This Ocean Life Podcast

Madison Stewart -- life dedicated to saving sharks, helping fishermen convert to ecotourism

**Interview episode 121**
Madison Stewart has been focused on sharks since she was 7 years old. Growing up on the Gold Coast she was attached to the ocean at an early age, scuba diving and traveling the world as a teen ager, spending countless hours in the water with sharks of all kinds.
Today we hear of Madi’s commitment to helping protect sharks in Indonesia by working with local shark fishermen to convert their boats and livelihoods into ecotourism. Her story of gaining trust from a fishing village, bringing them a new, sustainable business, and helping locals develop their own sustainable model is really amazing. The horrors of shark fishing are real and present in Madi’s story in Indonesia and back home where she helped document the 80 year shark culling program ran by the Australian government, now being brought to the public with a new movie, Envoy: Cull (you can hear from both the director and Madi in episode 118 to learn more).
Madi balances the reality of shark fishing with her own unique style and feminine strength in the ocean, which you can see more of on her website www.projecthiu.com and Instagram. For now, sit back and enjoy the stories of this dynamic, young woman making a difference in our natural world.
If you like what you hear on the podcast today, I appreciate you following This Ocean Life on your podcast app and/or sharing with a friend. Hope everyone is well and safe. You can find more fun stuff on the ThisOceanLife.TV website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Host: Josh Pederson, @surfpaddletailgate  
 

Neil Pearlberg -- Off The Lip Radio Show, chronicling Santa Cruz surfing

** Interview episode 120 **
Neil Pearlberg surfs, SUPs, writes and talks on all things skate and surf. As co-host of Off The Lip Radio Show Neil has been documenting the colorful surfing and skateboard lifestyle of Santa Cruz for over a decade. With over 375 episodes, Off The Lip Radio show shares the stories and perspectives from famous big wave chargers, local shapers, musicians, technologists, and much more. Today, Neil takes us through his days writing for the local newspaper, starting Off The Lip Radio, and being an early adopter of stand up paddle boarding in Santa Cruz. We hear his perspective on the evolution of santa cruz surfing over the last decade, sharing thoughts on the hot bed of talent and crazy characters that Santa Cruz waters have produced. Neil pulls no punches and tells it like it is —I hope you enjoy.
 
Find more about Off The Lip Radio Show and give a listen -- visit https://offthelipradio.com/podcast or find it on all the major podcast platforms. If you like what you hear, I appreciate you following This Ocean Life on your podcast app and/or sharing with a friend. Hope everyone is well and safe. You can find fun stuff on the ThisOceanLife.TV website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Host: Josh Pederson, @surfpaddletailgate  
 
 

Kara Muzia -- So You Want to Be a Marine Biologist podcast, sea turtles of South Florida

** Episode 119 **
In the waters of South Florida, marine biologist and podcaster Kara Muzia splits her time between working to protect sea turtles and sharing stories from other marine biologists. With a strong dedication to helping the next generation understand the wide variety of paths to becoming a marine biologist and the realities of the profession, Kara hosts ’So You Want to Be A Marine Biologist Podcast’ that provides unique perspectives and stories from others in her profession. Throughout her own career in Marine Biology, Kara has worked across different disciplines and now today focuses on sea turtle research and conservation. On the topic of sensitivity to human impact on beaches by nesting turtles, Kara shares an interesting perspective on what the COVID-19 lockdown has done for sea turtles through less disturbed beaches near her in South Florida. Now Kara rounds out her ocean life with strong dedication to exposing her young family to the water and providing guided nature tours by paddle board around her area. 
 
Learn more about Kara and her podcast on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.
 
I hope you get inspired today by Kara like I did. If you like what you hear, I appreciate you following This Ocean Life on your podcast app and/or sharing with a friend. Hope everyone is well and safe. You can find fun stuff on the ThisOceanLife.TV website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Host: Josh Pederson, @surfpaddletailgate  

Stoked Grom Stories: Max Hart -- shredding guitar and waves, spearfishing, fishing

** Stoked Grom Stories #8 **
Max Hart is a 12-year old legend-in-the-making from Sydney's Gold Coast. With a well rounded set of skills and knowledge in the ocean that includes fishing, surfing, and spearfishing Max is constantly busy enjoying life in the water with friends and family. Competing in state championship paddle races and surf competitions, Max is no stranger to pressure. Playing a leading role in the School of Rock Musical in both South Korea and Australia, totaling over 130 performances, Max rips on the guitar and continues to add this gift to his already impressive set of skills in the water. Max shares the ins and outs of his favorite surf breaks, like Byron Bay and Snapper Rock, talks about his favorite dive spots, and masterfully handles the dreaded lightening round of questions.
I hope you get inspired today by this stoked grom like I did. If you like what you hear, I appreciate you following This Ocean Life on your podcast app and/or sharing with a friend. Hope everyone is well and safe. You can find fun stuff on the ThisOceanLife.TV website, Instagram, and Facebook, and Twitter. Host: Josh Pederson, @surfpaddletailgate  

Envoy:Cull -- documentary film on Australia and 83 years of shark killing

** Interview Episode 118 **
 
For over 80 years the Australian Government has supported the killing of sharks along popular Queensland and New South Wales beaches through nets and baited hooks under the guise of public safety. Today we hear the truth behind this senseless ‘culling’ of sharks that not only kills other animals, such as whales, dolphins, and rays, but also has zero proof of positive impact on human safety in the water. Today Andre Borrell, director and producer, with Madison Stewart, shark conservationist and co-star, take us through the history and horrors of the Australian shark culling program and how they have came together with many others to create this amazing movie, Envoy:Cull, that has the sole purpose of ending this 83-year government program. In this we have epic stories of bravery and passion for the ocean, with tales of following an undeniable calling in life that some, like Andre and Madi, are fortunate to realize.
Remember the old saying, ‘If you’re not mad, you’re not paying attention’? Well sometimes there is so little information availabel on a tragic activity, like shark culling, that there’s almost nothing to pay attention to. That’s exactly why Envoy, is so important — the film is bringing awareness to all of us around the world about shark culling in Australia and is exactly that ‘thing' that we can pay attention to. So now that we know, how about we do something? Dive deeper at envoyfilm.com.au and share the Envoy trailer on Facebook — @envoyfilmau. With more people paying attention, more people will be mad, and more people will be willing to do something to make change happen to save sharks. Let’s all be part of that together.
 
You can also find fun stuff on the ThisOceanLife.TV website, Instagram, and Facebook, and Twitter. Host: Josh Pederson, @surfpaddletailgate  

Sailing Wildside -- kiteboard adventure trips, Caribbean, Greece, life afloat

** Interview episode 117 **
Today we hear the rad story of two people coming together and building a lifestyle business around their love of the ocean. This story of Steve and Monika takes us from the waters around Turkey where they first bonded over their mutual obsession for kiteboarding, to their time around the Greek Islands, crossing the Atlantic, and into the Caribbean where they are today. We hear about Steve and Monika running their adventure travel business aboard their sailing catamaran, treating guests to the beautiful waters and wind of the Caribbean, and enjoying their own ocean life living afloat. If you’re into kiting, sailing, or just pure freedom on the ocean, you’ll like today’s story from Steve and Monika.
Once we get back to normal life after the COVID-19 pandemic and you’re itching for an adventure on the water, check out what Steve and Monika are up to at SailingWildside.com. Top notch comfort, amazing setting, and great hosts — you won’t go wrong :) 
You can also find fun stuff on the ThisOceanLife.TV website, Instagram, and Facebook, and Twitter. Host: Josh Pederson, @surfpaddletailgate  
 

Francesca Trotman -- protecting waters and wildlife of Mozambique, alternatives to shark finning

** Interview episode 116 **
Francesca Trotman has dedicated her life to preserving the marine life of Mozambique. As a British scholar and marine biologist, Francesca formed a deep connection to the ocean animals in this part of Africa during her university field work and has since planted roots in the country, working with local governments and communities on a number of fronts to help preserve their ocean waters. From setting up marine protected areas to engaging on numerous scientific studies, educating local school children and more, Francesca’s non-profit foundation, Love The Oceans, is her legacy for protecting the ocean in that area of the African continent. Today, we hear her story, filled with inspiration, compassion, and dedication to doing something great for the ocean and another culture outside of her own. 
What I love so much about Francesca’a story today is her dedication to helping an emerging country, Mozambique, figure out how to best preserve and protect their wonderfual ocean waters and the animals that live in them. While these waters may be thousands of miles away from most of us, the whales, sharks, mantas, and dolphins know no boundaries and need all the support and protection that we can give them.
 
Imagine donating a mere $10 to Love The Oceans today and feeling good about helping to protect these species we’re hearing about in Mozambique, giving them a better chance to thrive in the waters around a developing continent and greatly increasing the chance that our own grandchildren will be able to swim with them in the future. Visit LoveTheOceans.org and see the various ways you can contribute. With Earth Day 2020 happening this week, it makes good sense to to get involved... And check out Francesca's photography available for purchase on her website https://francescatrotman.co.uk/
 
You can also find fun stuff on the ThisOceanLife.TV website, Instagram, and Facebook, and Twitter. Host: Josh Pederson, @surfpaddletailgate  

Erin Carey -- family sailing in the Caribbean, trans-Atlantic crossing, S/V ROAM

** Interview episode 115 **
Erin Carey and family set out to sail the world with zero previous experience at sea. With true grit, determination, and some luck her family of 5 enjoyed 18 months sailing the Caribbean aboard S/V ROAM and topped it off with an Atlantic crossing into the Azores. With moments of inspiration and perseverance to the incredibly sketchy and borderline dangerous, this is the story of Erin, her family, and sailing vessel ROAM. See more about Erin, S/V ROAM, and her company ROAM Generation.
You can also find fun stuff on the ThisOceanLife.TV website, Instagram, and Facebook, and Twitter. Host: Josh Pederson, @surfpaddletailgate  
With the current state of plastic pollution, climate change, and COVID-19, I’d say it’s a perfect time for each of us to make a long-term change. Any change, in any way that reduces our footprint on the world leaving more possibility for future generations to enjoy the magic of the ocean. Moving to reusable silicon bags instead of plastic for your food storage is one, buying local and sustainable farmed seafood or produce is another, or skipping Starbucks a couple times a month and donating that money to a non-profit doing good for the world. The list of possibilities is long and I guarantee there is something in it for each of us. So get creative and get committed.