127 episodes

The climate and health crises are two of the most pressing issues of our time. Change needs to occur, and sooner rather than later. 
Join your hosts, Ben Eitelberg and Emma Strutt, for conversations about people and planet. Find more details at www.thelentilintervention.org

The Lentil Intervention Podcast Ben and Emma

    • Science
    • 5.0 • 3 Ratings

The climate and health crises are two of the most pressing issues of our time. Change needs to occur, and sooner rather than later. 
Join your hosts, Ben Eitelberg and Emma Strutt, for conversations about people and planet. Find more details at www.thelentilintervention.org

    Esther Gathambo - Impacts of Colonialism on Inequity

    Esther Gathambo - Impacts of Colonialism on Inequity

    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:
    Esther’s background and experience growing up in KenyaThe power of education, and being the first in her family to attend universityThe colonisation of Kenya and consequent impacts on communitiesLoss of cultural and community identity and intergenerational traumaThe exploitative nature of capitalismEthical and sustainability issues in business supply chainsThe story of SawubonaThe benefits of supporting social enterprisesEthical considerations as a consumerThe importance of protecting cultural art 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.

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    • 49 min
    Dr Jack Auty - Plastic-Induced Fibrosis And Inflammation

    Dr Jack Auty - Plastic-Induced Fibrosis And Inflammation

    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:
    Jack’s background and previous researchVarious hypotheses which may explain the rise in allergiesThe work of AdriftLab, led by the wonderful Dr Jennifer Lavers‘Plasticosis’ – evidence for a new plastic-induced fibrotic diseaseThe types of plastics commonly found in seabirds and the global marine plastic loadPlastics, microplastics and their unique inflammatory potentialHow inflammation impacts the body and how plastic can make its way into cells throughout the bodyPotential implications of these findings for both humans and other wildlifeThe need for an interdisciplinary approach when researching pollution’s impact on wildlife and human healthIdentifying laboratory sources of microplastic and nanoplastic contaminationTop tips for reducing plastic exposure in daily lifePlastics as a delivery mechanism for a wide range of toxic chemicalsFuture research projects for Jack and AdriftLab

    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.

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    • 1 hr 27 min
    Dr Neal Haddaway - Storytelling To Start Conversations Of Science

    Dr Neal Haddaway - Storytelling To Start Conversations Of Science

    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:
    Neal’s background and passion for the environmentNeal’s motivation for pivoting to photography after 20 years in academiaCommunicating science via photographyPersuasion and the importance of storytellingMental health risks associated with climate researchProject 'Hope?' And how to grieve for the planetClimate scientists and the pressure to be perfectBuilding systems of support for environmental scientistsClimate anxiety as a Western conceptEnvironmental crises due to our current economic, political and social systemsThe true cost of our food - the story of the salmon and the tomatoCoal Scars – The long-term landscape trauma of our obsession with coalHow we can be more effective advocates for the planetTo 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.
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    • 56 min
    Max Romey - Art And Film To Connect People To The Planet

    Max Romey - Art And Film To Connect People To The Planet

    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:
    Max’s background and love of paintingRetracing his grandmother’s travels and artworkCommunicating climate and environmental science through artImportant considerations for impactful filmmaking and storytellingMax’s relationship with many of the world’s top trail runnersKatmai National Park and its sizeable marine debris problemMax’s previous film No Lost Shoes and his upcoming release Footprints on KatmaiThe ocean’s oxygen factories (phytoplankton) and concerns with microplasticsInspiring behaviour change while living in an imperfect worldMaking a change by starting at homeTo 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.

    • 46 min
    Dr Mike Joy - Science-Based Climate Action

    Dr Mike Joy - Science-Based Climate Action

    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:
    Mike’s research and achievements in the past yearThe carbon cycle, our net zero delusion and the impossibilities of offsettingThe problems with green growthUnderstanding the concept of energy return on invested (EROI)Our multiple crises (it’s not just climate!) as a symptom of overshootOur use of energy and the inevitability of DegrowthA reality check on renewablesLack of environmental truth and reality in mainstream mediaDegrowth Aotearoa New ZealandAn update on the nitrate levels in New Zealand’s freshwaterDr Mike answers Listener questionsTaking action in 2024

    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.

    • 1 hr 12 min
    Professor Ilan Noy - Economics of Disasters and Climate Change

    Professor Ilan Noy - Economics of Disasters and Climate Change

    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:
    Ilan’s personal and professional backgroundThe diversity of topics that fall under the umbrella of the economics of disasters and climate changeThe driving force behind establishing the Journal Economics of Disasters and Climate ChangeLack of consideration towards climate change in the field of economicsThe deficiencies of current assessment methods regarding the financial costs of climate changeConsidering the wide-ranging damage costs associated with climate change, as well as the costs associated with the loss of human lifeThe need to reduce vulnerabilities and exposure to avoid increased costs associated with anthropogenic extreme weather eventsHow economists attach a dollar value to human lifeWhich countries and regions of the world feel the impact mostThe lack of economist engagement with the IPCCChanging the dialogue in future COPsPrioritising financial support where it’s truly needed

    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.

    • 1 hr 1 min

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