Эпизоды
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In this energising conversation with estuarine ecologist Dr. Alan Cottingham from Murdoch University, we dive into the surprising world of mussels—nature’s quiet achievers. From the long-lived Carter’s freshwater mussel to tiny pigmy mussels capable of filtering thousands of litres of water per hour, Alan reveals how these humble creatures play a vital role in keeping our aquatic ecosystems healthy. We explore their fascinating life cycles, including their parasitic larval stage, and how cutting-edge technology like Spy Valve is turning mussels into real-time water quality monitors. With nearly half of freshwater mussel species under threat, Alan shares hopeful stories from the frontlines of mussel reef restoration and how smart science, community collaboration, and a bit of creativity can help turn the tide. Whether it’s restoring lost habitats, preventing fish kills, or inspiring the next generation of scientists, this episode shines a light on the extraordinary impact of some of the ocean’s most underrated heroes.
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In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and coral expert Dr. Shannon Dee to dive into the world of turbid reefs—those cloudy, hard-to-study ecosystems that might actually hold the key to coral survival in a changing climate. We get into how corals grow, what a carbonate budget even is, and why some reefs are thriving in places we least expect. Shannon is a young and inspiring scientist and she also shares her journey in marine science, her work in leadership for women in STEM, and what keeps her hopeful about the future of our oceans.
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Пропущенные эпизоды?
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In this episode of Paramount Importance, Kurt sits down with Professor Rachel Standish from Murdoch University to explore the fascinating world of biodiversity, ecological restoration, and the silent workhorses of our environment—soil microbes. From the impacts of drought, invasive species, and pathogens like dieback, to innovative efforts in mine site restoration and the promising future of Australia’s Nature Repair Market, this wide-ranging conversation blends deep ecological theory with practical environmental solutions. Whether you’re an ecologist, landholder, student, or curious listener, this episode offers valuable insight into how science can help heal our landscapes.
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In this episode, I’m back in the studio after five years to officially relaunch Paramount Importance! I sit down with my good mate (and now producer) Dan to talk about how this podcast started, why I stopped, and what’s driving me to fire it up again. We dive into everything from fieldwork stories and estuary science to my upcoming PhD, the chaos of juggling science, side projects, and training for a half Ironman. This one's a bit of a behind-the-scenes catch-up—a way to test the mics, share the vision, and bring you along for the ride as we kick off this next chapter.
This is officially the first episode recorded in 2025
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In this episode, Kurt is joined by Dr. James Gilmour from the Australian Institute of Marine Science to dive deep into the world of coral reefs—from what they are and how they function, to the mounting pressures they face from climate change. With over two decades of experience researching reefs like Scott Reef, Dr. Gilmour breaks down the science behind coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and what the future holds. This is a compelling, sobering, and hopeful conversation for anyone who cares about the ocean and our planet’s future.
This episode was recorded in 2019, all information is relevant and extremely interesting.
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What if you could see the universe—not with your eyes—but with radio waves? In this episode, Kurt sits down with astrophysicist Dr. Amanda Wilber to explore the hidden side of the cosmos. From mysterious black holes and galaxy clusters to radio jets, cosmic rays, and the strange "blank space" that turns out to be full of invisible energy, this mind-expanding conversation breaks down some of the universe’s most incredible phenomena. They discuss how stars are born, what happens when galaxies collide, and whether life might exist beyond Earth. It's deep space made understandable, and somehow even more awe-inspiring. Whether you're a science nerd or just curious about what’s out there, this one will stretch your mind in the best way.
This episode was recorded in 2019 but the material is all still relevant and mind blowing.
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Cuddly companions or cunning killers? Kurt dives deep into the wild, weird, and dangerous world of cats in Australia. With special guests Emeritus Professor Mike Calver and Dr. Heather Crawford from Murdoch University, this episode unpacks the evolution, impact, and mysterious lives of domestic, stray, and feral cats. From ancient Egyptian grain stores to outback ecosystems, discover how cats went from pest control heroes to ecological threats. Hear wild stories—like a toothless feral cat still killing lizards—and learn why Australia's 2.7+ million feral cats are much more than misunderstood fluffballs.
If you’ve ever wondered what your cat really gets up to when it wanders the streets, this is the episode for you.
This episode was recorded in 2019 but released in 2025
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On this episode I speak to Bee expert Kit Prendergast about Australia’s native bees. We are all familiar with the honey bee but Australia is home to many native bees that are vitally important to our ecosystem. I chat to kit discussing her studies on native bees finding out some fascinating and bizarre facts. Along the lines of what places sting the most, where and why native bees are important, how to increase native bees in your area, bee hotels, Bee social structures and is the exploding occupation of honey from Honey Bee detrimental to our native bees and their environment.
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On this episode I speak to Great White Shark expert Oliver Jewell. Oliver has been researching Great Whites for over 10 years around the world, tagging, tracking and learning to understand their behaviour, he recently published the first findings of the great whites hunting in Kelp forests that has grabbed the attention across the globe.
The great White sharks generate a lot of media hype with many mixed opinions on the Apex Predator, a lot without valid information. Aiming to broaden the understanding of these magnificent creatures Oliver and I discuss many controversial topics that surround the great white like culling, drum lines, cage diving and safety as well as learning about the research involved in the sharks behaviour, hot spot areas, distribution, reproduction and answering questions from the public.
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Ross McGibbon is a wildlife photographer who specializes in reptiles, a public educator in reptile awareness and conservation, as well as a career firefighter. He previously worked as a professional snake handler and has now had articles and photographs published in Australian Geographic, and chased some of the most venomous snakes in the world.
Reptiles are an important part of our ecosystem playing major roles and in cases are keystone species. They are often objectified as dangerous and vicious creatures often putting a lot of fear in people.Ross explains the importance of these lovely creatures and why they aren’t a big threat to us and why we shouldn’t be scared if we come into contact, as well as dropping some very interesting stories and facts along the way.
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Building a civilisation on Mars is not a far fetch idea with international organisation Mars One aiming to land the first humans in 2032, Josh Richards has dedicated his life to this mission and be one of the first humans to live on Mars.
Josh has been an explosives engineer, picking up booby traps with the Australian army, slogged through mud with the British commandos, been a science adviser to the richest artist in the world, a tech/ cave diver, performed comedy around the world, a graduate of physics and psychology and now on the one way mission Mars One.
A man that might seem to not have any fear, shares with me his scariest moment in his life, his time in the army, the mars one mission and those intimate questions you want to find out.
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Steele spent 8 years in the Australian army which he shares some interesting stories finding unexplored chemical warfare relics within Australia and how his life’s experiences led to the start of the Surf Meal co. Big wave surfer Henry Davies and myself discuss nutrition and the relation to fitness, surfing, health and keeping a healthy mind.
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Shark scientist Michael Heldsinger, Marine scientist Lachie Ramm and myself (Kurt Krispyn) discuss sharks and all things about sharks, we start with discussing Michaels study on the Seven Gill Shark over in New Zealand, as well as shark hot spot areas, is there an increase in shark population, shark attacks and encounters, methods of safety to the public, shark shields, some interesting facts you may not have known while sharing some of our favourite moments in the water.
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Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi of the University of Western Australia for over 30 years, is a highly regarded Professor on Oceanography and has been published in more than 300 journals including over 100 peer-reviewed international journals. His research entails climate change effects and how it links to ocean currents, wind and wave climate, sea level variability, coastal flooding, beach stability and in recent years the ocean currents to determine where the plane wreckage of flight MH370 might be. Big wave surfer Henry Davies and I (Kurt Krispyn) joined Professor Pattiaratchi at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre discussing and discovering the underlying science about waves, tides, climate change, rising sea level and the wreckage of flight MH370.
