The Seed Pod.

In Episode 43 of The Seed Pod, guest Grace Jacobs Corban and I explore the fascinating connections between space, maths, nature, and the patterns that shape our world. We discuss moon phases, Matariki, maramataka, and the value of careful observation in understanding seasonal cycles and our local environments.We also dive into NASA’s Artemis missions, the perspective astronauts gain when viewing Earth from space, and how space exploration can inspire a deeper appreciation for our planet. Along the way, Grace shares hidden maths in nature, from honeycomb and snowflakes to Saturn’s giant hexagon, and reflects on how curiosity, pattern-seeking, and interdisciplinary thinking help us make sense of the world around us.This episode is a celebration of wonder, observation, and the connections between Earth, space, and ourselves.

In Episode 41 of The Seed Pod, we’re joined by Arabella Crowley, an Australian marine biologist. We kōrero about her work studying coral reefs and butterflyfish on the Great Barrier Reef, what day-to-day fieldwork looks like beneath the surface, and how scientists communicate and take notes underwater. Arabella also shares unforgettable encounters with sea turtles and bait balls, and reflects on how she stays hopeful while witnessing mass coral bleaching events first-hand.

In Episode 39 of The Seed Pod, guest Sam Ludden and I kōrero about art inspired by deep connections to tuna and awa ecosystems, mahi with iwi, mokopuna decisions, programmes that are healing intergenerational trauma through nature connection, and his adventures with whānau through syntropic food forestry and unschooling.

In Episode 37 of The Seed Pod, guest Vitor Velez (@theheadlessketcher) and I dive deep into his unique nature art style that blends scientific drawing and nature journaling. We discuss adventures, sources of inspiration, nature observation, fascinating facts, the finer details, colours, layers and style, and how outside of the page is one of the most important parts of any drawing. We also share in our love for native birds of Aotearoa and the unique ecological context present.

In Episode 35 of The Seed Pod, guest Ryan Yohler shares stories from his studies in geology/geophysics and evolution. We discuss glaciers, slow slip events (similar energy release as earthquakes over time), mass extinction events, museums, Human evolution, and fossil discoveries. Ryan has been all over the world as part of these studies, and has met 'Lucy' and 'Ardi' our early human-like ancestors found in Africa. We talk about tracing history from apes to humans through bones, and the impacts of transitioning from climbing to being bipedal. As a passion project on the side, Ryan and his friends have studied the fossil record to investigate what our future records could look like... and let's just say future paleontologists may be a bit stumped!

In Episode 33 of The Seed Pod, Benji and I have a kōrero about the earth sciences, volcanology and geology field trips, submarine volcanoes (underwater volcanology), youth engagement, developing pro-environmental behaviours, storytelling, mātauranga māori, policy development, collaboration and more!

In Episode 31 of The Seed Pod, we have a kōrero with guest Anthea Ibell about her incredible scuba diving experiences including her love for sharks and her conservation work overseas with sea turtles and community education! Anthea is a sustainable business founder/owner with several businesses which tackle waste reduction and advocacy utilising plastic 'waste' to create beautiful products, and breaking into the toy industry! She talks about her experiences in business, and some of the challenges, as well as her parenting experiences through nature connection.

In Episode 26 of The Seed Pod. guest Ruud Kleinpaste a.k.a. The Bug Man takes us on a journey of connection through the fascinating would of bugs. We kōrero about his life purpose of building our network of nature-literate teachers and students, some notable bug experiences that both he and those he teaches have had, as well as the incredible things that come out at night! We talk deep connection in nature, critter intelligence, youth empowerment, myths about bugs, and so much more!

In Episode 20 of The Seed Pod. guest Amber Sisaričh and I share in the fascinating world of fungi, the symbiotic mycorrhizal networks underneath our feet that form the 'wood-wide web', treating bush walks as "fungi treasure hunts", science communication through illustrations and murals, the Kiwi Conservation Club magazine, life on Rakiura/Stewart Island, working with kiwi and tuatara and the opportunities which have opened doors for her career in conservation.

In Episode 18 of The Seed Pod. guest George Hobson and I kōrero/chat about the role law and policy can have in environmental protection, as well as the systems change needed to ensure laws/policies are improved from what we currently have. We discuss the disappointment we have felt in the inadequate policy brought forward by all parties leading up to this year's general election, a 10-step plan for progress in climate change reduction, adaptation and mitigation, as well as the role of sanctuaries and zoos in nature connection, conservation and advocacy.

In Episode 16 of The Seed Pod. guest Connor Wallace and I talk about making a difference through setting up successful restoration projects, biodiversity monitoring, extreme weeding, working with native bats and kākāriki (parakeets), youth leadership and wellbeing, fossil hunting, computer science, storytelling for funding projects, and the impact and dedication of community volunteers.

In Episode 14 of The Seed Pod. guest Kaitlyn Lamb and I discuss the impact community gardens can have on food security and social connection. We hear about two of her passion projects- Ikigai Urban Farm and Kai Compost, and learn about biodynamic composting and why we should all LOVE worms! Kai Compost on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaicompost

In Episode 12 of The Seed Pod. guest Dr. Jenny Allen and I nerd out about marine megafauna discussing humpback whale song complexities, learning and animal behaviour, life as a scientist in Antarctica, some cool Antarctic research projects which include diving (wow), oceanography and penguin diet sampling, wildlife interactions, and the most unexpected experience she has had out in the field. This is one not to be missed!