Skaana with Mark Leiren-Young

Skaana host Mark Leiren-Young breaks out his political pundit persona and talks about the Canadian election, how Trump upended the Canadian election and Canada and why that new baby orca needs a name NOW! A special audience Q&A episode with producer, Bug Lewis, asking the audience questions!“Don't vote for the guy who doesn't believe there's a problem with the climate.”Made in Canada, eh 🍁Shownotes:1:30 Mark's background as a satirist and a political journalist and columnist.3:00 Meet Skaana producer and audio engineer, Bug Lewis!3:45 The scoop on the new J-pod baby – the Southern Resident orca – and why Suttles' new baby needs a name NOW! So for now, Mark names the baby “Bug!”10:30 Who should a Canadian environmental voters vote for in this election? “Don't vote for the guy who doesn't believe there's a problem with the climate.”12:00 Pierre Pollution boasts about being endorsed by Carbon Tax Campbell. The origin of Canadian carbon taxes.16:00 Thoughts on our new – and hopefully future – Prime Minister, Mark Carney.17:45 On not being a fan of the Green Party of Canada. “Here's where I'm going to break a few hearts… I do not think the Green party does what it does very effectively… I do not see a there there.”20:35 The history of Skaana and our documentary about the past, present and future of the Southern Resident Orcas.23:40 Trump's impact on Canada's election, Canadian politics and how Canada has changed since Trump started talking about taking over our country.26:10 “The flag is back, baby.”34:25 Forgive Us, We're Canadian – performed by Mark Leiren-Young and Mike McCormick from The Arrogant Worms.Skaana podcasts connect you to news and experts and their discussions about environments, oceans, and orcas.Skaana homepageMark's homepageJoin and support the Pod at PatreonSubscribe to the Skaana newsletter on SubstackSubscribe to Mark Leiren-Young's newsletter on SubstackSpotifyAppleThe Orca Bites Podcast (on anchor)Skaana on Medium……www.orcatales.comSkaana on social media:FacebookBlueskyInstagramMark on social media:FacebookInstagramThreadsMark Leiren-Young as drawn by Ken Steacy.Support Our GuestAll the stuff aboveAnd Local Anxiety, Forgive Us We're Canadian, is on Spotify! Books and classes for sale from Team Skaana**Amazon links are affiliate links and support our podcast, thanks for clicking!**Octopus Ocean by Mark Leiren-YoungSharks Forever by Mark Leiren-YoungAudiobooks by Mark Leiren-Young (Killer Whale Who Changed the World, Orcas Everywhere & Never Shoot a Stampede Queen) on Audible.comThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World – print and e-bookThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere; Orcas of the Salish Sea & Big Whales, Small World Paint the Ocean You Wish to See with Rayne Ellycrys BenuThe Force of Doubt by Rayne Ellycrys BenuSubscribe to the Skaana newsletter at Substack: https://skaanapod.substack.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skaana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shaking hands with a Giant Pacific Octopus… Skaana host Mark Leiren-Young shares an excerpt from his new book Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep.“Mark Leiren-Young’s Octopus Ocean gives young readers a wonderful sense of many aspects of the world of octopuses in a very clear, concise and interesting way. It makes the reader think, and it educates without preaching. This book is a door to the magnificent world of the octopus—a door that, if opened and explored, will bring much joy and connection.” – Craig Foster, star and producer of My Octopus Teacher, co-founder of the Sea Change Project.Made in Canada 🍁Shownotes:3:33 The introduction to Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep.4:52 How Storm arrived at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. And got her name.5:42 Meeting a Giant Pacific Octopus.6:57 Feeding time. Her speed shocks me.7:20 “Watching an octopus is like watching a dream.”8:42 “Storm's deciding whether I'm friend, for or food.”9:08 The first octopus I ever saw… at the Vancouver Aquarium!Skaana podcasts connect you to news and experts and their discussions about environments, oceans, and orcas.Skaana homepageMark's homepageJoin and support the Pod at PatreonSubscribe to the Skaana newsletter on SubstackSubscribe to Mark Leiren-Young's newsletter on SubstackSpotifyAppleThe Orca Bites Podcast (on anchor)Skaana on Medium……www.orcatales.comSkaana on social media:FacebookBlueskyInstagramMark on social media:FacebookInstagramThreadsOctopus OceanSupport Our GuestOctopus Ocean at Orca BooksOctopus Ocean on SpotifyOctopus Ocean on Audible – coming soonBooks and classes for sale from Team Skaana**Amazon links are affiliate links and support our podcast, thanks for clicking!**Octopus Ocean by Mark Leiren-YoungSharks Forever by Mark Leiren-YoungAudiobooks by Mark Leiren-Young (Killer Whale Who Changed the World, Orcas Everywhere & Never Shoot a Stampede Queen) on Audible.comThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World – print and e-bookThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere; Orcas of the Salish Sea & Big Whales, Small World Paint the Ocean You Wish to See with Rayne Ellycrys BenuThe Force of Doubt by Rayne Ellycrys BenuSubscribe to the Skaana newsletter at Substack: https://skaanapod.substack.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skaana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“In my lifetime I want to eradicate whaling.” – Paul Watson. Paul Watson is out of jail, back in France and still fighting for whales, dolphins, turtles, manatees and more. Paul Watson talks to Skaana host, Mark Leiren-Young, about his arrest and how it helped raise awareness about sketchy international arrest warrants, Japan's unjust justice system, illegal whaling, aggressive non-violence and his response to being called a “terrorist.” “I find it absolutely amazing that my case is being discussed at the highest levels of Japan… it really shows you how defensive they are about their illegal whaling operations.”Shownotes:3:10 Paul Watson on being released from prison in Greenland.4:00 The politics behind his prison time.6:48 “I find it absolutely amazing that my case is being discussed at the highest levels of Japan… it really shows you how defensive they are about their illegal whaling operations.”8:00 “In the description, in the Red Notice, I'm described as an armed and extremely dangerous terrorist.”8:57 Challenging Interpol.10:20 His iconic status in France.11:25 “I've been doing this for fifty years. I've never been convicted of a felony crime and I've never caused an injury to anybody… When anybody says, ‘people say you're a terrorist, what's your response.' I've never worked for Monsanto or Exxon.”12:15 Explaining “aggressive nonviolence.”13:43 On getting arrested.14:58 His cell – with a view of whales. And other prisoners asking for autographs.19:35 Receiving more than 5000 letters.20:48 “I've been given political asylum in France.”21:11 “If I go to Canada, I'll be immediately arrested.”23:43 Why the French are so supportive.28:38 Iceland vs. whales.29:21 Paul Watson Foundation vs. Icelandic whalers and more – including protecting dolphins, turtles and manatees.36:17 Paul Watson on how to support his work and what he's up to now and next. “In my lifetime I want to eradicate whaling.”37:45 Why Paul Watson is willing to put his life on the line for whales.Skaana podcasts connect you to news and experts and their discussions about environments, oceans, and orcas.Skaana homepageMark's homepageJoin and support the Pod at PatreonSubscribe to the Skaana newsletter on SubstackSubscribe to Mark Leiren-Young's newsletter on SubstackSpotifyAppleThe Orca Bites Podcast (on anchor)Skaana on Medium……www.orcatales.comSkaana on social media:FacebookBlueskyInstagramMark on social media:FacebookInstagramThreadsListen to the whales – #FreePaulWatsonSupport Our GuestCaptain Paul Watson Foundation Petition to #FreePaulWatsonCaptain Paul Watson Foundation podcastFacebookInstagramYouTubeBooks and classes for sale from Team Skaana**Amazon links are affiliate links and support our podcast, thanks for clicking!**Octopus Ocean by Mark Leiren-YoungSharks Forever by Mark Leiren-YoungAudiobooks by Mark Leiren-Young (Killer Whale Who Changed the World, Orcas Everywhere & Never Shoot a Stampede Queen) on Audible.comThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World – print and e-bookThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere; Orcas of the Salish Sea & Big Whales, Small World Paint the Ocean You Wish to See with Rayne Ellycrys BenuThe Force of Doubt by Rayne Ellycrys BenuSubscribe to the Skaana newsletter at Substack: https://skaanapod.substack.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skaana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A letter from Captain Paul Watson from prison in Greenland, an interview with Paul in prison and a plea for you – yes you – to help save his life. On December 18th, 2024, the government of Denmark will decide whether to send Captain Paul Watson to die in a Japanese prison. Please email the Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard and ask for the immediate release of Captain Watson. Phone: +45 7226 8400 Mail: jm@jm.dk Sign The Free Paul Watson Petition at www.paulwatsonfoundation.org and contact any government official you can to demand his release. Use the hashtag #FREEPAULWATSON on all social media posts. For more about what you can do, visit the Captain Paul Watson Foundation.Shownotes:6:27 A letter from jail in Greenland from Captain Paul Watson to Skaana host, Mark Leiren-Young.14:08 An interview with Paul Watson from prison in Nuuk, Greenland – courtesy of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation podcast.Skaana podcasts connect you to news and experts and their discussions about environments, oceans, and orcas.Skaana homepageMark's homepageJoin and support the Pod at PatreonSubscribe to the Skaana newsletter on SubstackSubscribe to Mark Leiren-Young's newsletter on SubstackSpotifyAppleThe Orca Bites Podcast (on anchor)Skaana on Medium……www.orcatales.comSkaana on social media:FacebookBlueskyInstagramMark on social media:FacebookInstagramThreadsListen to the whales – #FreePaulWatsonSupport Our GuestCaptain Paul Watson Foundation Petition to #FreePaulWatsonCaptain Paul Watson Foundation podcastFacebookInstagramYouTubeLe Monde – Why Denmark is embarrassed by the Paul Watson affairThe Guardian – ‘If I’m sent to Japan, I’m not coming home’: jailed anti-whaler defiant in face of extradition threatBooks and classes for sale from Team Skaana**Amazon links are affiliate links and support our podcast, thanks for clicking!**Octopus Ocean by Mark Leiren-YoungSharks Forever by Mark Leiren-YoungAudiobooks by Mark Leiren-Young (Killer Whale Who Changed the World, Orcas Everywhere & Never Shoot a Stampede Queen) on Audible.comThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World – print and e-bookThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere; Orcas of the Salish Sea & Big Whales, Small World Paint the Ocean You Wish to See with Rayne Ellycrys BenuThe Force of Doubt by Rayne Ellycrys BenuSubscribe to the Skaana newsletter at Substack: https://skaanapod.substack.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skaana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talking Trump vs. science, facts and the planet with Dr. Andrew Rosenberg. The former director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists and former director of NOAA on Project 2025, popping social media bubbles and why it is so friggin' important that Americans vote… And not for Trump. “Whatever your issue is, should you be concerned? Yes! …This is not a time to sit it out.” On Project 2025: “It’s worse than you think it is. No matter how bad you think it is, it’s worse.”Shownotes:4:11 Andrew Rosenberg explains what the Union of Concerned Scientists is concerned about and how the focus shifted from weapons to using science to spin for politicians.7:00 “Everyone will ask what are you concerned about… until Mr. Trump was elected and then nobody needed to ask that question anymore because it was pretty obvious what we were concerned about.”8:00 Trump’s wasn’t the first administration to distort facts. “Everything that was talked about the facts became whatever Mr. Trump said they were at any given moment and that was not the same thing from one moment to the next. And in our current presidential campaign that’d gotten even worse.”8:52 The futility of fact-checking when “everybody’s in their little bubbles in the social media age.”11:06 Why the Trump administration kept losing their challenges in court and how Project 2025 will stop the courts from ignoring laws.11:51 “We also leaned into the ideas that scientists can and should be much more active in the political process.” And the resistance to that…16:45 How to challenge lies. What works, what doesn’t and why. “We’re not going to turn everybody into scientists.”22:07 The impact of COVID and isolation on fact based reality.23:10 “Anybody can say anything on social media.”28:45 On Project 2025: “It’s worse than you think it is. No matter how bad you think it is, it’s worse.”33:41 “President Trump was frustrated that people didn’t just do what he wanted.” ‘cause laws and consciences…35:20 “It’s 900 pages long and covers every agency.” The end of NOAA… the end of science and research… and privatizing the weather service and…. yeah it’s worse…37:00 Everybody becomes a political appointee… You’re fired! “You would choose people based on their loyalty, not their expertise.”39:15 Sharpiegate! How Trump moved a hurricane – so he could send money to a state he liked.43:25 You can imagine what it will be like if he’s back in office. It will be worse… things will get a lot worse.”44:00 “There’s no tethering to facts at all… it’s just whatever he happens to think about it at a given time.48:04 BC water moving to California?49:00 “I don’t believe he understands the sovereignty of other nations. Or cares.”55:00 What you can do…51:25 “Whatever your issue is, should you be concerned? Yes!”51:52 “This is not a time to sit it out.”Skaana podcasts connect you to news and experts and their discussions about environments, oceans, and orcas.Skaana homepageMark's homepageJoin and support the Pod at PatreonSubscribe to the Skaana newsletterSubscribe to Mark Leiren-Young's newsletterSpotifyAppleThe Orca Bites Podcast (on anchor)Skaana on Medium……www.orcatales.comSkaana on social media:FacebookBlueskyInstagramMark on social media:FacebookInstagramThreadsAndrew RosenbergSupport Our GuestSubstack: Sci Light https://scilight.substack.com/about Books and classes for sale from Team Skaana**Amazon links are affiliate links and support our podcast, thanks for clicking!**Octopus Ocean by Mark Leiren-YoungSharks Forever by Mark Leiren-YoungAudiobooks by Mark Leiren-Young (Killer Whale Who Changed the World, Orcas Everywhere & Never Shoot a Stampede Queen) on Audible.comThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World – print and e-bookThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere; Orcas of the Salish Sea & Big Whales, Small World Paint the Ocean You Wish to See with Rayne Ellycrys BenuThe Force of Doubt by Rayne Ellycrys Benu Subscribe to the Skaana newsletter at Substack: https://skaanapod.substack.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skaana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sixteen-year-old Hawaiian environmental activist Rylee Brooke hasn't just been fighting for the environment – and the rights of keiki (young people) – since the age of eight, she's teaching other young people and adults how to make change and make laws. Adventures in changing things locally and globally, making the case for Vote 16 and proving that young people can do pretty much anything – including inspiring law-makers to do better.Shownotes:3:30 Meet Rylee Brooke. “I kind of grew up doing community service.”7:12 Starting “The Plastics Project” and sparking youth-run beach clean-ups at age eight.8:20 How 15 kids clean up 500 pounds of plastic. In one day!10:20 The power of social media. And the local grapevine.12:45 Learning to create law – and teaching young people how to create laws. “I got into writing my own bills…”15:40 “I was asked to be part of the first youth-led conservation case… I was one of the thirteen plaintiffs on that.”20:00 Vote 16 and the fight to lower the voting age in Hawaii and throughout the US.22:08 Shark diving with Ocean Ramsey.23:23 “I think just a kid coming in to speak is really powerful.” On getting comfortable talking to politicians and crowds.28:24 Advice for other young people and, really, everyone. “It's really figuring out what you're passionate about.”Skaana podcasts connect you to news and experts and their discussions about environments, oceans, and orcas.Join and support the Pod……https://www.patreon.com/mobydollSubscribe to the Skaana newsletter: https://substack.com/@skaanapod?utm_source=profile-page Subscribe to Mark Leiren-Young's newsletterSpotify……………www.bit.ly/spotify-skaanaApple Podcasts………www.skaana.caThe Orca Bites Podcast (on anchor)………www.orcabites.comSkaana Home……www.skaana.orgSkaana on Medium……www.orcatales.comOur Latest Orca Videos…www.jpod.newsFacebook…………https://www.facebook.com/skaanapod/Bluesky………….. https://bsky.app/profile/leirenyoung.bsky.socialInstagram…………https://www.instagram.com/skaanapod/Rylee BrookeSupport Our GuestsOur Children's Trust Youth V. Gov.Rylee Brooke – FacebookRylee Brooke – InstagramVote16 USAVote16 CanadaPromise To Our Keiki – InstagramOur Children's Trust – InstagramRylee BrookeBooks and classes for sale from Team Skaana**Amazon links are affiliate links and support our podcast, thanks for clicking!**Octopus Ocean by Mark Leiren-YoungSharks Forever by Mark Leiren-YoungAudiobooks by Mark Leiren-Young (Killer Whale Who Changed the World, Orcas Everywhere & Never Shoot a Stampede Queen) on Audible.comThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World – print and e-bookThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere; Orcas of the Salish Sea & Big Whales, Small World Paint the Ocean You Wish to See with Rayne Ellycrys BenuThe Force of Doubt by Rayne Ellycrys Benu Subscribe to the Skaana newsletter at Substack: https://skaanapod.substack.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skaana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sy Montgomery (Soul of an Octopus) and Warren Carlyle (founder of OctoNation) on octopuses taking over the media, the origins of OctoNation, why octopuses needed a publicist and some of the secrets of octopus from their new book Secrets of the Octopus that accompanies the National Geographic TV series. First of a two-part interview about all things octopus!Shownotes:0:01 Meet author Sy Montgomery.0:13 Meet Warren Carlyle “the PR agent for the octopus.”3:50 How Sy met Warren.4:25 Warren’s journey from high fashion to the deep ocean.5:32 The origins of OctoNation: “When the Beyonce of octopus people tells you to do something, you just do it.” – Warren Carlyle6:41 Octopus used to be monsters!10:06 “It's the golden age for octopus appreciation. For octopus research. And I think this is a great opportunity for the ocean in general. What better ambassador can you imagine than somebody who's got the equivalent of nine brains and eight arms.” – Sy Montgomery.13:00 Octopuses can give themselves manicures… we kind of laid the red carpet for “My Octopus Teacher.”14:57 The impact of OctoNation. “Appreciation for the octopus has just exploded.”16:00 Sy: “They are not some slimy gross monster. They are super smart. They are superheroes with superpowers. And yet they are enough like us that you can be friends with an octopus.”18:45 Sy: “We're in the age of octopus.”18:50 Warren: “The way that I view Sy… Sy has this insatiable desire to hang out with animals all the time… All OctoNation is is really a reflection of Sy's light.”23:47 The blanket octopus!28:08 Connecting with National Geographic.32:10 Octopus have their own hunting fish the way humans have hunting dogs!Skaana podcasts connect you to news and experts and their discussions about environments, oceans, and orcas.Join and support the Pod……https://www.patreon.com/mobydollSubscribe to the Skaana newsletter: https://substack.com/@skaanapod?utm_source=profile-page Subscribe to Mark Leiren-Young's newsletterSpotify……………www.bit.ly/spotify-skaanaApple Podcasts………www.skaana.caThe Orca Bites Podcast (on anchor)………www.orcabites.comSkaana Home……www.skaana.orgSkaana on Medium……www.orcatales.comOur Latest Orca Videos…www.jpod.newsFacebook…………https://www.facebook.com/skaanapod/Bluesky………….. https://bsky.app/profile/leirenyoung.bsky.socialInstagram…………https://www.instagram.com/skaanapod/Warren Carlyle & Sy Montgomery.Support Our GuestsSy MontgomerySy Montgomery – FacebookSy Montgomery – InstagramSecrets of the OctopusOctoNationOctoNation on FacebookWarren Carlyle – InstagramBooks and classes for sale from Team Skaana**Amazon links are affiliate links and support our podcast, thanks for clicking!**Octopus Ocean by Mark Leiren-YoungSharks Forever by Mark Leiren-YoungAudiobooks by Mark Leiren-Young (Killer Whale Who Changed the World, Orcas Everywhere & Never Shoot a Stampede Queen) on Audible.com https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Mark+Leiren-YoungThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World… http://amzn.to/2pRNU1qThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere; Orcas of the Salish Sea & Big Whales, Small World: http://www.orcaseverywhere.comPaint the Ocean You Wish to See with Rayne Ellycrys Benu… https://orcapaint.netThe Force of Doubt by Rayne Ellycrys Benu… https://books2read.com/forceofdoubt Subscribe to the Skaana newsletter at Substack: https://skaanapod.substack.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skaana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NOAA scientists Kim Parsons & Tom Jefferson on killer whale science, killer whales versus orcas, orcas versus dolphins, how science becomes official, the challenges of translating science to civilians and so much more in the first of a special two-part episode on the two soon to be official species of orcas who call the Salish Sea home.Shownotes:3:45 Meet marine mammal biologist, Tom Jefferson.4:21 Meet molecular geneticist, Kim Parsons.5:10 Orcas or killer whales? And how to pronounce orcinus orca.6:35 Orcas vs. whales/dolphins vs. Delphinidae and confusion over “common names.”10:35 Talking taxonomy: splitting orca populations into two species.12:55 Exploring orca genetics.17:38 What's in a name? Taxonomists reviewing splitting up species. And making the species designation official. Ish.20:10 How to tell the difference between types of orcas.24:31 Early observations of killer whales and how and why they got their names.26:16 Naming the two orcas – the scientific names and the names we'll all use…Skaana podcasts connect you to news and experts and their discussions about environments, oceans, and orcas.Join and support the Pod……https://www.patreon.com/mobydollSubscribe to the Skaana newsletter: https://substack.com/@skaanapod?utm_source=profile-page Subscribe to Mark Leiren-Young's newsletterSpotify……………www.bit.ly/spotify-skaanaApple Podcasts………www.skaana.caThe Orca Bites Podcast (on anchor)………www.orcabites.comSkaana Home……www.skaana.orgSkaana on Medium……www.orcatales.comOur Latest Orca Videos…www.jpod.newsFacebook…………https://www.facebook.com/skaanapod/Twitter……………https://twitter.com/leirenyoungInstagram…………https://www.instagram.com/skaanapod/Tom Jefferson from NOAA.Support Our GuestsOfficial websiteFacebookInstagramThe research paper on the new speciesThe colorful people and history behind the species namesBooks and classes for sale from Team Skaana**Amazon links are affiliate links and support our podcast, thanks for clicking!**Sharks Forever by Mark Leiren-YoungAudio books by Mark Leiren-Young (Killer Whale Who Changed the World, Orcas Everywhere & Never Shoot a Stampede Queen) on Audible.com https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Mark+Leiren-YoungThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World… http://amzn.to/2pRNU1qThe Killer Whale Who Changed the World on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere on SpotifyOrcas Everywhere; Orcas of the Salish Sea & Big Whales, Small World: http://www.orcaseverywhere.comPaint the Ocean You Wish to See with Rayne Ellycrys Benu… https://orcapaint.netThe Force of Doubt by Rayne Ellycrys Benu… https://books2read.com/forceofdoubt Subscribe to the Skaana newsletter at Substack: https://skaanapod.substack.com/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/skaana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.