shark biologist and conservationist. She serves as the Executive Director of the Ocean First Institute, where she leads research on shark sensory biology and ecology. She is a member of the Explorers Club and the Women Divers Hall of Fame, dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific research and public education.  Connect with Dr. Mikki & Ocean First Institute:  Website: OceanFirstInstitute.org  Instagram: @oceanfirstinstitute

    54 min

  8. JAN 15

    Work in Search & Rescue: What is it like? | Where The Ocean Meets: Superintendent Tyler Brand

    Storms, disaster, bravery. These are the first words that come to mind if I think about the coast guard. Especially when it comes to search and rescue. As a child, I loved to read travel reports from people sailing around the world. There was a book about the youngest person to attempt it at only age 13. At some point, a storm knocked the boat down, nothing happened, but I still feel the anxiety creeping through my body. Knowing that there are people out there, whose job begins, when others panic is fascinating to me. That's why I wanted to sit down with someone who's seen it all. That person is Tyler Brand. Superintendent at the Canadian Coast Guard. He's not guarding any coast. He's looking over British Columbia. This coast is treacherous, cold and lonely. If you have an emergency here, things can get hairy fast. Tyler talks me through some of his biggest cases, I learn that the Coast Guard is not just rescuing people, and we talk about how to prevent danger. During the conversation, Tyler shares some valuable survival lessons, if you ever get into an emergency at sea. The Canadian Coast Guard is hiring! Listen to this episode to learn what it takes to work amongst legends.

    57 min
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About

My biggest life regret? Studying business instead of marine biology. 💔 The ocean fills me with happiness, wonder, and fascination—yet I know so little about it. By day, I fight ocean plastic pollution to make amends. By night, I create this show. ☯️ This podcast is my journey, as an amateur ocean enthusiast, to explore the ocean as an ecosystem, playground, and economic powerhouse—no expertise required to dive in (though experts might enjoy hearing from their colleagues). If you're curious about the force covering 70% of our planet and sustaining life, join me—listen and follow now. 🌊

Information

  • Creator
    Joel Tasche
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Joel Tasche
  • Show Website
    Where The Ocean Meets: