Episodes
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No doubt many of us know how good it feels to spend time in nature, but did you know that the act of gardening has huge psychological benefits for our brains, our relationships, and many other aspects of our physical and mental health?
In this episode Tessa sits down with Sue Stuart-Smith to discuss the positives of digging around in the soil. Sue is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist who’s latest book The Well Gardened Mind explores the psychological significance of gardening. A Sunday Times bestseller, Sue combines observation, horticulture, brain science, literature and history.
The pair speak about Sues introduction to gardening, her study of horticulture programs within prison systems, why the colour green is so relaxing for our visual cortex and brains, and many other interesting insights into the human/garden relationship.
Keep up to date with Sue on Instagram @suestuartsmith
This season is proudly supported by Spooked Kooks Surfboards, Camp Cove Swim and For Purpose Recycling. To go in the running to win one of TWO epic prizepacks head to our website for more details https://www.thenaturebetweenus.com/
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The Great Southern Reef spans the entire bottom half of Australia, and 70% of our national population lives within 50kms of it. Yet, it's largely unknown. In this episode Tessa sits down with Dr Sahira Bell to chat about this vital cool water ecosystem, and a marine plant they both adore: seaweed! With its many benefits and uses, seaweed is becoming a hot topic in the climate conversation and on The Great Southern Reef it's the 'kelp forests' that have Sahira's heart.
Sahira is marine ecologist at the University of Western Australia's Ocean Institute and a self confessed kelp enthusiast, currently working on the Great Southern Reef Project alongside filmmakers and scientists. In 2019 she led the original designation of the Great Southern Reef as a Mission Blue Hope Spot, she sits on the management committee for the not-for-profit, the Balu Blue Foundation, and her mantra 'people protect what they love, and love what they understand' is the driving force behind all her projects.
You can keep up to date with Sahira Bell on instagram at @sahirabell and The Great Southern Reef at @greatsouthernreef or https://greatsouthernreef.com/
This season is proudly supported by Spooked Kooks Surfboards, Camp Cove Swim and For Purpose Recycling. To go in the running to win one of TWO epic prizepacks head to our website for more details https://www.thenaturebetweenus.com/
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode we're diving into the ocean waters to learn about our incredible coral reef systems. As beautiful as they are important, coral reefs are often called the ‘rainforests of the sea’ and are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. But, they are struggling against the effects of climate change so Tessa sits down with tropical fish and coral reef expert David Booth to get the 411 on how reef systems function, their current state and what we can do to help them thrive.
David is a Professor of Marine Ecology at UTS, and the past-President of the Australian Coral Reef Society. He is a prominent researcher on reef-fish ecology, the effects of climate change on marine life and other anthropogenic impacts on reef systems. While his research spans areas such as the Caribbean and Hawaii todays conversation focuses on the amazing Great Barrier Reef.
To find out more about David’s research, and the Opera House reef project, head to uts.edu.au
This season is proudly supported by Spooked Kooks Surfboards, For Purpose Recycling and Camp Cove Swim. To go in the running to win one of TWO epic prize-packs head to our website for more details www.thenaturebetweenus.com
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It's been three decades since the landmark Mabo decision overturned the concept of terra nullius - land belonging to no one - yet the idea of aqua nullius and the fight for restoring Aboriginal water rights remains.
In this episode Tessa speaks to Wiradjuri Nyemba woman Dr Virginia Marshall about detangling the complex web of water management, the Royal Commission into the Murray Darling basin and the commodification of water. Virginia is a practicing lawyer and a duty solicitor specialising in intellectual property and traditional knowledge. She's also an Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Water Trust and was a member of the inaugural Indigenous Water Summit established by the National Water Commission. In addition she was the first Indigenous postdoctoral fellow with ANU and a winner of the Stanner Award with her thesis "A web of Aboriginal water rights: Examining the competing Aboriginal claim for water property rights and interests in Australia".
Keep up to date with Virginias work via ANU School of Regulation and Global Governance : https://regnet.anu.edu.au/our-people/academic/virginia-marshall
This season is proudly supported by Spooked Kooks Surfboards, For Purpose Recycling and Camp Cove Swim. To go in the running to win one of TWO epic prize-packs head to our website for more details www.thenaturebetweenus.com
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Fashion, clothing, shoes, accessories .... we all buy them, use them, and dispose of them. But what are the environmental and human impacts of this? And as much as marketing loves to sell it - can the fashion industry ever be truely sustainable?In this ep, Tessa sits down with sustainable supply chain expert Kelly Elkin. Having previously co-founded online store Well Made Clothes, as well the Australian Ethical Fashion Association - Clean Cut, Kelly has been on the forefront of sustainable fashion in Australia for decades, helping both emerging and established brands build strategies driven by social and environmental impact. Currently, she's focusing her efforts on implementing emerging technology and sustainability measures at the long-running surf label Piping Hot.The pair get chatting about the environmental and human costs of the fashion industry. The pros and cons of natural materials, the synthetic takeover, transparent supply chains & the possibility of a circular economy, and the most sustainable way to stay cute whilst not being naked ;)This season is proudly supported by Spooked Kooks Surfboards, For Purpose Recycling and Camp Cove Swim. To go in the running to win one of TWO epic prize-packs head to our website for more details www.thenaturebetweenus.com@thenaturebetweenuspodcast@tessadejosselin
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Bees are infinitely important to our food production, plant pollination and ecosystem biodiversity. You've probably come across a European honeybee before, but did you know Australia has over 2000 different types of native bees?
In this episode, Tessa speaks with Dr Tim Heard - an entomologist and ex CSIRO research scientist who focuses on stingless and native bees. The pair get chatting about the differences between native and introduced bees, the types of native species here in Australia, the challenges they are facing and what we can do to help our buzzy friends thrive.
Keep up to date with Tims work at - https://sugarbag.net/
This season is proudly supported by Spooked Kooks Surfboards, For Purpose Recycling and Camp Cove Swim. To go in the running to win an epic prize-pack head to our website for more details www.thenaturebetweenus.com
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In this ep, Tessa chats with Tishiko King, a proud Kulkalaig woman from the Island of Masig in Zenadth Kes (Torres Straight Islands). She's the Campaigns Director at Seed Mob, an organiser for the Our Islands Our Home campaign and an all-round legend who is passionate about sharing culture, amplifying social inequality, and advocating for the rights of First Nations people.
Tish is currently based in Naarm but has bounced around a bit throughout her interesting life. Hear about her journey to studying marine biology, how she went from working for a mining company to fighting gas exploration in the NT, her experience of attending COP26 last year and the many powerful First Nations led campaigns she is currently fighting for.
You can follow Tish @thediaryofagreengirl and get behind Seed Mob at @seedmob and Our Islands Our Home at @ourislandsourhome
This season is proudly supported by Spooked Kooks Surfboards, For Purpose Recycling and Camp Cove Swim. To go in the running to win an epic prize-pack head to our website for more details www.thenaturebetweenus.com
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In the first episode of season 2, Tessa sits down with one of Australia's most accomplished climate campaigners, Anna Rose.
Anna is the co-founder of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) and Groundswell Giving. She's on the board for Farmers for Climate Action, a Governor of WWF Australia and co-star of the ABC documentary I Can Change Your Mind on Climate Change.
With the upcoming federal election and increase in extreme weather events supercharging the climate conversation, Tessa wanted to hear from someone who's experienced political change first hand, and knows exactly how to turn the dial for good.
The pair chat about her early climate win's, Earths tipping points, the upcoming election, why it's important to have governmental change, how you can vote effectively and have meaningful climate conversations.
You can follow Anna's work on Instagram @climateactionanna or @youth4climatejustice and join the Groundswell movement at @groundswellgiving
Wanna know how to vote better? Then check out Vote Compass: https://votecompass.abc.net.au/
This season is proudly supported by Spooked Kooks Surfboard, Camp Cove Swim and For Purpose Recycling. To win a prize-pack giveaway head to our website for entry details-
www.thenaturebetweenus.com
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After a year of chatting, recording and editing (plus hiking a couple mountains in between)....your favourite enviro pod, The Nature Between Us, is back!
In this season, Tessa delves into topics such as natural gas fracking, sustainable fashion, Aboriginal water rights, the plight of our bee's, diminishing kelp forests, migrating tropical fish, the psychological benefits of gardening and of course - climate change and the upcoming election!
It's a smorgasbord of enviro thoughts, feelings, solutions and fun. Tune in to keep your mind ticking over and the fire in your belly raging. Launching April 26th, with episodes released fortnightly. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or directly via the website www.thenaturebetweenus.com
This podcast is produced on unceded Gadigal and Bidjigal country of the Eora Nation, it acknowledges they are the traditional owners of this land, and pays respects to their elders past present and emerging. -
This episode is all about creating art in the era of climate change. Specifically theater, which has the power to connect, provoke and inspire people far and wide. Which got Tessa thinking....could theater be the answer to climate anxiety, science communication or even just a subtle push for action?
Today's guest is David Finnigan, a writer and theatre-maker who works with earth scientists to produce engaging performances about climate and global change. His plays include Kill Climate Deniers, You're Safe Til 2024, and 44 Sex Acts In One Week. Outside of being a playwright he is also a member of a number of theater ensembles which create interactive science-theater performances for festivals, conferences and schools. Boho in Australia, Coney in the UK and the Sipat Lawin Ensemble in the Philippines.
Tessa came across David in Rebecca Huntley book How To Talk About Climate Change In A Way That Makes A Difference. If you've tuned into Ep6 you'll know all about the power of emotions and engagement, and this episode is some ways an extension of that conversation. We chat about David's plays and how he translates scientific research for the stage, why he was wrong about the fires, the power of theater and how we're crossing planetary boundaries.
To sign up to David's newsletter, hit his website @ www.davidfing.com
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Plastic pollution in our oceans is a well known and widespread problem, but because plastic never actually goes away, it just gets smaller and smaller, we are now fighting a new dilemma - micro/nano plastics.... and with recent studies suggesting seafood eaters consume around a credit card's worth of plastic each year, it's cause for concern.
In this episode Tessa speaks with conservationist and marine biologist Alice Forrest, who has spent the past decade traveling the world, researching plastic pollution and marine conservation, freediving with whales and teaching people about the importance of treading lightly. We discuss everything you need to know about microplastics, helpful habits you can adopt to avoid em/stop em, her experiences teaching in Antarctica, her self built tiny home, and lots of other interesting enviro saving stuff - like virtual reality !
Oh, and if you haven't already, you can download Al's recent e-book 'Micro Plastics / Massive Problem' here...
https://mailchi.mp/9f2bbc600638/microplastic -
Listening and learning from First Nations Peoples is crucial to a healthy environment. In this episode Tessa speaks with Christian Hampson, a proud Woiwurrung and Maneroo Aboriginal man who is interweaving Indigenous knowledge and collaborative design thinking to walk a new path - away from conventional approaches.
In 2019 Christian co-founded Yerrabingin, a commercial design organisation that creates environmentally conscious native landscapes enriched with Indigenous narratives. One such project was the world's first Indigenous rooftop farm, that hosts over 2,500 Australian native edible plants, and is located on top of Yerrabingin House in South Eveleigh, Sydney. Prior to Yerrabingin, Christian had 20 Years experience as a Senior Cultural Heritage Manager with NSW National Parks where he conserved, shared and celebrated Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
This episodes centers around Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, what it means to care for and acknowledge Country, and Indigenous land management both in rural and urban settings. Christian also touches on the importance of oral knowledge and community kinship, the new Yerrabingin farm currently underway in Bargo, native edible plants, and what we can keep an eye out for when foraging in Sydney!
Follow Christian at @yerrabingin & @heathen_black and stay up to date with TNBU by subscribing and following @thenaturebetweenuspodcast -
Cyrus Sutton is a professional surfer, documentary filmmaker, permaculturalist and DIY king. He's also a friend of Tessa's and in this episode the pair get chatting about small scale agriculture, surf adventures in Russia, life in a van, the commodification of nature and power of storytelling and mythology. Cyrus is a deep thinker with a clear understanding of the connectedness of our planet - from ecology to sustainability, to surfing and the way in which humans can have a more meaningful and rewarding existence within nature. He grew up in the OC in California, and has spent the majority of his life on the road, creating his own curriculum but since the covid shut down, he planted roots outside of Portland and put the decades of his regenerative farming and permaculture knowledge to good use.
Follow him @cyrussutton and keep up to date with future episodes @thenaturebetweenuspodcast -
Talking about climate change can be riddled with pitfalls...and as it turns out - the scientific facts aren't necessarily the best place to start. In this episode Tessa speaks with one of Australia's best known social researchers and author - Rebecca Huntley. Along with degrees in Law and film studies, and a PHD in gender studies, Rebecca has written numerous books and essays, and is a regular commentator on radio and television. Having delved into some of our most complex social issues Rebecca recently turned her focus to helping the climate crisis and produced her latest book How To Talk About Climate Change In A Way That Makes A Difference. A remarkable study into which emotions are useful and which are not when it comes to climate change communication. In this episode we dig deep into the psychology of the human brain and explore how Australians really feel about climate change, why it's sometimes hard to engage, the perils of politicization and how best to tackle tricky and scary conversations.
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The past 20 years has seen a staggering increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The cause? Scientific consensus says a warming climate is the culprit....but when you break it down, how exactly does that work? And how can futuristic technology and immersive storytelling help us to adapt? In this episode Tessa speaks with two weather obsessed guests. Nate Byrne - a meteorologist, oceanographer, Navy Lieutenant and ABC News Breakfast weatherman, and Emma Morris - an award winning documentary producer/director, immersive technology geek, and the brains behind a new augmented reality experience - Mt Resilience. We discuss our craziest weather experiences, the power of technology for science communication, how Mt Resilience came about and heaps of weather stuff like cyclones, sand sculptures, warming atmospheres, and the el nino and la nina effect.
Check out Mt Resilience at www.mtresilience.com.au
Stay up to date by subscribing and following TNBU on socials @thenaturbetweenuspodcast -
In Australia, 71% of the population live in a major city - but how sustainable is this? And what exactly makes a city liveable? In this episode Tessa chats with Sydney City Councillor Jess Miller to find out. If you're a sydney local you might already know Jess. She was first elected to Council in 2016, and served as Deputy Lord Mayor from 2017-2018. She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee, sits on the Cycling Advisory Committee, and is a big advocate for sustainable urban design and a diverse night time economy. Jess is also an Impact Strategist at the socially conscious Republic of Everyone. She breaks down what makes a city liveable, how Sydney City transitioned to 100% renewable energy, the power of trees and the importance of human connection to people and place. You can keep up to date with all her amazing projects on instagram @jessmillersydney, and stay up to date with TNBU by subscribing and following @thenaturebetweenuspodcast
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Environmental law has existed since around the 1960s, however only recently have litigations pivoted to address the concerns of growing emission levels and a warming climate. In this episode Tessa speaks with David Barnden, the founder and principal lawyer of Equity Generation Lawyers - a law firm that specialises in Australian climate change law.
They discuss the history of environmental regulation in australia, the recent EPBC Act review, how covid is affecting the legal system, the economic impact of climate change inaction on investments and our global reputation, and of course the three high profile and progressive cases he's currently working on.
Before starting up Equity Generation David was also a principal lawyer at Environmental Justice Australia, and an associate at social justice law firm Maurice Blackburn. Beyond this David also has a background in applied sciences and coastal management, plus we heard he was a fellow surfer....so knew he'd be good egg!
Stay up to date by subscribing, and following on TNBU socials @thenaturebetweenuspodcast -
Australia has over 600 national parks, taking up over 28 million hectares of land. Much of which was destroyed in the 2019-20 fire season. In this episode Tessa speaks with Peta Norris, a NSW National Parks veteran, who's worked in wildlife conservation, land management, fire prevention, and as a park ranger and professional firefighter. She breaks down what caused the catastrophic fire events earlier this year and why the tried and tested techniques failed to contain the blazes. We also discuss the recent Bushfire Inquiry Report, why wildlife conservation is key, and the importance of listening to First Nations People. Peta's clued up on environmental law too, so we touch on the recent Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 review, and discuss whos got the most 'clout' when it comes to environmental law in Australia.
And in true national park style....there's a symphony of birds singing in the background. Chirp chirp!
Stay up to date by subscribing, and following on TNBU socials @thenaturebetweenuspodcast -
Every day, Indonesia generates around 175,000 tons of waste, and is believed to be the second largest contributor of ocean plastics, behind China. But it's not all their fault. In this episode Tessa speaks with waste management strategist Joi Danielson about what makes Indonesia's waste problem unique, why waste management systems are so complex, and her experience living and working on the frontline with Project STOP - a program solving plastic leakage and creating change by proving that a circular economy IS possible.
Check out ProjectSTOP here: https://www.stopoceanplastics.com/en_gb/about/ and download Joi's e-book "Leave No Trace" here: https://www.vitalocean.org/
And stay up to date by subscribing, and following on TNBU socials @thenaturebetweenuspodcast -
The Nature Between Us is a new podcast demystifying environmental issues in a bid to find solutions and positivity. Join host Tessa de Josselin in conversation with a variety of people working towards a healthier planet. These discussions are as much about unpacking climate change and sustainability issues, as it is about reigniting an appreciation for the natural world and how much we depend on it - as individuals, and humanity.
This podcast is recorded and produced on unceded Gadigal and Bidjigal country of the Eora Nation, it acknowledges they are the traditional owners of this land, and pays respects to their elders past present and emerging.
Stay up to date by subscribing, and following on socials @thenaturebetweenuspodcast
