So You Want to Be a Marine Biologist is your go-to resource if you've ever dreamed of exploring the ocean's depths, considered becoming a marine biologist, or want to learn more how to protect the world's oceans. This podcast dives into ocean science, conservation, sea stories, and explores ocean careers. Bring out your inner Jacques Cousteau, and discover the world beneath the waves.
100. Lessons Learned in 100 Episodes
So, so much has been covered in 100 episodes. Here we recap some of the most important topics covered.Full transcript: marinebio.life/100Register for the Rising Tides Container: a four month, 1:1 mentorship program (Registration closed 2/28)Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
2/22/2023 • 10 minutes, 1 second
99. Melissa Cristina Màrquez: Sharks and Other Misunderstood Predators, Representation in Science, and Fins United
Melissa Cristina Márquez is a marine science education expert, TEDx speaker, author, and podcast host currently finishing her doctoral degree. She has been featured in NPR, Allure, InStyle, GQ, Seeker, Popular Science, and appeared on Disney+, BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Acciona, and Good Morning America. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Mexico, Melissa has worked at the forefront of marine science education and communication for over a decade, her work taking her all over the world to the US, New Zealand, and now Australia. In this episode, we chat about how Melissa balances science and outreach, the importance of role models, and her work demystifying misunderstood predators.Show Notes: marinebio.life/99Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
2/8/2023 • 41 minutes, 6 seconds
98. Emily Velasquez: Cows, Algae, Mozambique, and What Can I Do?
Emily Velasquez is a student who currently lives in Mozambique. Though a newcomer to the country, she’s followed her curiosity to help answer some of the most pressing questions that this region- and the world- faces. From mangrove reforestation to using red algae in cattle feed to reduce methane emissions, Emily’s projects and goals are wide ranging with positive, long-lasting implications.Show Notes: marinebio.life/98Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
1/25/2023 • 49 minutes, 1 second
Andrea Richey: Sharks, Consumption, Careers of Passion, and the Hong Kong Shark Foundation
Andrea Richey is the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Shark Foundation. After decades as a corporate lawyer, Andrea realized that she wanted to give back more in life, and found her passion in saving sharks in the very epicenter of the shark fin trade. Through her work, Andrea has educated thousands of students, created lasting change in her community, and, through her TED talk, reached thousands more. One of the biggest takeaways from Andrea’s story is that you don’t have to have a degree or be “qualified” to save our oceans– you just have to care- and take actionShow Notes: marinebio.life/97Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
1/11/2023 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 26 seconds
William Trubridge: Freediving, Dolphins, and Creating a Mental Immune System
William Trubridge is the world’s deepest man, with an unassisted freediving record to 102m or 334 feet. He holds eighteen freediving records and six world champion titles, and is able to hold his breath for over seven minutes. He has spent an extraordinary amount time in and around the ocean in his lifetime, completing nearly unfathomable underwater challenges. William offers a fascinating way of translating his freediving techniques into the everyday world and he shares them here.Show Notes: marinebio.life/96Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
12/28/2022 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
Divya Karnad, PhD: Sharks, Sea Turtles, Seafood Commons, and Indian Fisheries.
Divya Karnad is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Ashoka University in India. The focus of her work is marine conservation and fisheries management. She won the global Future for Nature Award in recognition for her work with InSeason Fish, a sustainable seafood initiative that she founded. Divya is published in scientific journals like Ambio, Biological Conservation, Conservation Biology, Marine Policy and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science and offers a unique perspective on fishing and fishing communities.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
12/14/2022 • 54 minutes, 15 seconds
94. Brooke Lynn Elzweig: Sea Turtles in Drains, Martian Landings, and the Largest Coral Restoration Project
Brooke Lynn Elzweig is an engineer and a marine biologist. Growing up, marine science took center stage with school projects focused on the ocean and marine science sleep away camps. When it came time for higher education, Brooke chose to pursue engineering in a land-locked state. The siren song of the sea is a powerful one, and after graduation, Brooke found herself once more back in the marine science realm. This time, she’s traveling overseas to Saudi Arabia as a Project Coordinator for the Shushah Island Coral Reefscape Project with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and NEOM. In today’s episode, Brooke shares her journey from rescuing sea turtles in drains to working on the largest coral restoration project on the planet. Show Notes: marinebio.life/94Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
11/30/2022 • 56 minutes, 21 seconds
93. Erich Hoyt: Killer Whales, Blackwater, Planktonia, and the Greatest Migration on Earth
Erich Hoyt has spent much of his life on or beside the ocean, working with whales and dolphins. He is a noted conservationist, scientist, and an award-winning author, he actually wrote the first ever book on Orcas, or Killer Whales. A former Vannevar Bush Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Erich is currently a research fellow at Whale and Dolphin Conservation, co-chair of the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force, and author of the new book "PLANKTONIA: The nightly migration of the ocean’s smallest creatures” from Firefly Books. In this episode we chat about making a living from passion projects, Erich’s work with Orcas, and all about the greatest migration on earth that happens twice a night, every night in the deep blue sea.show notes: marinebio.life/93Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
11/16/2022 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 5 seconds
92. Maddy McAllister, PhD: Ghost Stories, Shipwreck Mermaid, and Maritime Archeology
Maddy McAllister is the Senior Curator for Maritime Archaeology at James Cook University and the Museum of Tropical Queensland. In her words, Maddy is a maritime archeologist and shipwreck detective. In today’s episode we chat about the ghost story that inspired Maddy’s career, how technology has helped shape the archeology field, how to identify a shipwreck, and why telling these stories is so important.Show Notes: marinebio.life/92Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
11/2/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 47 seconds
91. Stephan Abel: Startups, Switching Careers, Dot Com, the Chesapeake Bay, and Building a Shellfish Hatchery
Stephan Abel is the the President and CEO of Ferry Cove Shellfish, an oyster hatchery located along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Starting off his career, Stephan didn’t even consider going into natural sciences or natural resources at all. In fact, he was military. In today’s episode, Stephan shares his story, transitioning from flying helicopters for the US Navy to working for big name start ups like Sallie-Mae and Career Builder before taking the leap into the world of natural resource management. Stephan has some key insights into what it takes to change industries, and he shares them here today.Show Notes: marinebio.life/91Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
10/19/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 1 second
90. Chris Maingot: Waves under Waves, Physical Oceanography, Working Offshore, and Ocean Engineering
Chris Maingot is an ocean engineer and physical oceanographer. Growing up in South Florida, Chris always felt at home in the water and- after a slight deviation down the path of pre-med- decided to pursue a career in the ocean. Today we chat about what an ocean engineer is, what a physical oceanographer does, and about some crazy ocean phenomenon including waves underneath the waves- nature is wild.Scuba for BeginnersShow NotesSupport the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
10/5/2022 • 48 minutes, 32 seconds
89. Dr. Megan Davis: Ocean Ranchers, Pink Pearls, the Magic of 9pm, and Queen Conch Aquaculture
For four decades, Dr. Megan Davis has been working with the iconic queen conch in Florida and all over the Caribbean. In today’s episode, Megan shares how at age 16, she knew she wanted to do conch aquaculture, and how she’s been at the forefront of conch science and aquaculture since. Megan shares how conch is being restored all over the Caribbean, some crazy facts about the iconic species, and what a conch pearl looks like. Her passion for these shelled creatures is contagious; you’re in for a treat.This episode is brought to you by Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. For over 50 years, FAU Harbor Branch has been in relentless pursuit of Ocean Science for a Better World®. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, FAU Harbor Branch’s cutting-edge research focuses on marine ecosystem conservation, aquaculture, the connection between ocean and human health, and technological innovation and national defense. During my time as part of the undergraduate Semester By the Sea program, I learned so much about the ocean and what it takes to become a good scientist. The programs and opportunities offered at FAU Harbor Branch have continued to swell since! To learn more, and how you can get involved, please visit www.fau.edu/hboi.Show notes : marinebio.life/89Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
9/21/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 5 seconds
88. Dr. Josh Voss: Coral Research and Exploration, Gardens in the Sea, Technical Ninja Diving, Protected Areas and Policy
Dr. Joshua Voss is the Executive Director of NOAA's Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research, and Technology and an Associate Research Professor at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. His research interests? Coral. In today’s episode, we chat about coral reefs, both shallow and mesophotic (or slightly deeper water), their health, how they’re explored. Josh is a certified technical rebreather diver and scuba instructor who has completed over 1500 scientific dives and led more than 35 scientific expeditions. He shares how his field work is accomplished, how crime scene investigation methods translates to coral, and how you, as a stakeholder, can get involved.This episode is brought to you by Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. For over 50 years, FAU Harbor Branch has been in relentless pursuit of Ocean Science for a Better World®. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, FAU Harbor Branch’s cutting-edge research focuses on marine ecosystem conservation, aquaculture, the connection between ocean and human health, and technological innovation and national defense. During my time as part of the undergraduate Semester By the Sea program, I learned so much about the ocean and what it takes to become a good scientist. The programs and opportunities offered at FAU Harbor Branch have continued to swell since! To learn more, and how you can get involved, please visit fau.edu/hboi.Click here for show notes.Click here for "Scuba for Beginners"Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
9/7/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 27 seconds
87. Amy Osborne: Antarctica, Outdoor Education, Curious Seals, Frigid Nudibranchs, and Life on the Ice
Outdoor environmental educator Amy Osborne joins us on the show today. Starting her career as a rowing coach, Amy discovered her passion for teaching- and particularly teaching the outdoors- a little bit later in life. This led her to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Wyoming, and California. It also gave her the opportunity with PolarTrec to conduct research at McMurdo Research Station in Antarctica, something we chat about quite a bit today. Amy shares what life on the ice is like, how this opportunity came about, and the importance of connecting with your place.Show notes : marinebio.life/87Photo credits : Amy Osborne pulls up the plankton tow net from a hole in the ice inside the Jetty Hut. McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Photo by Denise Hardoy (PolarTREC 2019), Courtesy of ARCUS.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
8/24/2022 • 59 minutes, 25 seconds
86. Calum Maclean: Scotland, the Right to Roam, Outdoor Swimming
Film-maker, broadcaster, photographer, and outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean joins us on the podcast today. Calum is a host on the BBC Social, and has his own wildly popular YouTube, Instagram, and now TikTok channels. His new book, “1001 Outdoor Swimming Tips” is written to get people out in and excited about being submerged in nature. Today’s episode is a fun one chatting about all things swimming outside- in both the ocean and freshwater bodies. Calum shares insights into what it’s like outdoor swimming, and why you should get started today. He also shares some of the best adventure stories, including his field story at the end, so stay tuned for that.Show notes : marinebio.life/86scuba guide, click here.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
Entrepreneur, marine biologist, educator, and dive instructor, Danél Wentzel joins us on the show. Danél shares her journey from landlocked farmland in rural South Africa to becoming an instructor with over 600 dives under her belt, four minute breath holds, and her own show and company. As a self proclaimed “freelance marine biologist” Danél has some incredible stories and experiences to share, including surviving a shark attack (you’ll have to listen to the end for that one!) show notes : marinebio.life/85scuba guide, click here.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
7/27/2022 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 20 seconds
84. Aislinn Olthoff: Sassy Sloths, Mugged by Whales, and Connecting with Nature
Past SYWTBAMB intern Aislinn Olthoff joins us on the show today! Inspired by nature around her and Jane Goodall, Aislinn took a gap year after high school in order to figure out where her interests lie. A pivotal volunteer opportunity working with elephants in Asia firmly pointed her to her degree in Wildlife Conservation. Not one to sit idylly by, Aislinn did quite a bit of traveling and work during her undergrad, including to Costa Rica, Africa, and Paris. Then she decided to turn her focus below the surface of the waves, and discovered the SYWTBAMB podcast. This led her to an amazing position as a naturalist working in close proximity to humpback whales in Hawai’i. Aislinn has such a great story, and some really great insights into the conservation world and connecting with nature.show notes: marinebio.life/83Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
7/13/2022 • 40 minutes, 4 seconds
83. Constance Schéré: MPAs, Fake-out Seabirds, International Differences, and the Myth of Too Late
With an undergraduate, two masters under her belt, Constance Schéré is currently working on her PhD studying MPAs. In this super wide ranging episode we chat about how Constance went from a history degree to studying marine science and then conservation, how growing up next to a marine protected area influences her work now, and how she’s brought it full circle. We leap all over the pond, from Constance's native France to the US to Northern Ireland, and we also chat about the difference between the French, English, and American university systems (Constance has experienced all three), and when a university will actually kick you out. Constance recently co-authored a publication with the British Ecological Society about 30 x 30, and she shares just what that means and how we’re looking. Constance shares three pretty amazing field stories at the end of the episode, so be sure to stay tuned for that. show notes: marinebio.life/83Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
6/29/2022 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 24 seconds
82. Isobel Yeo: Underwater Volcanoes, Chimneys in the Ocean, and Fish with Feet
Isobel Yeo is a marine volcanologist, which means she studies volcanoes underwater. Volcanoes are found everywhere, and we really don’t know that much about them. Today, Izzy and I chat about why it can actually be easier to study space than the ocean, and what field work really looks like including playing with ROVs and seeing fish with feet in thousands of feet of water. We chat about blue mining and what that means and how we, in our everyday lives, impact it. Izzy also explains the complexity of naming underwater seamounts, and I have a request for any listeners that like maps about halfway through, so stay tuned for that. Show Notes: marinebio.life/82Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
6/15/2022 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 5 seconds
81. Jessica Pate: Drones, Collaborations, Dream Boats, and Emails from Manta Rays
If you’ve listened to episode 2 of the podcast, you’ve already heard Jessica’s story and the genesis of her research. Today, we start right where we left off in that episode. Jessica shares a few of her many exciting projects including identifying and describing a third species of manta, tagging the mantas, and future projects with guitarfish. We chat about how the manta project has evolved from bowriding to droning, how it's grown from a side project to full time endeavor, and how Jessica’s work was featured in Nat Geo. Show Notes: marinebio.life/81Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
6/1/2022 • 48 minutes, 2 seconds
80. Dawn Borg Costanzi: International Fisheries, Information Technology, and Alternative Career Paths
IT guru at PEW Charitable Trusts, Dawn Borg Costanzi joins us on the SYWTBAMB podcast. Her job? To help track international fisheries. Which wasn't what she thought she would do initially. Originally, Dawn was going to go into software design. In this episode, we chat about how the fishing world captivated Dawn’s interest and how she’s navigated working for private entities and a large NGO. We chat about how vessels are tracked, both on the water and in port, IUU fishing, and why her work is so impactful.show notes: marinebio.life/80Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
5/18/2022 • 54 minutes, 51 seconds
79. Brandon Doheny: Deep Diving, eDNA, Wilderness, and Open Ocean Sailing
Brandon Doheny is a marine scientist, diver, and sailor. Our conversation today ranges from crazy two hundred plus foot dives to eDNA sampling to teaching technology to identify sea creatures. Currently Brandon is on an extended sailing trip with his family, sailing from California to New Zealand, so of course we chat a bit about this adventure.Show Notes: marinebio.life/79Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
We’re diving into the wonderful world of seaweeds! My guest today is Allison Poklemba, environmental educator, botanist, and herbalist. Allison shares how plants have fascinated her from a young age, why her move across the country for university was the financially responsible choice, and how she incorporated both botany and herbalism into her career. Allison puts a few different species of kelp on highlight today including bullwhip kelp and wakame. She shares how kelp will actually devour cancer tumors, how a walk on the beach can also be a walk in a medicine cabinet, and some fun ways to cook with sea vegetables. We have a two part, fun ask for you at the end of today’s episode, so stay tuned for that.Show Notes:Marinebio.life/78Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
4/20/2022 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 9 seconds
77. Andia Fonnegra Chavez, PhD: Coral Reefs, Colorful Sponges, and Following Your Own Path
Dr. Andia Fonnegra Chavez studies sponges and their interactions on reefs at Florida Atlantic University.. In today’s fascinating conversation, Andia shares her story falling in love with the ocean growing up in Colombia, and how she ultimately ended up in the States. We chat about how sponges are important members of the reef building and maintenance crew, how most of the color you see on reefs are in fact sponges, the importance of following your own path, and so much more. Andia’s enthusiasm and passion for her work is absolutely contagious; you’re in for a treat.This episode is brought to you by Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of FAU Harbor Branch’s relentless pursuit of Ocean Science for a Better World®. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, FAU Harbor Branch’s cutting-edge research focuses on five major areas: marine ecosystem conservation, aquaculture, the connection between ocean and human health, technological innovation and national defense. During my time at HB as part of the undergraduate Semester By the Sea program, I learned so much about the ocean and what it takes to become a good scientist. The programs and opportunities offered at FAU Harbor Branch have continued to swell since! To learn more, and how you can get involved, please visit www.fau.edu/hboi.Show Notes: marinebio.life/77Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
4/6/2022 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 48 seconds
76. Valeria Vergara, PhD: Research Camping, Being Adaptable, and Beluga Whales
Valeria Vergara is a senior research scientist at Raincoast Conservation Foundation where she co-directs the Cetacean Conservation Research Program. Her main focus? Beluga Whales. Originally hailing from Argentia, Valeria studied canids- specifically coyotes and foxes- during her undergrad and masters degree. It wasn’t until her PhD that she switched to the marine world. Valeria is so passionate about her work, and shares insight into what beluga whale research looks like, including spending weeks at camp with these creatures. She also shares why belugas are considered the canaries of the sea, why it’s important for us humans to be adaptable, and she shares some amazing stories from the field.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
3/23/2022 • 54 minutes, 41 seconds
75. Kristy Bredin: Marine Herbalism, Tide Pools, and Mermaid Botanicals
Kristy Bredin is an herbalist, educator and owner of Mermaid botanicals. She lives in the San Juan Island in Washington State. In this episode, you’ll learn what herbalism is, how seaweed is the ancestor to all land plants, some of the magical powers of marine algae, and what a day in the life of an ocean herbalist looks like- tide pools are involved.Show notes: marinebio.life/75Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
3/9/2022 • 59 minutes, 29 seconds
74. Winnie Courtene-Jones, PhD: Hermit Crab Battles, Dolphin Research, and Plastics in the Trenches
Winnie Courtene-Jones is a researcher at the University of Plymouth in their International Marine Litter Research Unit. We had such a fun conversation today starting with Winnie’s volunteer position studying dolphins off the coast of Wales. Winnie shares her graduate research of, essentially, watching hermit crabs duke it out, and how she definitely wasn’t going to get PhD. Until she did. She also explains what being self employed in the marine science means. Winnie’s research has taken her all over the world, and has found plastic in some surprising places- including over a mile beneath the ocean’s surface.Winnie is a font of knowledge when it comes to plastic and plastic pollution, and she breaks down where it's found, what the ‘great garbage patches' really look like, and if biodegradable plastics are actually a thing. Her conservation ask is a great one, so be sure to stay tuned for that.Show notes: marinebio.life/74Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
2/23/2022 • 55 minutes, 52 seconds
73. Steve Burton: Baby Dolphins, Seal Training, and Marine Mammal Response
Steve Burton has what most people would consider to be the dream job. As the Director of the Marine Mammal and Stranding Assessment program at Harbor Branch, Steve’s job is to work with dolphins and whales. In addition to responding to animals in distress, he also gets to conduct population assessments, the scientific way of describing going out on the boat to look for dolphins and whales. He’s also lived in, arguably, the three best beach states in the US- California, Hawaii, and now Florida- and it all started by saying “yes” to a flyer posted on a billboard. In this episode, we chat about the hilarious difference between training dolphins and seals, how to identify individual dolphins, and what his field work really looks like. There’s a couple of spots where he mentions great ways for you to get involved, so be sure to keep an ear out for those.This episode is brought to you by Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of FAU Harbor Branch’s relentless pursuit of Ocean Science for a Better World®. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, FAU Harbor Branch’s cutting-edge research focuses on five major areas: marine ecosystem conservation, aquaculture, the connection between ocean and human health, technological innovation and national defense. During my time at HB as part of the undergraduate Semester By the Sea program, I learned so much about the ocean and what it takes to become a good scientist. The programs and opportunities offered at FAU Harbor Branch have continued to swell since! To learn more, and how you can get involved, please visit www.fau.edu/hboi.Show notes: marinebio.life/73Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
2/9/2022 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 56 seconds
72. Harri Pettitt-Wade: Fishy Movements, Invasive Species, and Narwhal Camp
Harri is an aquatic animal biologist and ecologist which is a broad way to describe his work monitoring fish patterns and their implications with our changing climate, and spending time at camp tagging whales. We have a fun conversation today covering topics ranging from tropical sharks to arctic fish and even narwhals. Harri has some great insights into what sustainable fishing really looks like and has an incredible field story and answer to the blank check question, so be sure to stay tuned for those. Please enjoy!Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
1/26/2022 • 51 minutes, 56 seconds
71. Jim Sullivan, PhD: Powerful Phytoplankton, True Science, and Creating Change
Jim Sullivan has had a fascinating career starting with the smallest, and quite possibly the mightiest, organism in the sea, phytoplankton. From doing ground-breaking scientific research, including anti-submarine warfare research, to inventing new oceanographic equipment to leading an oceanographic institute, Jim has had quite the diverse career. In this episode, Jim shares some amazing insights into marine science and the world in general, and he shares how he affected legislative changes that had some pretty big trickle down effects. We also chat about what true science really means, and why sometimes it can be really challenging to do. Jim also has one of the craziest sea stories I’ve ever heard, so stay tuned for that.This episode is brought to you by Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of FAU Harbor Branch’s relentless pursuit of Ocean Science for a Better World®. Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, FAU Harbor Branch’s cutting-edge research focuses on five major areas: marine ecosystem conservation, aquaculture, the connection between ocean and human health, technological innovation and national defense. During my time at HB as part of the undergraduate Semester By the Sea program, I learned so much about the ocean and what it takes to become a good scientist. The programs and opportunities offered at FAU Harbor Branch have continued to swell since! To learn more, and how you can get involved, please visit www.fau.edu/hboi.Show Notes: marinebio.life/71Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
1/12/2022 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 26 seconds
70. Sindia Sosidan, PhD: Corals, Paleoclimatology, and Surfing
Sindia is a paleoclimatologist, which means she studies how the earth used to look, millions of years ago, in order to better understand what may be going on with our current climate. Sindia is a past Sir Keith Murdoch fellow, Fulbright Distinguished Scholar, and currently teaches and conducts research at Cardiff University in the UK. In today’s episode, we chat about how surfing influenced Sindia’s worldwide travel and studies taking her from the States to Australia, and then the UK, what paleoclimateology is and how you can get involved.show notes: marinebio.life/70Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
12/29/2021 • 1 hour, 11 seconds
69. Bill Francois: Honey Swimming, Gangster Fishing, and the Eloquence of the Sardine
Bill Francois is a physicist, marine scientist, fisherman, and author. In his premiere book, Eloquence of the Sardine, Bill dives into the world of mythology, legends, and basic science, bringing to life fascinating stories from the underwater realm. In today’s show, Bill shares how he won a National French show competition and the prize of a book deal. Bill also shares the correct catch and release methods, how whales prevent themselves from cooking on a daily basis, how larval fish swim through honey, and soo much more. Show Notes: marinebio.life/69Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
12/15/2021 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 21 seconds
68. Kate Killerlain Morrisson: Match-making, Marine Affairs, and Starting New Things
Kate Morrison is the strategic partnership director for the Ocean Foundation. Her job? Match-making. Kate is the magician that connects science and conservation efforts to the sources of funding with similar intentions and goals. In today’s episode, we chat about Kate’s winding path, starting as a marine bio major and the shift from science to ultimately graduating with a masters in marine affairs. Kate has been on the ground floor of several ocean policy initiatives on the eastern seaboard of the states, and she shares her experiences and lessons learned. She has a great outlook on adapting to and willfully creating change in your own life.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
12/1/2021 • 42 minutes, 28 seconds
67. Kaitlyn Lowder, PhD: Decapods, Global Ocean Policy, and Enabling
As a senior program associate with The Ocean Foundation, Kaitlyn Lowder supports the International Ocean Acidification Initiative. Despite growing up in a landlocked desert, Kaitlyn always knew she wanted to become a marine biologist.She pursued her dream of becoming a marine scientist, despite growing up in a landlocked desert, and was the recipient of the NOAA Hollings Scholarship as well as the Knauss Fellowship Kaitlyn also presented at two COP events, and succeeded in her efforts in getting “ocean” in the Paris Agreement. show notes: marinebio.life/67Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
11/17/2021 • 57 minutes, 25 seconds
66. Annukka Pekkarinen: Pygmy Blue Whales, Arctic Exploring, and Napaland
Finnish sailor, marine scientist, and science communicator, Annukka Pekkarinen joins us on the show today. Growing up sailing the archipelagos of Finland, the ocean has influenced her life in a big way. In this episode, we chat about Annukka’s PhD research studying pygmy blue whales (don’t worry, they’re still huge), how her research evolved and how she evolved out of her research and into an oceanic entrepreneurial endeavor.Show Notes: marinebio.life/66Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
11/3/2021 • 51 minutes, 33 seconds
65. Gardner Douglas: Shucking, Water Intoxication, and Becoming the Oyster Ninja
From shucking in oyster bars to his own private events and even for the President of the United States, Gardener Douglas truly is the Oyster Ninja. With his own mobile rawbar business and podcast, Gardner has garnered some amazing experiences around oysters. Gardner is super passionate about oysters and his work, and it really shows during our conversation today that encompasses everything from what oyster shucking is to farms and restaurants to oyster recycling and entrepreneurship.Show Notes: marinebio.life/65Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
10/20/2021 • 53 minutes, 42 seconds
64. Denise Risch, PhD: Dolphins, Whale Songs, and Underwater Acoustics
If studying sound underwater sounds like a quiet activity to you, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Denise Risch is a marine mammal ecologist currently with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) studying marine acoustics (sounds in the ocean) and the impacts with marine mammals like whales and dolphins. We chat about how her career has taken her from Europe, to the States, and then to the UK- all studying exciting creatures like orcas and other dolphins and whales. We also chat about her research on renewable energy technologies in the ocean- like wind and tidal energy- and their effects on the denizens of the sea, and how COVID has impacted the oceanic soundscape.Show Notes: marinebio.life/64Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
10/6/2021 • 57 minutes, 22 seconds
63. Aurora Ricart, PhD: Corals, Seagrasses, and Combating Climate Change
Marine ecologist Aurora Ricart joins us on the show today. Aurora is a seagrass biologist studying the effects of this often overlooked part of our oceanic ecosystem. Starting off with corals, Aurora made a full-hearted leap into seagrasses during grad school, and hasn’t looked back. Today we chat about her amazing coral research in Mexico, how seagrasses combat climate change, and how you play a role in this underwater nursery. Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
9/22/2021 • 56 minutes, 17 seconds
62. Nicholas Muzia, P.E. Submarines, Ocean Engineering, and Natural Solutions
With a professional engineering license backing up a degree in ocean engineering, it may come as a surprise that Nick Muzia originally wanted to be a marine biologist. It wasn’t until he realized his aptitude in math, and a fateful discovery channel episode featuring submarines, that Nick decided to make the switch. In today’s episode, we chat about how my Midwestern husband discovered his love for the ocean and fascination with submarines. He also shares insight into what exactly an ocean engineer is, the program he took to get his degree, and what a career as an ocean engineer can look like. We also chat about where we live and the important work Nick is doing to help keep our waterways clean. It’s a fun episode and I love being able to share this conversation with you. show notes: marinebio.life/62Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
9/8/2021 • 56 minutes, 58 seconds
61. Emma Gee: Historical Ecology, Shifting Baselines, and Pirate Fishing
My guest today is Illegal Fishing and Transparency Analyst for Oceana, Emma Gee. I’ve been wanting to have someone on the show to chat about IUU fishing, and I’m so excited to share this episode with you! In today’s episode, we chat about how Emma’s non-marine biology degrees are helping to save the oceans, how we can look at historical ecology- what used to be in the ocean- and all about pirate fishing.Show Notes: marinebio.life/61Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
8/25/2021 • 54 minutes, 47 seconds
60. Sylvia Earle: Sea(ing) the Change, Diving Deep, and The Global Odyssey of our Oceans
Her Deepness, Dr. Sylvia Earle joins us on the show today. Sylvia is a marine biologist who has been deemed a Hero for the Planet and designated by the Library of Congress as a Living Legend. She has been a Nat Geo explorer since 1998, author of over a dozen books. Her TED talk has over 3m views. Sylvia led the first team of women living underwater, has thousands of research diving hours, and explored all over the world. She is also a personal hero of mine, and today's show is a true honor to be able to present to you. In today’s episode we chat about how Sylvia is a witness to the oceanic changes in her lifetime, why no child should be left dry, and how by looking in the mirror, we can save our oceans and our blue planet. Show Notes: marinebio.life/60Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
8/11/2021 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 32 seconds
59. Andy Bramburger, PhD: Glass Houses and Great Lakes
Andy Bramburger is a researcher with Environment and Climate Change Canada. In addition to the numerous scientific papers and publications, Andy’s work has also been featured in National Geographic. In this episode we chat about how something so tiny it can only be seen with a microscope influences the entire planet, and how we, in turn, influence it. Andy also breaks down the similarities and differences- surprisingly few- of oceanic work and working on the Great Lakes.Show Notes: marinebio.life/59Nominate the SYWTBAMB podcast for education and best female host: Podcastawards.comThank You!!Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
7/28/2021 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 13 seconds
58. Jake Kheel: Guerilla Warfare, Parrotfish Poop, and Waking the Sleeping Giant
Jake Kheel is a sustainability innovator, sargassum-wrangler, and coral reef saver. In addition to these illustrious titles, Jake also holds the titles of Vice President of the Grupo Puntacana Foundation and Vice President of Sustainability for Grupo Puntacana. He is also a TEDx speaker, and author of “Waking the Sleeping Giant: Unlocking the Hidden Power of Business to Save Our Planet.” In this episode you’ll learn what it really means to have a career in sustainability (it doesn’t have to necessarily be working for a big non-profit), how the private sector can drive impactful environmental change, and how a little innovation goes a long way.Show Notes: marinebio.life/58Nominate the SYWTBAMB podcast for education and best female host: Podcastawards.comThank You!!Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
7/14/2021 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 11 seconds
57. Colin Howe: Caribbean Corals, Getting the Experience, and Tropical Marine Ecology
Colin Howe is a tropical marine ecologist studying corals in the Caribbean. He is also the creator behind the Instagram and YouTube channels @MarineSci4life. In today’s episode, Colin breaks down the difference between a marine ecologist and marine biologist, what research at different career levels can look like, and the importance of experience. Colin also shares his coral research throughout the Caribbean, and why this dynamic ecosystem is his favorite to study, and how both corals and careers can thrive despite- and maybe because of- seemingly adverse conditions.Show Notes: marinebio.life/57Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
6/30/2021 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 47 seconds
56. Samantha Andrews: Procrastination, Island Life, Changing Careers, and Ocean Oculus
Samantha Andrews is a marine ecologist, naturalist, professional science communicator, and founder of Ocean Oculus, a one-woman endeavour, supporting scientists, researchers, companies, NGOS, stakeholders, and everything in-between discover more about - and take better care of - this pale blue dot we call home. In today’s episode Samantha shares how she shifted her career from finance to ocean science, why she decided to pursue her PhD- and why she’s not giving up, and what science communication looks like for her, and how she’s helping others make the impact they were meant to.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
6/16/2021 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 5 seconds
55. Chris Figgnener, PhD: Sea Turtles, Plastics, and Serendipitous Moments
Dr. Christine Figgener is the director of science and education at the Footprint Foundation and Costa Rican Alliance for Sea Turtle Conservation & Science (COASTS), founder of Nāmaka Conservation Science, and the researcher that filmed the sea turtle straw video. In today’s episode we chat about what brought Chris from Germany to study sea turtles in Costa Rica, why she prefers sea turtle research over whale research, and how one seemingly small action can create an entire movement. Show Notes: marinebio.life/55Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
6/2/2021 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 46 seconds
54. Dr. Nic Mink: Sustainability, Sitka Salmon Shares, and Knowing Your Fisherman
Nic Mink is a professor of environmental science and the co-founder and CEO of Sitka Salmon Shares, a direct to consumer, sea-to-table company. Join us as we chat about fish and fisheries, what a community supported fishery is, why small, generational fisheries can be a good thing, and what you can do to help the fish that swim in the sea.Show Notes: marinebio.life/54Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
5/19/2021 • 44 minutes, 43 seconds
53. Laura Smith: Sailfish Studies, Humpback Whales, and Living on the Great Barrier Reef
Laura Smith is a marine biology PhD student currently hailing from Australia. In this episode, Laura shares her stories behind the scenes aboard humpback whale boats, doing sea turtle research on the Great Barrier Reef, and how she found herself studying one of the most iconic fish in the sea. Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
5/5/2021 • 47 minutes, 27 seconds
52. Rear Admiral Evelyn Fields: Oceanic Lawn Mowing, NOAA Corps, and Becoming the First Woman Admiral
The first woman to command a federal vessel and the first woman Admiral in the NOAA Corps joins us on the podcast today. Rear Admiral Evelyn Fields (ret.) shares what the NOAA Corps is, why their work is vital to NOAA’s mission, and what it’s like to be the first.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
4/21/2021 • 45 minutes, 26 seconds
51. Melissa Pappas: Giant Clams, Red Sea, and Creatives in Science
Join us for this wide-ranging episode. Today’s topics include: giant clams, red sea, great barrier reef, corals, imposter syndrome, and creative science. Melissa shares her frontline experience studying climate change on reefs, shares the beauty and wonder that are giant clams, and discusses the importance of her endeavor to bring the emerging creatives of science into the world.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
4/7/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 50 seconds
50. Tending Your Garden
For this milestone episode, Laurie Bachelor is back on the podcast and we’re chatting about two of the biggest challenges our oceans face (overfishing and pollution) and how tending to your proverbial garden can save our planet.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
3/24/2021 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 41 seconds
49. Elissama Menezes: Shipping, Climate, and Anchor Chain Huts
Elisama Menesez specializes in marine shipping for WWF Canada. In today’s episode, Eli shares how, growing up in Brazil, the ocean played an integral part of her life, and how she created a program that helps more people to connect with the sea. We also chat about the importance of the social and managerial aspect of marine science, and how shipping plays a role in our changing climate, and how this industry influences those who call the sea home, both above and below the surface.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
Dr. Deborah Brosnan is the founder of Deborah Brosnan and Associates, a firm dedicated to finding smart solutions for environmental risks. Growing up in coastal Ireland, Dr. Brosnan knew she wanted to be a marine biologist from a young age. In today’s episode she shares what coastal sustainability looks like and why living shorelines are some of the best defenses we have against climate change. She also shares what it’s like being caught unawares diving while a volcano erupts!Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
2/24/2021 • 47 minutes, 9 seconds
47. Nina Leipold: Dolphins, Conservation, and Becoming a Mermaid
Becoming a dolphin trainer is a dream job for many, including Nina Leipold. It wasn’t until after a pivotal internship actually training these amazing creatures that Nina realized she didn’t actually want to train them. She wanted them in the wild. Join us today as she shares the story behind this revelation, and how she created, and became, the Mermaid of Hilton Head Island.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
2/10/2021 • 54 minutes, 47 seconds
46. Bren Smith: High Seas, Aquaculture, 3D Farming, and How to Eat like a Fish
Bren Smith is a commercial fisherman turned ocean farmer, author of the book “Eat Like a Fish,” and the founder of GreenWave, a network of regenerative ocean farms found worldwide. Join us in today’s episode as we discuss how Bren decided to make the leap from commercial fishing in some of the world’s most hostile fisheries to aquaculture and, ultimately, regenerative ocean farming. We discuss how 3D farming is the farm of the future and how kelp is the new kale, and how YOU, today, can help make a big impact on our oceans. Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
1/28/2021 • 53 minutes, 16 seconds
45. How to Get Started (My Best Advice)
Want to become a marine biologist but not sure where to start? Whether you're a student or a professional looking for a shift in careers, this episode has nuggets of where to look and how to get started.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
1/13/2021 • 13 minutes, 20 seconds
44. Angelique Brathwaite: Caribbean Corals and Protecting our Oceans through Blue Finance
Angelique Brathwaite is a coral biologist and co-founder of Blue Finance, an organization shaping the seascape around protected areas in the ocean. In today’s episode, we chat about what it’s like to be a coral reef scientist in the Caribbean, and what it takes to protect the ocean. Angelique also shares some of the instrumental local outreach she’s done, including putting on an ocean-themed theatrical play, and funny stories from the field.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
12/30/2020 • 53 minutes, 42 seconds
43. Chris Debicki: Career Shifts, Native Wisdom, and Polar Bear Adventures
Chris Debicki lives in the great white north of Canada and is the Vice President of Oceans North. Chris and Oceans North have played a pivotal role in creating the largest marine protected area in Canada. Chris wasn’t always in this role, however. He was a criminal lawyer before he made the career shift into marine science. In today’s episode, Chris shares how and why he made this shift, how he and Oceans North were able to create the largest MPA in Canada, and he also shares a crazy polar bear adventure while sailing through the Northwest Passage.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
12/16/2020 • 1 hour, 3 minutes
42. Sarah Winter Whelan: Shaping our Oceans through Policy (Littorally)!
Sarah Winter Whelan is an ocean lawyer with the American Littoral Society. In this episode, she shares how she discovered her passion for ocean policy, created a career out of it, and how policy shapes our ocean landscapes (and how you can get involved!)Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
12/2/2020 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 30 seconds
41. Josh Pederson: Creating Value Through Technology and Diving in California’s Kelp Forests
Marine biologist, tech guru, and all around ocean lover, Josh Pederson joins us on the show today. Josh shares stories of how he landed the dream job monitoring California’s kelp forests and creating some of the first marine science databases. Josh also shares insights into what a career shift may look like, and how he stays connected to the ocean through his activities and podcast, “This Ocean Life.”Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
11/18/2020 • 55 minutes, 42 seconds
40. Getting your Resume Noticed and Landing the Interview
Ever wondered why your resume isn’t getting noticed, or why you’re not landing the interview? Or maybe you’re just starting out, and are unsure of how to even put together a resume and cover letter. This episode is designed to give you concrete, actionable steps to implement during your job application process- regardless of industry.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
11/4/2020 • 21 minutes, 40 seconds
39. Octogirl Dr. Chelsea Bennice: How to Find an Octopus, the OMG, and Being a Field Biologist
Dr. Chelsea Bennice, aka Octogirl, is a true field biologist and octopus researcher. Join us as Chelsea dives into the world of these tentacled creatures, their mating behaviors, and how she spent over 400 hours underwater studying them. Chelsea also shares some excellent tips for aspiring grad students, and how anyone can become involved in octopus research anywhere in the world as a community scientist.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
10/21/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 34 seconds
38. Dr. Edie Widder: Deep Sea Research, Capturing the Giant Squid, and Technology in Marine Science
Dr. Edie Widder is a three time TED speaker and the first person to film the giant squid. During her career, she has logged over 400 deep sea submersible dives. Her work has been featured in BBC, PBS, Discovery Channel and National Geographic television productions. Join us as she unveils her journey to marine biology, how she filmed the giant squid, and her current vital research closer to shore as the founder of Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA).Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
10/7/2020 • 55 minutes, 55 seconds
37. Dr. Cara Field: Oil Spill Response, Seal Apocalypse, and Becoming a Marine Mammal Veterinarian
Dr. Cara Field is one of only 30 veterinarians in the United States with a specialty in aquatic marine medicine, and the Medical Director at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito California, the world’s largest marine mammal hospital and education center.Join us as she tells the tale of her career from her undergraduate work studying elephant seals to responding to the BP oil spill, becoming the lead veterinarian at the Georgia Aquarium, and finally coming back home to California and the Marine Mammal Center.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
9/23/2020 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 28 seconds
36. Melanie Croce: Bombing Sea Birds, Living in Tents, and Saving Seals
A lot of people talk about how dedicated they are to conservation work. Few people are so dedicated that they’d live in a tent, with no electricity or running water, in order to save wildlife. My guest today has.Melanie Croce is the current Executive Director of Seal Rescue Ireland. Join us as Melanie shares her circuitous path of field work including getting bombed by birds on a military base, living in rural Africa doing sea turtle conservation and, of course, rescuing seals. Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
9/9/2020 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 38 seconds
35. Dr. Andrew Chin: Indigenous knowledge, Great Barrier Reef Dream Jobs, Porcupine Rays, and James Bond Quotes
Renowned Australian shark researcher, Dr. Andrew Chin, joins us on the show. From coral surveys and tagging hammerheads as part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Team to researching porcupine fish and working with indigenous people, Andrew’s curiosity and zest for marine science knowledge has kept his career varied and fascinating.Join us today as we discuss the motorcycle ray of the sea, the incredible citizen science programs across the Indo-Pacific, and some of the lessons Andrew has learned and teaches anyone that is figuring out their career.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
8/26/2020 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 33 seconds
34. Jasmin Graham: Hammerhead Sharks, Critically Endangered Sawfish, and Equality in Marine Sciences
Jasmin Graham is a project coordinator with Marine Science Laboratory Alliance Center of Excellence (MarSci-LACE) at Mote Marine Laboratory working to create equality in the marine sciences, and researching the critically endangered smalltooth sawfish. Join us as we discuss Jasmin’s vital research, how a college research “speed dating” meetup charted the path for her career, and about Jasmin’s point role in creating opportunities for minorities in marine marine science.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
8/12/2020 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 39 seconds
33. Jim Abernethy: Befriending sharks, Chasing Dinosaurs, and Becoming a Voice for Wildlife
Jim Abernethy is an award-winning author, cinematographer, photographer, and conservationist. For decades, he’s lived aboard his boat, leading expeditions to engage with the world’s largest predatory sharks, cage-free. His work has been featured on Imax, National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Animal Planet, the Discovery Channel and more.In today’s episode, Jim shares how a dinosaur nest changed the trajectory of his life, how he makes friends with sharks, and how his book helped to shape ocean policy. Jim also shares some behind the scenes stories from film crews who came aboard his boat, and advice that anyone, from conservationist to business person, can live by.marinebio.life/33Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
7/29/2020 • 46 minutes, 44 seconds
32. Francesca Trotman: Humpback Whales, Hope Spots, and Loving the Oceans
When researching shark finning during her time at university in the UK, Francesca didn’t realize what an enormous impact it would have on her life. Join us today as we dive into what inspired Francesca to start a nonprofit in Mozambique and learn about her vital research studying humpback whales, manta rays, and whale sharks in the hopes of creating a Marine Protected Area.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
7/15/2020 • 59 minutes, 20 seconds
31. Rachel Crane: Restoring Corals, Nat Geo Expeditions, and Swimming with Humpbacks
Rachel Crane is a captain, dive instructor, expedition leader, and marine ecologist. Today, Rachel shares with us her dreams of being a vet in rural upstate New York morphed into becoming a boat captain in the Florida Keys for Coral Restoration Foundation. Along the way, Rachel had an incredible internship that included diving with Navy Seals in the longest pool in the world, swimming with humpbacks, and cave research. Rachel also takes us on a Nat Geo cruise in Alaska, and shares a hilarious and rare interaction between a juvenile tiger shark and a pufferfish.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
7/1/2020 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 44 seconds
30. The Incredible Sea Turtle: mind boggling leatherbacks, millions of turtles, and how you can be involved
We’re doing something a little different for this episode. I’m joined by my friend and fellow marine biologist, Laurie Bachler, and, together, we take a deeper dive into the world of sea turtles. You’ll learn where sea turtles are found, the different types of sea turtles, and some facts that surprised even seasoned turtle biologists. You’ll even learn what species of sea turtle Crush from “Finding Nemo” is modeled after.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
6/17/2020 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 29 seconds
29. Juli Berwald: Underground labs, Pivotal Moments, and Jellyfish
Author and marine scientist Juli Berwald joins us on the show today. Starting with an undergrad in mathematics, Juli’s career bloomed into a PhD in marine science before turning to science writing. Her work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine, Oceanus, Redbook, Wired.com, and the New York Times. Her latest book, Spineless, dives deep into the world of jellyfish. Reading this book, I personally learned lots of surprising details about this ethereal creature.In today’s episode, Juli shares how one snorkel trip made her math major make sense and completely change the trajectory of her life. We chat about the merits of getting a master’s and a PhD, and Juli takes us back to her college days conducting flow tank experiments in an underground swimming pool below a college basketball court. We also chat about ocean acidification and what it means, how to become a published author and, of course, all about jellies including what to do if you get stung.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
6/3/2020 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 14 seconds
28. Rahul Mehrotra: Life Changing Nudi Photos, Flesh Eating Corals, and Treasure Hunts
Rahul Mehrotra is a marine biologist originally from the UK and India, and who is currently based out of Thailand where he studies some of the most colorful and beautiful of all the sea creatures: sea slugs. Sea slugs are so captivating, in fact, that it was actually a photo of a type of sea slug, called a nudibranch, that catapulted Rahul’s interest from land animal conservation into the sea. Since then, Rahul has pursued researching the underwater world in the Gulf of Thailand, discovering and naming some of his own species.Join us as we dive into the colorful world of nudibranchs, learn about true ocean exploration and some of the amazing discoveries that Rahul is making, including uncovering a hidden diet of corals. We also chat about how you can get involved with ocean science, no matter where in the world you live.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
5/20/2020 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 23 seconds
27. Underwater Living, Movie Consulting, and Conch Verges with Dr. Ellen Prager
Chief Scientist for Aquarius Reef base, movie consultant for Disney, author. Quite the resume isn’t it?That’s just the tip of the iceberg for today’s guest, Dr. Ellen Prager.Exploring the watery world, and sharing it with others, is another one of Dr. Prager’s superhero talents. Marine scientist, both non-fiction and fiction author, she currently working as a freelance writer, consultant, and science advisor to Celebrity Cruises in the Galapagos Islands. She has appeared on large network television such as the Today Show and Good Morning America, in shows for the Discovery Channel and was a consultant for the Disney movie, Moana.In today’s episode, we chat about the verge of conch, what it’s like working as a marine scientist in the St. Croix and the Bahamas paradises, how Dr. Prager influenced policy and created underwater maps that are still used today. Dr. Prager also shares her favorite tales from the Galapagos including close encounters with sea lions, orcas, and humpback whales. Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
5/6/2020 • 59 minutes, 7 seconds
26. Autonomous Vehicles, Oceanic Currents, and Creative Outlets with Waterlust Founder Patrick Rynne
What do material engineering, autonomous ocean vehicles, ocean currents, and creative communication have in common?At first glance, it doesn’t seem like much.It’s amazing to see how different parts of your story weave together to make the fabric of your life that just makes total sense. And that’s the story of Patrick Rynne. From pursuing his undergrad in material engineering all the way to earning his PhD in applied marine physics, Patrick has combined the experience he’s gained along the way into a single word: Waterlust.Waterlust is an advocate apparel brand that’s making a splash in both science communication and the clothing industry with creative films and durable, beautiful clothing that will instantly transform the wearer into the aquatic creature of their choice.In today’s episode, we learn how seemingly disparate life pivots eventually connect, more than a few lessons in persistence, and one of Patrick’s favorite lessons to both teach and live by: the triangle of life.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
4/22/2020 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 40 seconds
25. American v Australian Coursework and Diving Right In with Bailey Jo Curtis
Bailey is from the American midwest and is studying marine biology in Queensland, Australia. Join us as we dive into what it’s like to take a field course off the Great Barrier Reef. We also learn some surprising differences between Australian and American university coursework, and Bailey shares some insight into what it’s like to have an internship at an aquarium working with sharks & rays. Bailey also tells the incredible story of how she became dive certified.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
4/1/2020 • 39 minutes, 3 seconds
24. Marine Conservation and Earning Green Fins with Sam Craven
Samantha Craven currently manages the Reef World Foundation field office in the Philippines. The majority of her time is focused on working with our national partners on the implementation of the Green Fins initiative, a conservation focused diving effort, across SE Asia and the Pacific. In this episode, we dive into pursuing a degree in marine biology in England, what it means to be a conservation diver, what the reefs in Malaysia and the Philippines really look like, why your future self wants you to take better diving notes now, and more.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
3/18/2020 • 54 minutes, 40 seconds
23. The Sea and Me: Plastics and Deserted Oceanic Islands with Maria Pinto
Maria Pinto is a marine biologist and science communicator. Founder of the popular “The Sea and Me with Maria” YouTube channel, Maria is also a PhD candidate studying plastics in the ocean.In today’s episode, we chat about how living on the coast and a certain TV show inspired Maria’s career path, how to find a work atmosphere that works for you, and about Maria’s research into the world of marine microplastics.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
3/4/2020 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 28 seconds
22. Shaping the World We Live In with Carl Safina
World renowned author and ecologist, Dr. Carl Safina joins us on the show today. His writing has won the MacArthur “genius” prize; Pew and Guggenheim Fellowships; book awards from Lannan, Orion, and the National Academies; and the John Burroughs, James Beard, and George Rabb medals. Safina hosted the 10-part PBS series, Saving the Ocean With Carl Safina. He holds the Endowed Chair for Nature and Humanity at Stony Brook University and is founder of the not-for-profit Safina Center.On the show today we dive into how a boy from Brooklyn became a world renowned ecologist and author, focused on saving the natural world. We take a peek into the commercial fishing world, and Carl shares a snippet from his latest book, including his time in the Caribbean studying sperm whales.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
2/19/2020 • 1 hour, 19 seconds
21. Seahorse Beginnings and Painting Skyscrapers with Deanna Derosia
Deanna DeRosia is a marine biologist and artist. Deanna’s artwork has ranged from hallway sea life murals to painting fifty foot animals on skyscrapers in Silicon Valley. Though art always intrigued her, Deanna didn’t know that she wanted to be a marine biologist, or that it was even a career option until after she graduated university. She got her start working with seahorses, and this opportunity opened the doors to the rest of her career. Deanna has since worked with sea turtles, and co-founded a marine conservation nonprofit focusing on educating the public on plastic issues, sea turtles, invasive marine species, and restoring a local waterbody.In today's episode, we chat about how Deanna got her start in the seahorse lab, why going back to grad school was the right choice for her (and how she found her people there), and tips and tricks on how to paint a giant mural!Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
2/5/2020 • 48 minutes, 10 seconds
20. Figuring it Out: A Guide
We’re shaking things up a bit today with an exercise designed with you in mind. In this episode, discover what a career in marine biology could look for you. Gain a clearer perspective on what exactly you’d like to do, and how to get there. All this and more in the 20th episode of the SYWTBAMB podcast!Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
1/22/2020 • 14 minutes, 23 seconds
19. Corals, Jellies, and International Research with Mariana Rocha de Souza
Corals and Jellyfish and other Cnidarians, Oh My!Mariana is a coral biologist at the renowned Gates Lab in Hawai’i. She didn’t originally set out to study corals, however. Hailing from Brazil, Mariana grew up about an hour from the ocean, her interest in the natural world piqued by her biologist mother. After completing her undergrad in Brazil, Mariana moved to France to complete her master’s degree where she studied the Golden Medusa jellyfish. In this episode, we learn the art of reaching out, how traveling the world can shape your career, the secret life of cnidarians, and how YOU can help our oceans, everyday, no matter where you live.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
1/8/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 6 seconds
18. Penguin Friends and Hunting Internships with Alexandria Ang
Alexandria Ang is a student at Macalaster College. Though she is only in her sophomore year, Alex has already gained invaluable experience through internships. In this episode, Alex shares lessons learned for those who are interested in starting their career, whether it’s in marine biology or another field. Alex takes us behind in the scenes in zoos, where we meet her penguin friends, and at a prestigious Columbia University lab. A bit of a book aficionado, Alex provides a few excellent recommendations for listeners.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
12/25/2019 • 53 minutes, 58 seconds
17. Be the Sealution with Jessica Jean Moses and Justin Dalaba
Be the Sealution. It’s more than a moniker- it’s a lifestyle. Today we’re chatting with Jessica Jean Moses and Justin Dalaba, founders of Be the Sealution. Growing up landlocked in upstate New York (Justin) and Chicago (Jessica), this charismatic couple experienced the wonders of the ocean at a young age. These experiences shaped the journey of their life. Today, Jessica and Justin share how traveling lead to jobs in South Florida, why they started Be the Sealution, and how you can help our oceans everyday.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
12/11/2019 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 54 seconds
16. Living for a Better Ocean with Andrew Lewin
Learn from Andrew Lewin, a marine biologist, conservationist, and oceanpreneur. Andrew has founded the Speak Up for Blue Network and Communications, where he educates people on ocean careers, news, and how to live a more ocean friendly life. He also hosts the Speak Up for Blue and Marine Conservation Happy Hour podcasts, among others. On this episode, we chat about Andrew’s career from private industry and consulting, to working in government, and then becoming an entrepreneur. We also cover how you can be a marine biologist, even though you do not live near the ocean. Andrew offers lots of tips to becoming a marine biologist and how to “live for a better ocean.”Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
11/27/2019 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 12 seconds
15. The Universal Power of Networks
This episode weaves two seemingly disparate terms together under one giant umbrella: networking. Tune into learn more about the power of networks in your professional life, including strategies how to further your connections. Today’s episode also breaks down a different form of network: trophic cascades and food webs in the ocean. This short episode is packed full, so hold onto your gear, and dive in.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
11/13/2019 • 12 minutes, 21 seconds
14. Sailing into Weather with Chelsea Carlson
Want to know how to find your dream job? Today’s guest is Meteorologist Chelsea Carlson, and she’s here to teach you a thing or two about finding a job you love and our weather systems. From a young age, Chelsea knew that she wanted to study weather. Growing up sailing, weather was a constant variable, and one that ignited her curiosity. Tune into today’s episode to learn how this meteorologist combined her love of sailing and weather and found her dream job (and how she eventually earned an actual, paying position). Learn how the ocean and our weather systems are inextricably linked, even if you live in the center of a continent or on the other side of the world. We also chat about Chelsea’s experience sailing through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch during her undergrad at University of Miami and training Team USA for the 2020 Olympics.Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
10/30/2019 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 5 seconds
13. Mercury in the Ocean, Santa in the North Pole with Dr. Carl Lamborg
You hear about mercury in seafood, and that you should be careful not to eat too much. But have you ever wondered where the mercury that’s in the ocean even comes from? On the show today is Dr. Carl Lamborg, a marine chemist, specializing in studying mercury in the ocean. Carl’s research has taken him all over the world, including to the Arctic Sea, and through different research institutions such as WHOI. Now Carl is currently teaching and conducting his research with UCSC. In this episode, learn where mercury in the ocean comes from, how it gets into the food web, and ultimately how we may have this neurotoxin inside our own tissues. Carl has a really great ask and resource at the end of the episode, so be sure to stay tuned to hear about that.For links to everything discussed on this episode, please visit https://marinebio.life/carlSupport the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
10/16/2019 • 59 minutes, 11 seconds
12. Zen, the Art of Research, and Violating Pelicans with Dr. Catherine Macdonald from the Field School
Dr. Catherine Macdonald is one of the founders of the Field School, a hands-on marine biology experience based out of Miami, Florida. One thing that struck me about my conversation about Catherine is that it wasn’t just a conversation about marine biology. We chatted about how getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is really something we should all strive to do, if there really is such a thing as sustainable tourism, and how discovering things you loathe to do is just as important as finding things you love to do. For more information and complete show notes, please visit https://marinebio.life/drcatmacSupport the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
10/2/2019 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 19 seconds
11. Dolphins, Diving in the UK and Living the Marine Biology Life with Emily Cunningham and Daniel Moore
Emily Cunningham and Daniel Moore, both marine biologists from the United Kingdom, have made an incredible career in marine biology by being superbly flexible. This has enabled the couple to travel for extended periods of time to Indonesia, pushed them to be resourceful and start a company, and allowed them to have some absolutely incredible experiences, unavailable to any other profession. For more information, including show notes, please visit: marinebio.life/emily-and-danielSupport the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
9/18/2019 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 35 seconds
10. Stories from the field- Ten Foot Crocs and Lessons Learned
Sea stories are some of the most descriptive and fun parts about working outside, and particularly on the water. When you throw in the mother nature variable, you just never know what’s going to happen. As much as you prepare and plan, things change and you just have to be able to go with it.In this special TENTH episode, we dive into stories from the field, both my own and from other marine biologists. Stories can paint such colorful pictures with impactful lessons, and I hope that you get a little of both from this episode. Though things can, and invariably usually do, go wrong in the field, it’s all about how to overcome those obstacles and being able to think on the spot that really matters. For more information, including links to the topics covered, please visit the show notes: marinebio.life/stories-from-the-fieldSupport the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
9/4/2019 • 17 minutes, 50 seconds
9. Diving in Submersibles and Hunting Flesh Eating Bacteria with Dr. Gabby Barbarite
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to catch a fish? How about SIX HUNDRED of them? Today’s guest has done just that. We’re chatting with Dr. Gabby Barbarite, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute’s Director of Outreach and Engagement, and expert fisherwoman. She caught 600 fish one by one, to learn the patterns of a flesh eating bacteria, and to help educate the public on the waters they swim in. In this episode, Gabby dives into her PhD research, how she became a marine microbiologist, and her time aboard the Johnson Sealink Submersible. For more links and full show notes, please visit https://marinebio.life/9Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
8/21/2019 • 55 minutes, 35 seconds
8. Saving Sharks Worldwide with Madi "Pip" Stewart
Today’s guest is world traveler and shark conservationist, Madi Stewart. Growing up, Madi wanted to be a marine biologist, but after one fateful dive, plans changed. In this episode, learn how Madi is working to save sharks, without the degree. We chat about growing up on the Great Barrier Reef, her amazing new project, and what you can do to help sharks. For full show notes, and for links to connect with Madi and help her projects, please visit https://marinebio.life/8/Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
8/7/2019 • 41 minutes
7. Shark Conservation and Videography with Jillian Morris Brake aka Bimini Shark Girl
Today we’re chatting with Jillian Morris Brake aka Bimini Shark Girl. Jillian is a marine biologist, ocean conservationist, videographer, and shark lover. Her work has been featured on BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery. In this incredibly informative episode, we chat about how Jillian went from her hometown in Maine to becoming a shark conservationist in the Bahamas, what made her decide to pursue her own project, Sharks4Kids, and how she’s working to change the world’s opinion of sharks. If you've wanted to dive into the world behind the camera lens, this episode is for you! For full show notes and links to connect with Jillian and her work, please visit https://marinebio.life/7Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
7/31/2019 • 59 minutes, 52 seconds
6. Persistence and PVC Artistry with Liz Dutra
Today’s guest is Liz Dutra, marine biologist, ocean enthusiast and conservationist, entrepreneur, and artiste in the PVC realm. After earning her master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University, Liz found herself in a position a lot of marine biologists find themselves in: now what? After applying to several jobs, and not getting any, Liz turned to education and entrepreneurship. During this time, she never lost faith in her dream of becoming a marine biologist and working for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A few years later, her persistence was rewarded. This episode was recorded when the podcast was going to only be a blog (no audio), and Liz had accepted and was just about to start her dream job studying the effects of thermal stress and ocean acidification on endangered corals. Tune in to today’s episode to learn more about how persistence is key, and how there are so many options available if you want to help our oceans.For full show notes and links to connect with Liz and her projects, please visit https://marinebio.life/lizSupport the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
7/24/2019 • 40 minutes, 5 seconds
5. [Jargon Breakdown] What is Baseline Data Anyway?
Have you ever heard a specific term or phrase in a conversation and told yourself you’ll look it up later because you don’t want to sound silly asking for clarification? In the meantime, however, you’re still trying to puzzle out what exactly this term meant, only half paying attention to the rest of the conversation. In this quick episode, we’re taking it down to the very basics, and breaking down a term that you’ve likely heard before: Baseline Data. Baseline data is a fundamental concept that drives scientific research, and the understanding of our oceans and, really, the planet as a whole. Without baseline data, research and conservation efforts would become insignificant. How can you tell if something is out of the ordinary if there’s no baseline data? For the full show notes and links to topics discussed, please visit https://marinebio.life/baselinedataSupport the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
7/10/2019 • 8 minutes, 56 seconds
4. Sea Turtles: Hot Chicks and Cool Dudes with Boris Tezak
Boris is currently an integrative biology doctoral student at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. He studies Temperature Sex Determination (TSD) in sea turtles, and has discovered a revolutionary new way to tell the sex of young sea turtles, one that doesn’t involve invasive surgery. His new method will help researchers better protect sea turtles in the face of climate change. Originally hailing from Venezuela, Boris has been in the US since his teenage years, and grew up fishing with his parents where his interest in the water began. In this episode we chat about Boris’s non-lab related hobbies, how you can be a marine biologist without even realizing it, and about his award-winning sea turtle research.For the full show notes and for links to connect with Boris and his research, please visit Ever wondered what it takes to become a marine biologist? This quick episode covers the very basic answer to this question. Learn what the So You Want to Be a Marine Biologist podcast is all about and how you can help our oceans.For the full show notes, including links to topics discussed today, please visit https://marinebio.life/boris/Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
6/26/2019 • 33 minutes, 26 seconds
3. Diving into Oyster Aquaculture with Adriane Michaelis
Growing up in Michigan, Adriane didn’t always know that she wanted to pursue a career in Marine Biology. In fact, she wanted to be a vet. Her time earning her undergraduate degree at University of Michigan (Go Blue!) put her on a different path.After pursuing her master’s degree in marine biology, Adriane found herself working as lab manager for University of Maryland’s oyster lab, restoring oysters in the Chesapeake Bay and earning her captain’s license. After a few years of captaining both the lab and the boat, Adriane’s love of people, education, and biology called her to pursue more. She went back to school, this time to pursue her PhD. Adriane now travels the United States and parts of Indonesia, working to integrate knowledge sources related to marine resource management. In this episode, we chat about the merits of grad school, oyster aquaculture, and what it’s like traveling the U.S. in an RV with her two dogs.For the full shownotes, including links to connect with Adriane and her projects, please visit https://marinebio.life/adriane/Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
6/6/2019 • 55 minutes, 39 seconds
2. Manta Ray Research and Don't Eat the Goat! with Jessica Pate
World traveler and marine biologist Jessica Pate dives into what it takes to pursue her dream project: studying manta rays. From the hills (literally Chapel Hill) of North Carolina, to studying sea turtles on Costa Rican, Florida, and Ghana beaches, this scientist found her calling in the nearshore waters of Palm Beach County in the form of a large, winged marine animal. In this episode, we discuss the merits of graduate degrees, teaching marine biology on a sailboat and, how you can help with manta ray research.FREE "Be a Marine Biologist without the Degree" Guide, click here."Scuba for Beginners" guideShow Notes: marinebio.life/2Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram
5/11/2019 • 28 minutes, 5 seconds
1. What Does it Take to Be a Marine Biologist?
Ever wondered what it takes to become a marine biologist? This quick episode covers the very basic answer to this question. Learn what the So You Want to Be a Marine Biologist podcast is all about and how you can help our oceans.FREE "Be a Marine Biologist without the Degree" Guide, click here."Scuba for Beginners" guideShow Notes: marinebio.life/1Support the showClick here for your copy of the "Scuba for Beginners" ebookGet your copy of my FREE guide "Be a Marine Biologist WITHOUT the degree"Join PatreonJoin my email newsletterCheck out the @marinebio.life Instagram