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PODCAST

Paramount Importance

Welcome to Paramount Importance — where science meets curiosity.Hosted by marine scientist Kurt Krispyn, this podcast dives into the weird, wonderful, and wildly important questions about our world. Through open, honest, laid-back conversations with scientists, explorers, and big thinkers, we unpack the mysteries of nature, discovery, and human innovation.If you"re into the unknown, the unexplained, and the unbelievable, you"re in the right place.

science

All Episodes

77:53

2025 Ep 36 Southern Right Whales: Max Fabry and Katy...

Paramount Importance ·

2025/11/05

In this episode Kurt dives into the wild coastline of Western Australia with whale researchers Katy Fannei and Max Fabry, two scientists who built a groundbreaking whale-monitoring program from scratch, fueled by passion, volunteers, and community pilots. From flying light aircraft over 450 km of coastline to navigating remote beaches with drones and 4WDs, Katharina and Max reveal how a chance meeting led to a unique collaboration linking whale behavior with estuaries, drones, and citizen sci...

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69:40

2025 Ep 35 Dieback Phytophthora: Prof. Treena Burgess

Paramount Importance ·

2025/10/22

In this episode, I am joined by Professor Treena Burgess, Executive Director of the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University, and one of the world’s foremost experts on Phytophthora, to unravel the fascinating biology and devastating impact of this plant pathogen. Together, they explore what makes it so persistent, how it spreads, and why climate change and human activity have amplified its reach. From the challenges of containment and restoration to new research uncovering potential resi...

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50:59

2025 Ep 34 Antarctica & Oceanography: Professor...

Paramount Importance ·

2025/10/15

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Jennifer Verduin, Oceanographer and Pro Vice Chancellor at Murdoch University, with a passion for seagrass. Fresh from an expedition to Antarctica as part of a global leadership program for women in STEM, Jennifer shares what it was like to stand among thousands of penguins, witness icebergs the size of cities, and confront the stark realities of a changing climate. Together, we explore the emotional and scientific impact of seeing global warming up ...

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60:49

2025 Ep 33 Media manipulation: Assoc. Prof. Tauel Harper

Paramount Importance ·

2025/10/08

In a world shaped by headlines, algorithms, and endless scrolls, who really controls the narrative? Associate Professor Tauel Harper, media scholar at Murdoch University, joins Kurt Krispyn to unpack the complex intersections of democracy, persuasion, and misinformation. From political spin and media ownership to social media’s sway over truth and trust, they explore how our beliefs are shaped, and how we can sharpen our critical thinking in an age of constant noise. A thought-provoking conve...

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43:24

LIVE PODCAST - Conversation Between Trees - Professor...

Paramount Importance ·

2025/10/01

Conversation Between Trees wasn’t just another podcast recording; it was a moment that redefined the idea of the public lecture, a tradition that has been with us for centuries. Hosted by the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University, this was the first live podcast I’ve ever done, and it was an experience that meant so much to both Rachel and me. Together, in front of a vibrant, engaged audience, we celebrated Rachel’s promotion to Professor while weaving science, storytelling, and laught...

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58:25

2025 Ep 31 Sexology: Clinical sexologist Melissa...

Paramount Importance ·

2025/09/24

In a completely different field of science that I am used to, I sit down with clinical sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett to talk about the science of sexual health and wellbeing. Melissa shares her expertise on common misconceptions around libido, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer recovery, the role of hormones, and how lifestyle factors influence intimacy. The discussion highlights the importance of open conversation, evidence-based care, and a broader understanding of sexual health as a...

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66:48

2025 Ep 30 Cyclones: Dr. Marji Puotinen

Paramount Importance ·

2025/09/17

Cyclones are among the planet’s most powerful forces- reshaping coastlines, reefs, and ecosystems with every storm. Dr. Marji Puotinen, a spatial ecological data scientist from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, joins Paramount Importance to break down what cyclones really are, how they form, why they differ from hurricanes and typhoons, and what they mean for coral reefs, migratory animals, and our changing climate. From the physics of waves and storm tracks to the surprising ways c...

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83:02

2025 Ep 29 Fearless Exploration: Mark Synnott

Paramount Importance ·

2025/09/10

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Synnott—legendary professional climber, author, National Geographic Explorer, and member of The North Face Global Athlete Team. One of the most prolific big-wall first ascensionists of his generation, Mark has pioneered routes on some of the most remote and untouched cliffs on Earth. He has climbed Yosemite’s El Capitan alongside Alex Honnold, summited Everest, searched the mountain’s north face for Sandy Irvine’s lost camera, and even spent seven years l...

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87:40

2025 Ep 28 Fish Evolution: Dr. Alexandre Siqueira

Paramount Importance ·

2025/09/03

Dive into the deep past of our oceans with evolutionary biologist Dr. Axelandre Siqueira, whose work uncovers the origins and transformations of coral reef fishes over millions of years. From rare fossil records to cutting-edge genetic research, Alexandra explains how mass extinctions, shifting climates, and reef expansion shaped the dazzling diversity of species we see today. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore how fish evolved new feeding strategies, why coral reefs act as “fish ...

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65:14

2025 Ep 27 Rigs to Reef: Dr Sean van Elden

Paramount Importance ·

2025/08/27

What happens when massive oil and gas platforms reach the end of their life? Are they just scrapped or could they become thriving artificial reefs? In this episode, Kurt sits down with marine ecologist Dr. Sean Van Elden, Deputy Director at the Marine Futures Lab at the University of Western Australia, to dive into the hidden world of decommissioned rigs and their surprising role as oases of marine life. From coral growth on steel legs to turtles, sharks, and even unexpected behaviours caught...

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82:25

2025 Ep 26 Evolution & Palaeontology: Assoc. Prof....

Paramount Importance ·

2025/08/20

Step into the strange and fascinating world of marsupials and megafauna with Associate Professor Natalie Warburton, a comparative anatomist and paleontologist at Murdoch University. From tiny jellybean-sized joeys crawling into pouches, to giant wombats and kangaroos that once roamed Australia, Natalie reveals the evolutionary secrets written in bones. We explore bizarre adaptations like termite-eating numbats, the underground world of marsupial moles, and even tree-climbing kangaroos on the ...

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59:35

2025 Ep 25 Sailing French Polynesia & PhD update 2

Paramount Importance ·

2025/08/13

In this special episode, marine scientist and host Kurt returns from a five-week sailing adventure through some of the most remote islands of the Pacific Ocean. From towering volcanic islands to pristine coral atolls, he shares how the journey reshaped his perception of the vast blue ocean, through to diving the 'Shark Wall' in Fakarava. There are breathtaking encounters with Humphead wrasse, revered as “kings of the reef,” lessons learned spearfishing Dogtooth tuna, and a surprising experien...

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121:00

2025 Ep 24 Shark Tagging: Dr Oliver Jewell

Paramount Importance ·

2025/08/06

After six years, shark scientist Dr. Oliver Jewell returns to the mic with an epic deep dive into the world of sharks. From surviving the global pandemic bubble in Western Australia to uncovering a jaw-dropping great white migration from South Africa to Indonesia, Oliver shares wild stories from the field, including camera tags, bull sharks in rivers, and surprising discoveries about shark behavior, social dynamics, and mysterious migrations. We explore why tiger sharks are turning up in unex...

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104:24

2025 Ep 23 Exotic animal trade: Dr. Phil Arena

Paramount Importance ·

2025/07/30

Animal Welfare, Captivity, and the Hidden Costs of the Exotic Pet Trade. Dr. Phil Arena — biologist, academic, and animal welfare expert — for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on the complex moral landscape of human-animal relationships. With decades of experience in both fieldwork and ethical inquiry, Dr. Arena sheds light on the unseen suffering of reptiles, amphibians, and exotic animals in private collections and institutions alike. He explains how outdated “folklore...

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104:34

2025 Ep 22 Estuaries! Dr. James Tweedley

Paramount Importance ·

2025/07/23

In this episode of I sit down with my supervisor, mentor, and globally respected estuarine ecologist, Dr. James Tweedley senior lecturer at Murdoch University, for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about one of the most overlooked yet critically important ecosystems on Earth: estuaries. From the moment I stepped into his lab as an undergrad, James completely changed the way I saw the world—turning what I once thought were just “dirty puddles” into ecosystems that are dynamic, essential, an...

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108:39

2025 Ep 21 Parasites: Dr. Storm Martin

Paramount Importance ·

2025/07/16

What is a parasite, and why do they matter? In this deeply engaging and unexpectedly funny episode, Associate Lecturer and Parasitologist Dr. Storm Martin from Murdoch University dives headfirst into the weird and wonderful world of parasitism. From fish tongue-biters to feather lice, from malaria to zombie snails, we explore what defines a parasite, how parasites shape entire ecosystems, and why most of Earth’s biodiversity might actually be parasitic. Storm breaks down the evolutionary ori...

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84:00

2025 Ep 20 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Dr....

Paramount Importance ·

2025/07/09

How well do we really understand OCD? In this deeply insightful episode, we sit down with Dr Leigh Sheppard, GP and Founding Director of OCD WA, to break down the science and stigma surrounding obsessive-compulsive disorder. From her own journey living with undiagnosed OCD for over 30 years to founding a support and education network for those affected, Leigh shares powerful reflections on misdiagnosis, lived experience, and the importance of evidence-based care. We explore the neurobiology o...

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80:59

2025 Ep 19 Fire Ecology Dr. Joe Fontaine

Paramount Importance ·

2025/07/02

In this episode, Dr. Joe Fontaine - fire ecologist and senior lecturer at Murdoch University - unpacks the complex role of fire in shaping ecosystems. From smoke-triggered seed germination to species that rely on fire to survive, he explains why fire isn’t just a threat - it’s a critical part of life. We dive into cultural burning, fire frequency, and how new tools like drones could reshape how we manage bushfires. Joe also discusses the alarming collapse of peat wetlands, the incredible disc...

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83:20

2025 Ep 18 Seagrass: Assoc. Prof. Mike van Keulen

Paramount Importance ·

2025/06/25

What if one of the most powerful tools we have against climate change lives just below the ocean’s surface? In this eye-opening episode, marine biologist Associate Professor Mike van Keulen, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Seagrass Specialist Group joins Kurt for a deep dive into the world of seagrasses: the unsung heroes of our coastlines. Seagrasses stabilise sediment, protect shorelines, support fisheries, and store staggering amounts of carbon, but they’re also vulnerable t...

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80:21

2025 Ep 17 Dogs that detect the undetectable: Dr....

Paramount Importance ·

2025/06/18

What do rare orchids, endangered reptiles, invasive species, and medical conditions have in common? They can all be sniffed out by dogs, if you train them right. In this episode, Dr. Megan Barnes, conservation ecologist and founder of Detection for Good, takes us deep into the fascinating world of conservation detection dogs. From dragon-hunting Labradors in Queensland to sniffing out subterranean orchids in Western Australia, Megan’s work sits at the intersection of ecology, animal behaviour...

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36 results

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