The Lentil Intervention Podcast

Dr Kate Wylie is an Adelaide-based GP, the founder of Climate Medicine, and the Executive Director of Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), a not-for-profit advocacy organisation that recognises human health depends on a healthy environment. Dr Wylie is a master communicator who has emerged as a leading voice in Australia for highlighting the health implications of climate change while championing change and actionable solutions. This is Kate’s second full episode and third appearance on the podcast, first chatting with us in season 1 episode 22 and contributing to our end-of-year wrap-up in 2021. With significant developments in planetary health and Dr Wylie’s professional journey since our last conversation, catching up was long overdue! In this episode, we had the opportunity to delve into DEA's recent endeavours and discuss our climate's current state. Kate shares insights into the profound effects of climate change on the health of Australians while highlighting the importance of proactive measures. Despite the multitude of challenges posed by climate change, Dr Wylie’s message remains resolute: Our planet is worth saving, and so are we. It’s not game over, it’s game on. In this episode, we discuss: • Kate’s shift from general practice to becoming Executive Director of DEA • Hiking the Larapinta Trail to raise money for DEA • The recent 2024 iDEA conference • Fossil Fuels as a health hazard • DEA’s lobbying work and recent submissions • The Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity Bill and Senate Inquiry • Why we should consider the health impacts of proposed fossil fuel projects • Health impacts of vehicle emissions • The increase in allergens due to climate change • The carbon footprint of various asthma inhalers • Climate change and health hazards: Heatwaves, extreme heat, flooding and storms, bushfires • Key messages from the 2023 MJA-Lancet Countdown on health and climate change • Healthcare sustainability – transitioning to an environmentally sustainable healthcare sector in Australia • Kate’s suggestions on how we can all advocate for change To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Andre Borell is not just a filmmaker and investor, he’s a catalyst for change and a maker of good trouble! We first chatted with Andre in season two of the podcast, hot on the heels of the release of Envoy: Shark Cull, a documentary that sheds light on the long-running ‘shark safety’ programs in place in QLD and NSW. In this episode, we catch up with Andre and delve into his work since the film’s debut, including the establishment of the Envoy Foundation and their recent annual reports. We revisit the critical importance of protecting sharks as a keystone species in our oceans, highlighting the shortcomings and environmental consequences of current shark control methods while exploring more sustainable solutions. But that’s not all! In addition to his work with Envoy Foundation, Andre has taken on a new role as a board member of the Norwegian Whale Reserve. (Does he ever sleep? We’re not sure…) This visionary conservation initiative is to be an open sea sanctuary nestled in the pristine fjords of Norway, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing captive whales. We dive into the details of this project and their vision for the future. Prepare to be inspired by this insightful conversation with an extraordinary human being! In this episode, we discuss: Envoy: Shark CullEnvoy FoundationNSW Shark Meshing ProgramQLD Shark Control ProgramNorwegian Whale ReserveNorwegian Whale ReserveEnvoy FoundationTo view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Dr Sally Gillespie is an author, lecturer, workshop facilitator, and trainer for Psychology for a Safe Climate. We first spoke with Sally in season 2, episode 27 about her book Climate Crisis and Consciousness: Re-imagining Our World and Ourselves and how to deal with eco-anxiety. Since speaking with Sally in 2021, the changing climate continues to impact our communities and our mental health. Many communities have endured bushfires, floods, storms, coastal erosions and heatwaves, yet important community resilience-building actions are still lacking in many areas. Sally’s recent article in Explorations in Climate Psychology Journal explores the significant mental health impacts associated with the escalating climate disasters in Australia - often overlooked when discussing climate change. So, in this episode, we unpack her article in more detail as Sally highlights the need for trauma-informed care and community-based practices to address this worsening crisis. In the face of such uncertainty, holistic, resilience-building approaches, that integrate traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern psychological insights are now more important than ever, when it comes to supporting individual and community health. In this episode, we discuss: Sally’s If this story has raised concerns for you or someone you know, you can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636 in Australia or Lifeline at 0800 LIFELINE (0800 54 33 54) or free text HELP (4357) in New Zealand. To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a cof Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Esther Gathambo, originally hailing from Kenya and now calling New Zealand home, is a social entrepreneur and businesswoman driven by a powerful mission. In 2020 Esther founded Sawubona, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering African artisans, promoting fair trade and sustainability practices, and nurturing a sense of community and shared experiences. In this conversation, we delve into Esther’s upbringing in Kenya, exploring the enduring impacts of colonialism and her insights into the transformative potential of business. We learn the inspiring story behind Sawubona and how Esther’s venture is actively improving the lives of artisans and communities while forging meaningful connections between Africa and New Zealand. In this episode, we discuss: To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Joining us for his second appearance on the show, Dr Jack Auty is a lecturer in the Medical Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Tasmania. Jack leads research on the intricate connections between inflammation and disease. With a diverse array of interests, ranging from the impact of microplastics on lung and gut inflammation to the potential use of common anti-inflammatories in treating Alzheimer's disease, Jack's work is at the forefront of medical research. If this is your first introduction to Dr Auty, please take time to listen to his first podcast episode with us here, as it will give you a more detailed background on his fascinating work to date. In this episode we focus in on Jack’s work with AdriftLab, where he’s been looking at wildlife impacted by microplastic exposure and the ability of plastic to directly induce severe, organ-wide scar tissue formation. In this episode we discuss: Dr Jennifer LaversPlasticosis’interdisciplinary approachmicroplastic and nanoplastic contamination To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Dr Neal Haddaway is a photojournalist and environmental photographer whose work highlights the damaging impacts of capitalism and unchecked economic growth. With a PhD in environmental science and a 20-year career in environmental research and academia, Neal boldly chose to transition his career to photography fuelled by a desire to inspire others visually and reconnect with his passion for environmental conservation. Neal makes a strong argument for the importance of storytelling in science communication. Through his work, he aims to bridge the gap between science and public perception, recognising the significance of compelling narratives in driving positive change. Here we discuss his poignant photojournalism projects and publications, and the mental health toll on those working in environmental academia, and much more. While many of the topics we cover are quite heavy, they are important to be aware of. Neal encourages us all not to look away, but rather to keep learning, keep broadening our understandings and keep engaging in discussions with others. Knowledge is power and serves as our armour against misinformation. It provides us with the tools to challenge falsehoods and build a better society and future for both people and the planet. In this episode, we discuss: Hope?The true cost of our foodCoal ScarsTo view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

And we’re back! Welcome to Season 5 of The Lentil Intervention Podcast. We are thrilled to be bringing you more insightful discussions, inspiring stories and scientific snapshots this year, and we are certainly kicking things off with a bang with our first guest, Max Romey. Max is a phenomenal artist, filmmaker, producer, educator, trail runner and environmental advocate based in Anchorage, Alaska. Max uses his unique blend of watercolours and videography to highlight the complexities of environmental problems impacting both local and global communities. We learn about Max’s background and inspiring outlook on life, as well as discuss his latest works which focus on the once pristine wilderness of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Unfortunately, even with its remoteness, the world’s rubbish problem has come knocking on Katmai’s shores. Even though the debris on Katmai might come from a world away, when it comes to ocean plastics we are all in the same boat, so this conversation with Max only serves to underscore the need for global action – no matter where we are located, we’ve all got a role to play. In this episode, we discuss: grandmother’s travels and artworkNo Lost ShoesFootprints on KatmaiTo view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

We’ve reached the Season 4 finale of The Lentil Intervention podcast! In our last episode for 2023, we sit down with podcast favourite Dr Mike Joy to recap the pressing environmental and climate concerns that have defined the past year. We also have a frank discussion about the necessary actions that can result in a better future for all. From climate change to degrowth, Dr Joy provides valuable insights and expertise that sheds light on the challenges our planet is currently facing, and he discusses concepts and principles that can help us transition towards a more sustainable future. In a special segment, we address listener questions about effective environmental activism, where Mike lends his perspective on the actionable steps we can all take to make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change and environmental disasters. As we wrap up Season 4, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our incredible listeners for joining us again this year. Your support fuels our passion for environmental and health advocacy and knowledge-sharing. We look forward to coming back for Season 5, where we will continue to explore new health and environment topics and amplify the voices of those inspiring positive change. To everyone in the TLI community, we wish you a safe and happy end of year, and we’ll be back - just after a little break. In this episode, we cover: impossibilities of offsettingDegrowthDegrowth Aotearoa New Zealand Previous episodes: Dr Mike Joy, Freshwater EcologistDr Mike Joy, Growth, Emissions and Our WaterwaysDr Mike Joy, Protecting Our Planet’s Life Support NetworksDr Mike Joy and The Rubbish Trip, Translating Science to Real-World Action To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Professor Ilan Noy is the Chair in Economics of Disasters and Climate Change - Te Āwhionukurangi, at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. Ilan’s research and teaching focus on the economic aspects of natural hazards, disasters, climate change, and other related topics in environmental, development, and international economics. Ilan is also the founding Editor-in-Chief of the SpringerNature journal Economics of Disasters and Climate Change. Having previously worked at the University of Hawai’i and consulting for the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank (to name a few!), Ilan brings a wealth of knowledge to this conversation. Professor Noy recently co-authored an article, published in Nature Communications, assessing the global cost of extreme weather attributable to climate change. Their findings revealed that extreme events attributable to climate change cost the world US$143 billion per year, yet the loss and damage funding agreement arrived at from COP27 will only offer an average of US$10 billion a year – a drop in the bucket compared to what’s truly needed. Ilan unpacks the paper’s findings and much more in our conversation. In this episode, we discuss: Economics of Disasters and Climate Changelack of economist engagement To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Dr Luke Kelly is an Associate Professor in Quantitative Ecology at the University of Melbourne, leading teams both locally and internationally. Luke studies the dynamics of plant and animal populations, educates about biodiversity and human well-being, and collaborates with diverse stakeholders to prevent species extinction. With expertise in ecological and evolutionary dynamics, Luke recently led a team of researchers that assessed how human activities are reshaping patterns of fire across the globe. Some of the findings were quite surprising, with our planet now burning in unexpected ways. In this conversation we talk shop on fire fundamentals, key fire changes both globally and locally, and how we can coexist with fires in the Anthropocene, by moving forward and working together to generate ideas and solutions. In this episode, we discuss: biodynamosUnderstanding Fire Regimes for a Better Anthropocene website buying us a coffeeFollow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Peri Zee is an urban planner and sustainable transport professional working towards more inclusive and connected communities that are supported to live good lives within planetary boundaries. Peri is head of mobility at Pollock Consulting Limited and was previously the climate action pathway lead and healthy city design lead at Hutt City Council. Peri covers some essential topics in this episode, discussing the concepts of planetary boundaries and degrowth, and the importance of public transport in connecting our communities while providing a pathway to a more sustainable future. Peri leaves us with some inspiring words about becoming our own changemakers – the more people that see the big picture and act on it, the greater the transformation will be, and there is a role for everyone. In this episode, we discuss: planetary boundariesdegrowth approach To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we chat with running legend Damian Hall, a record-breaking ultramarathon runner and athletics coach who has represented Great Britain and continues to achieve competitive results in some of the world’s toughest and gruelling races. Damian is an experienced journalist and author of several books, including the award-nominated We Can’t Run Away From This, which examines the impact of running on our climate and ecological emergency. Damian is also a passionate (and very busy!) climate activist, a member of several environmental organisations and initiatives, and co-founder of The Green Runners. Damian inspires any climate-conscious runner and prompts us to seriously consider our kit, food, and travel. Moreover, Damian helps us all identify - whether we are athletes or not - simple changes we can make to our behaviour for a cleaner, greener world and future. In this episode, we discuss: We Can’t Run Away From ThisGame Changer Sponsorship PledgeThe Green RunnersInto Ultra To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we discuss alternative protein with Dr Simon Eassom, Executive Director at Food Frontier, Australia and New Zealand’s independent think tank on alternative proteins. Simon is an experienced leader, business executive, and strategic thinker and has had a distinguished career as a university professor with a Ph.D. in applied ethics and a background in health and nutrition as Head of a large university School of Physical Education and Sport Science. As a freelance investigative journalist, Simon was a regular media commentator on numerous issues, including the political economy of food and the public presentation of information and advice on diet and health. He has been an in-demand public speaker on technology and change and currently serves on the Board of the Australian Council of Professions as its Chief Futurist. In this conversation, Simon brings his passion and knowledge to help us understand alternative proteins and their role in delivering a sustainable protein supply that supports people and the planet. In this episode, we discuss: Alternative Proteins and AsiaTheory of ChangeAltProteins 23 Conference To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Emma Wingrove is a reuse specialist, passionate about bringing New Zealand to the forefront of sustainability and climate change solutions. In 2014, while undertaking her university degree, Emma established The Clean Up Crew Aotearoa, after identifying the hideously overlooked problem of litter and neglected beaches of the beautiful North Shore of Auckland. Thinking that someone should really address the problem, she realised that someone could be her. From humble beginnings, the Clean up Crew continues to grow. Emma inspires hope for a better future by proving that one person can make a difference. Anybody can see a problem and start working towards fixing it - solutions don’t need vast acts of grandeur, just passion and determination! In this episode, we discuss: Localised NZplastic waste problem To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Dr Kate Sievert is a Research Fellow at GLOBE at Deakin University with a special interest in power and politics with regard to food systems and their relationship with population and planetary health. Kate is also a co-founder of Healthy Food Systems Australia, an advocacy group dedicated to bettering food systems for all Australians and the land. Dr Sievert was responsible for leading The World Health Organisation’s recent Information Brief titled Red and Processed Meat in the Context of Health and the Environment: Many Shades of Red and Green, which synthesized the current evidence on the role of red and processed meat production and consumption in health and environmental outcomes, and in different social and political contexts. In this episode, we discuss this recent publication in addition to some of Kate’s other fascinating work regarding transparency within the food industry, corporate power, and political influence. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, so you may want to listen through it twice. However, one thing that Kate makes clear is that in transitioning to a sustainable food system we need to think more deeply than economics and consider concepts that are best for humans, animals, and the planet. In this episode, we discuss: GLOBEwho has a beef with reducing red and processed meat consumption To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Deirdre Kent is a long-time environmental activist with a background in teaching, campaigning, and lobbying and is also a prolific author, having written six books. Deirdre has been involved in numerous research and political campaigning efforts and has established various organisations such as Transition Town Ōtaki, the Ōtaki Timebank and The New Economics Party. Being involved in green economics for many years, Deirdre has most recently co-founded Degrowth Aotearoa New Zealand and talks extensively about various economic concepts, currency design, money and the environment on her website. Not only that, Deirdre is an ardent supporter of a whole food plant-based diet for the associated environmental and health benefits and speaks passionately on this subject. In this episode, we discuss: To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Dr Jennifer Lavers is an Indigenous scientist and seabirds and plastic pollution expert, working as a Healthy Country Plan Coordinator for the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC) and as the coordinator of Adrift Lab. Jennell Reynolds is a community engagement officer and previous Tjaltjraak Ranger, also with ETNTAC. Kepa Kurl Wudjari Peoples' ancestral lands span over 30,000 square kilometres of Southern Western Australia, encompassing Esperance and beyond. Kepa Kurl Wudjari people are descended from seven apical ancestors, of which Jennell is recognised as a direct descendant, having the rights and responsibility for the practice of Wudjari Nyungar culture and for passing it on to future generations. Here we learn about the critical work of ETNTAC and how they preserve culture and care for country in this modern age of science and technology. Australia’s First Nations people are the original scientists, land managers, engineers, ecologists and so much more, drawing on 50,000 years’ worth of knowledge. In the face of our current climate and environmental emergencies, we learn the importance of respecting and honouring the past in guiding us towards a better future. In this episode, we discuss: statement To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Sahra Kress is a committee member of Degrowth Aotearoa NZ and comes to this conversation about degrowth drawing passionately from her position as a midwife, deeply concerned about the future of the children she delivers. Sahra has spent years working at the interface of social, cultural, and environmental complexity. Her work includes 18 years of Lead Maternity Practice, regular emergency skills teaching in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea and leading a research study on family planning in the Solomon Islands. Unable to continue flying due to the obvious environmental impacts, she felt her work needed to focus locally and expand from protecting mothers and their children to advocating for nature and collective wellbeing within ecological limits. In this conversation, Sahra argues passionately for the benefits of Degrowth and the need to rediscover what it means to truly lead a meaningful life – going far beyond our materialistic 21st-century thinking. In this episode, we discuss: DANZ conference To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Nathan Surendran is a Transition Engineer and principal consultant at Schema Consulting Limited, bringing with him an extensive knowledge of macro-scale systems and risks, and synthesising economic, energetic, and environmental factors. Nathan is an active member of Degrowth Aotearoa New Zealand and passionately advocates for realistic, fact-based strategic decisions on issues of resilience and strong sustainability across all levels. Here Nathan helps bring much-needed understanding to some key concepts around energy efficiency and limits, degrowth, renewables and so much more! In this episode, we discuss: what is degrowth Nathan has also generously provided links to his ‘Distributed Energy Generation in Southland’ presentation and his recent submission to a draft regional energy strategy if you are keen to dig deeper into the facts, figures and scientific concepts mentioned in this episode. Further resources mentioned by Nathan in this episode: To Catch The RainTo Catch The Sun To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Sarah Bekessy is a Professor in Sustainability at RMIT University and a Lead Councillor of The Biodiversity Council. Sarah leads the ICON science research group, working to understand better and manage the interactions between society and our natural environment. A leading expert in biodiversity-sensitive urban design, Professor Bekessy co-developed the Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design protocol, which has now been used by numerous developers, governments and NGOs, helping us work towards cleaner, greener more biodiverse cities. Amid this biodiversity crisis, and with ever-expanding urban areas, the pressures on nature and biodiversity are immense. But here Sarah shows us how cities can actually be part of the solution in sustaining species—an essential and timely chat. In this episode, we discuss: Biodiversity CouncilBush Heritage Australia10 easy ways Find the Biodiversity Council’s factsheet on the impact of roaming pet cats on Australian wildlife here. A must-read for any cat owner! To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.