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PODCAST

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod.

Curious about, well… everything? Same. Welcome to Because Why?! Where science and nature, meets culture and business. If you care about people and planet, and want to know how the world really works - and how we can do better, you"re in the right place. Because Why?! Because really, everything comes back to science. Expect episodes on everything from climate change and sustainability, to ethical business and history, politics, nature, conspiracy theories, human behaviour and who knows what else

science nature

All Episodes

00:31:28

How Is a Gin Company Going to Change the World? With...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2025/03/02

What do marine biology, menopause, and gin have in common? More than you might think! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jo Davy and Dr. Helen Gower – two marine biologists turned gin distillers and ethical entrepreneurs. They met in a university lab studying marine ecosystems and coral diseases, spent decades working in science and public health, and then went on to start a gin company – but not your typical one. Unlike the bearded, serious craft distillers that dominate the industry with glass

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00:41:26

Plastic Pollution, Microplastics & The Mess We’re In...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2025/02/23

There have been a few big news stories circulating, claiming that microplastics have reached such a level that 5% of our brain is now made up of them.While that data is… questionable, it’s undeniable that plastic pollution is a major concern. That’s why, in this episode, we’re digging into the scientific evidence to separate fact from fiction. In what might be a slightly bleak but necessary conversation, I’m joined by Dr Olga Pantos to help clear things up about plastics and microplastics.Dr Olga

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00:26:17

How to Spot Media BS: A Crash Course in Media Literacy

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2025/02/16

Separating facts from bias in the news is harder than ever, so this week's episode is all about media literacy.I break down a Stuff article on “the healthiest type of milk” as an example of just how subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) media bias can be. Spoiler: It’s not about which milk is best. It’s about how language, framing, and missing context can manipulate your perception without you even realising it.We can’t rely on many places to report actual facts anymore, so now we need to get

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00:49:45

Sustainable Floristry: What’s Green, What’s Not, and...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2025/02/09

It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, but before we all rush out and buy flowers for the special people in our lives, it’s worth thinking about the environmental impact of the flowers we buy.I’m not saying don’t go and buy them, but it’s worth being educated about the industry so we can make informed decisions.I personally love wildflowers and would just have us all buy those, but it’s not always an option.Joining me today is Melanie Stapleton, founder of Cecilia Fox, a floral design studio. She’s not your

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00:47:21

Bugs Aren’t the Problem – We Are

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2025/02/02

Bugs get a bad rap. Sure, they’re small, sometimes unsettling, and often unwelcome in our homes. But they’re also doing some of the most important jobs in our ecosystems – jobs we rarely think about, let alone appreciate.This week, I’m joined by Dr Leilani Walker – entomologist, arachnid expert, and all-around invertebrate champion. She’s a Senior Lecturer at Auckland University of Technology and the Curator of Entomology at Auckland War Memorial Museum, and she’s here to challenge how we think

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00:19:27

Welcome Back: Let’s Make 2025 Incrediball

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2025/01/26

It’s 2025, and the drastic changes in the world might have many of you feeling a bit hopeless. I know I am - but I’m also feeling angry and ready to make some change. This year is set to bring some big things from our end, so I wanted to give you a heads-up as well as explain why plastic packaging is truly, truly terrible - and why we should be doing much more about it. In this episode, I share: A quick recap of what to expect from us this year The horrible moves Coke has made recently The

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00:59:09

Facing Climate Anxiety: Practical Tools for Hope with...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/11/10

This is a surprisingly uplifting conversation about climate change—yes, really. I spoke with psychologist Dr Susie Burke on managing climate distress (anger, sadness, anxiety) while staying hopeful, because unchecked, these feelings often lead to apathy just when we need action most.After recent events, this episode feels especially timely. With years of experience in climate psychology, Dr. Susie offers practical insights for managing eco-anxiety and other intense emotions, reminding us that

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00:22:03

Carbon Inequality Kills: the Oxfam Report,...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/11/05

This is an episode that is probably going to make a lot of you angry. I know it’s making me angry right now. A few days ago, Oxfam released their latest report called “Carbon Inequality Kills,” and we’ll be talking about that today. This is a damning report on just how much carbon the billionaires of the world are producing and why it dwarfs any possible emissions you could be producing on your own. In this episode I share: The importance of personal lifestyle changes to combat climate change

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00:20:29

Why the Beauty Industry Sucks: Packaging, Marketing,...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/10/27

Welcome to part 2 of my mini-series on the beauty industry.In the last episode, we discussed all the issues with the beauty industry, and I’ll be honest, it wasn’t super cheerful. So, for this episode, we're changing things up and exploring the various solutions currently available to the problems we previously mentioned. In this episode, I share: What circular beauty is and whether it helps reduce waste The core problem with refillable options for beauty products How biodegradable packaging

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00:19:52

Why the Beauty Industry Sucks: The Reality of...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/10/22

In this episode, we’re kicking off a mini-series on the beauty industry, focusing on what’s wrong with it. But don’t worry—it won’t be all doom and gloom! We’ll also be looking at solutions to these problems. I’ve spent over a decade in this industry, and to be honest, it really kind of sucks. That’s actually where Ethique came from—a desire to tackle all the waste the beauty industry creates. So join me in this episode as we take a look behind the pretty packaging and sparkly glitter to uncover

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00:54:17

Modern Zoos, Orangutan Habitats, and Palm Oil...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/10/13

I am so excited to talk to Amy Robbins, a self-declared “jack of all trades, master of none,” but honestly, an incredibly impressive person. Amy is the Deputy Curator of Mammals at Auckland Zoo and the founder of the Sumatran Ranger Project. She has been working with animals and finding innovative ways to help them for decades, and it is an honour to share her story with you. In this episode, she shares: How she got into the zoo industry Why modern zoos are important and how they are actually

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00:55:58

Adventure, Conservation, and Climate Change with...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/10/06

This guest was someone I was equal parts terrified and excited to speak with. Steve Backshall is one of my literal heroes, and I still can’t believe he said yes to being on the podcast. You may know him as the presenter of The Deadly 60, Lost Land of the Tiger, or Lost Land of the Jaguar. He’s an explorer, naturalist, scientist, presenter, writer, and so much more. In this episode, he shares: • How his childhood prepared him to be confident in adventuring• The dumbest thing he did in his early days

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00:14:24

This or That? Tea vs. Coffee, Sustainable Milk...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/09/30

Today’s "This or That" episode tackles some everyday decisions that might seem small, but add them up and they make a big impact on the environment. We’ll be discussing tea vs. coffee, and which is worse for the environment, what the best and worst options are for the milk you use with your drink, and finally, what exactly are bioplastics? And, whether we should even be using them... In this episode, I share: The comparison of tea vs. coffee How much water it takes to make tea and coffee,

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00:36:48

Miriama Kamo: The Journey and Joy of Zero Waste,...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/09/22

This week, we are joined by someone truly multi-talented. Miriama Kamo is an award-winning broadcaster, TV presenter, face of Sunday, author, and a hardcore environmentalist. I was a little intimidated having another legitimate, professional journalist on the show, but Miriama is just so incredibly kind, warm, and generous. I think you’ll be fascinated by how her upbringing has shaped her environmental mindset and just how committed she is to sustainability. In this episode, she shares: Key

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00:38:34

Plastic Pollution, Sustainable Business, and Saving...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/09/15

By now, you probably know that I firmly believe we need to use business to change the world. So, I was very excited to chat with a leader in the environmental movement who also feels the same way, Tim Silverwood. Tim is a trailblazer in the fight against plastic pollution, known for co-founding the powerful eco-movement Take 3 For The Sea. But that’s not all — he’s also the founder of the Ocean Impact Organisation, a group dedicated to working with innovative startups creating transformative

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00:14:49

This or That? What’s better? E-Readers vs. Books,...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/09/08

Welcome to another "This or That" episode! This short, snappy installment investigates the sustainability of three topics you've asked me about, helping you make informed decisions. In this episode, we’ll be covering three unusual options: E-readers vs. physical books: Kindles versus your everyday old book. Hand dryers vs. paper towels: I personally find hand dryers annoying. The best type of laundry detergent: There are many options, but I've been seeing a lot of

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00:44:07

Paddy Gower on Climate Change: Lessons from Antarctica

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/09/02

Today, we have a man who needs no introduction: Patrick ‘Paddy’ Gower. Paddy is an incredibly well-respected journalist in Aotearoa, known for tackling complex issues head-on. His latest documentary, On Ice, focuses on climate change and his journey to Antarctica.In this episode, he shares: Why he decided to cover climate change What it was like in Antarctica What he learned during his time in Antarctica The alarming impact Antarctica has on the rest of the world Why he finds Antarctic

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00:42:40

Whale Poo, Climate Action, and Body Confidence: Meet...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/08/25

We all know science is fascinating, but sometimes the way it's communicated is... less than captivating.That’s why I’m really excited to chat with Laura Wells. Laura Wells is a science communicator, presenter, environmental advocate, model, and social media professional from Sydney. Over the past 14 years, since graduating with degrees in Biology and Law, she has amassed a wealth of experience in the science media space. Laura has become a regular and trusted presenter for national and

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00:11:57

This or That? What's better? EVs vs. Hybrids, Cotton...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/08/19

Welcome to another "This or That" episode! This short, snappy installment investigates the sustainability of three topics you've asked me about, helping you make informed decisions. Today, it's: Electric Vehicles (EVs) vs. Hybrids, Cotton vs. Bamboo Fabric, and Bamboo vs. Plastic Toothbrushes. In this episode I share: EVs generally produce 50% fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. How hybrids can offer a more

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00:36:17

Let's chat conservation in Aotearoa. Meet the CEO of...

Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod. ·

2024/08/12

I thoroughly enjoy talking to incredibly smart people who make you realise you know nothing compared to them. Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb is the CEO of WWF New Zealand and is a passionate advocate for conservation and has a very interesting background in indigenous studies and treaty law. If you’re interested in conservation and how the organisations involved try to help the world, then this is a chat for you. And if you’re interested in finding out how much help even the big groups need, this will be an

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88 results

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