Episodes

  • This episode of Plastic Podcast delves into the pervasive issue of microplastics in our food. Featuring insights from Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu, a marine biologist and expert on plastic pollution, the discussion illuminates the alarming prevalence of microplastics in various food items, from seafood to staples like salt and spirulina. They explore how these tiny pollutants make their way into our meals, the potential health implications, and the broader environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. As they unravel the complexities of microplastic contamination, including its pathways and effects on human health, the episode sheds light on the urgent need for research, policy change, and individual action to mitigate this invisible threat lurking in our everyday diet.


    Episode Guest: Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu

    Browse his publications on Research Gate .

    Mikroplastik.org for more research on microplastics

    Plastic People Documentary Trailer on Youtube

    Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu’s book, Plastic Waste Trade, A New Colonialist Means of Pollution Transfer

    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast

    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 

    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 

    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese delves into the interdisciplinary world of plastic conservation with Dr. Yvonne Shashoua, a researcher at the National Museum of Denmark. They explore the nuanced role of plastics in history, culture, and the environment, discussing everything from the preservation of historical artifacts like WWII propaganda balloons and spacesuits to the impacts of plastic degradation in ocean environments. Dr. Shashoua shares insights from her extensive career in polymer chemistry and museum conservation, revealing the complexities of preserving plastic artifacts for future generations and the potential for reusing waste materials in innovative ways. This episode serves as a fascinating exploration of how museum science and conservation can inform our understanding of plastics and their place in our world.


    Episode Guest:  Dr. Yvonne Shashoua

    Browse her publications on Research Gate .

    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast

    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 

    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 

    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • In this episode, host Clark Marchese interviews sea turtle biologist Dr. Christine Figgener. In 2015, Dr. Figgener filmed a viral video where she pulled a straw out of a turtle’s nose. This video prompted an anti-straw movement and solidified turtles as the symbol of plastic’s impact on marine life. The conversation allows an opportunity to reflect on the video and the movement almost ten years later. The two also candidly discuss the broader implications of plastic waste on marine life, the intersection of science and activism, and the urgent need for global environmental change. 


    Episode Guest:  Dr. Christine Figgener

    Browse her publications on Research Gate .

    Follow Dr. Figginer on Instagram

    Pre-order My Life with Sea Turtles by Christine Figgener

    Find the viral video of the turtle and the straw on YouTube

    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast

    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 

    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 

    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Episode Description: This episode of Plastic Podcast explores the multifaceted relationship between plastic and art, tracing its evolution from a novel medium to a vehicle for environmental activism. Featuring insights from Greek artist and art historian Dr. Johannis Tsoumas, the episode delves into the early adoption of plastics in art, highlighting the revolutionary shift brought about by acrylic paints in the 1930s and its subsequent influence on movements like abstract expressionism and pop art. It transitions into the role of plastic in contemporary art as a tool for protest against environmental degradation, showcasing the works of artists like Pamela Longobardi and Pascale Marthine Tayou. Through a blend of historical context and artistic critique, the episode unveils the complex narrative of plastic, portraying it as both a symbol of consumerist excess and a catalyst for socio-political awareness and change


    Episode Guest:  Dr. Johannis Tsoumas

    Browse his publications on Google Scholar and view some of his art here. 

    Find the artwork discussed today using this link 

    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast

    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 

    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 

    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese delves into the complex world of biodegradable plastics. Joined by environmental biologist Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones, they explore the scientific and environmental nuances of bioplastics, debunking common myths and uncovering the truth behind greenwashing. They discuss historical breakthroughs to the current surge in biodegradable plastic production, their real environmental impacts, and how they aren’t so different from conventional plastics. The discussion extends to the social and economic implications, and the potential for international policy change through the upcoming United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to understand the nuanced reality of biodegradable plastics and their role in our environmental future.


    Episode Guest:  Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones

    Browse their publications on Research Gate

    More information on alternative plastics and the UN Treaty 

    More information on Scientist’s Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty. Follow them on LinkedIn for policy briefs!

    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast

    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 

    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 

    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This episode of the Plastic Podcast delves into the concept of zero waste cities, exploring how urban areas can drastically reduce their waste footprint. Our host, Clark, engages with Jack McQuibban from Zero Waste Europe to uncover the intricacies of achieving zero waste status, examining the balance between individual actions and systemic changes necessary for this ambitious goal. They discuss the challenges cities face, the importance of local action, and the global impact of zero waste initiatives. By highlighting successful strategies and the potential savings in waste management, the episode paints a hopeful yet realistic picture of the future of waste reduction, advocating for a collaborative approach that involves policymakers, communities, and individuals alike in the quest for a sustainable, waste-free world.


     Episode Guest: Jack McQuibban

    More information about Zero Waste Europe here

    Further reading about zero waste cities here:

    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast

    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 

    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 

    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Episode Description: In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese talks to Abby Barrows, a marine researcher and microplastics expert who spearheaded a global project to quantify microplastic concentrations in water systems all over the world. The conversation flows through Abby’s scientific interests, definitions of microplastics and what we know about their harms, how the database project was conducted and what we learn from it, and the important contributions of citizen science. 


    Episode Guest: Abby Barrows

    More information on Abby’s Website

    Browse publications on ResearchGate

    More information about Adventure Scientists

    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast

    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 

    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 

    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In the debut episode of the Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese takes listeners on a journey through the fascinating history of plastic. From its humble beginnings as a replacement for ivory billiard balls to its modern-day ubiquity, plastic has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past century.

    With special guest Dr. Seth Rasmussen, a polymers and plastics chemist and science historian, the episode delves into the origins of plastic and its evolution into the versatile material we know today. Rasmussen sheds light on key milestones in plastic development, and how societal attitudes towards plastic have shifted over time, from viewing it as a durable alternative to natural materials to its current status as a symbol of disposable convenience. 


    Episode Guest: Dr. Seth Rasmussen. 

    Browse his publications on ResearchGate


    More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast

    Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

    Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

    Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 

    Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 

    Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

    Other SFX sourced royalty free


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.