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Kait Birghenthal & Ash Gordon

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$Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 302: Are You Ready for this Jelly?Listen in as we chat with marine conservation ecologist and plankton expert, Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, about her work shaping our world’s understanding of plankton’s important role in our environment. We chat about all things jellyfish (aka jellies), how changing water temperature affects them (not how you may think), fun on ferries, international policies, and a smack-ton more! BIG TAKEAWAY: While jellies and their fellow plankton may seem disparate from politics, they’re key indicators of larger ecosystem changes and therefore a vital part of our environmental decision making processes. The best thing you can do to support these comple...

2025-11-121h 34 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 301: Bananas for Leopard SealsIn this first episode of SEAson 3, we’re going bananas for leopard seals with Banana Boy #2 himself, Scotty Landes from The Bananas Podcast! In our first flipped-script episode, we dig into the secret lives of these Antarctic predators (literally, we don’t know much about them). Are they science fiction, the stuff of explorer legend, or oddly motherly creatures trying to teach humans to hunt penguins? Sea for yourself! BIG TAKEAWAY: Did you know sound travels faster in water than in air? Even in the Antarctic, the sounds of large cargo ships zigzagging the ocean cause issues to animals like the...

2025-10-291h 12 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 210 - Dragons, Orcs & Elephant Seals, oh my!You know the term ‘big baby’, but what about a 75-pound newborn that sounds like a velociraptor? Listen in as we chat with The Marine Mammal Center’s own Adam Ratner about one of the biggest shnozs in the sea, the elephant seal! BIG TAKEAWAY: Given ease of access, animals who habitually raise their young on the beach are inherently targets for human predation; even one of the biggest, boldest creatures in the sea was nearly hunted to extinction. The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) is one of the elephant seals’ best protections from human interference, but it's in danger of being...

2025-08-271h 17 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 209 - The Everglades: River of GrassWhat is the Everglades, and how is its wellness intertwined with the ocean? Listen in as we discuss Kait’s hometown ecosystem(s) and why they are critical to the surrounding marine & terrestrial communities. BIG TAKEAWAY: You may have heard of Alligator Alcatraz, an ICE ‘detention center’, but have you heard of the vital wetlands that it’s being built on? Speaking up against the construction of this human rights disaster protects countless people, animals, and these unique water-based ecosystems! This episode is dedicated to Dr. Dan Diresta, Kait’s first marine science mentor. Academia can feel cold, especially for women, but...

2025-08-131h 24 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 208: Otter ChaosListen in as we discuss these cute sea ferrets, their secret pockets, and purple bones with our pal Katie Russell, and learn how her work is helping to bring otters back to their native range off the Oregon coast! BIG TAKEAWAY: Human interference can displace native species and destroy their natural habitats, even hundreds of years later. But, just like Captain Planet, with our powers combined we can turn the tide by helping repair their damaged ecosystems and return them to their endemic range! Resources: 💡Researcher Spotlight: Sea Otter Savvy @seaottersavvy 🔎Deeper Dive Read: “Return of the Sea Otter: The Story of...

2025-07-301h 48 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 207 - It’s the Gulf of *Mexico*Listen in as we chat with Dr. Missy Partyka about how freaking awesome and wildly important the Gulf of Mexico is! Do you know what a brine pool is (aka, ‘jacuzzis of death’)? We didn’t either, but they’re entirely natural and generally badass. We also dig into the negative (and shockingly positive) effects of the 2010 BP Oil disaster. BIG TAKEAWAY: Sometimes a disaster can result in the silver lining of research funding, but we should not have to wait for calamity to strike - investing in scientific advancement is key to protecting, and understanding, our blue planet. Resources: 💡Researcher...

2025-07-171h 57 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 206 - Sea Urchins: the Ocean’s HedgehogsEver think about sea urchins? Probably not, but maybe you should! Listen in as we talk about how these funky animals survive, how they’re similar to both hedgehogs and zombies, and why they’re considered keystone species in both coral reefs and kelp forests! BIG TAKEAWAY: While urchins may look like spiky rocks at the beach that you avoid stepping on, they are pivotal to the health of many oceanic ecosystems. ‘Canaries in the coal mine’ of their environments, there are ways we can keep these critical creatures’ populations in check by considering what we wash into our waterways, and eating...

2025-07-051h 08 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 205 - Vampire (Squid) from HellListen in as we discuss a creepy misunderstood creature of the deep, the Abyssus Theory, Teuthologists, and what pineappling is (not like living in one under the sea). BIG TAKEAWAY: Even deep sea creatures are affected by pollution such as microplastics and runoff. Even if there is so much about the deep sea that we don’t know, we know it’s being threatened by the decisions being made today about our environment, and science itself. In times like these, we must speak up for the people, creatures, and places that are often overlooked - channel your inner Lorax; use thes...

2025-06-181h 16 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea Living a Sustainable Lifestyle with Alyssa BarberListen in on our chat with sustainable content creator Alyssa Barber of @newlifestyleABB! We chat about lots of good stuff, from the impacts of community and self-care to generational divides, and focus on sustainable habits and how to make changes in your life and in the world as a whole. BIG TAKEAWAY(s): Go vote! Be an active part of your community! Slow down! Consume ethically! Be intentional! And perhaps most importantly - take care of yourself so that you can take care of others. Alyssa’s Guide to Hosting a Clothing Swap: drive.google.com/file/d/1LFQh7JS4iH...

2025-06-041h 37 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 203 - Are Dolphins Similar to Mario?Listen in as we discuss the similarities between dolphins and Mario Mario (yes, that is his full name)! Think there aren’t similarities? Well, then prepare to level up your knowledge. This one gets pretty silly 🍷 BIG TAKEAWAY: While they’re adorable, inquisitive, and admirable, dolphins must be appreciated from afar, not touched or fed! They are wild creatures, so not only is it dangerous for both of you, but it’s also illegal in much of the world. Respect marine mammals by giving them space! And, don’t feed them batteries… Resources: 💡Researcher Spotlight: Dolphins Plus (most of Kait’s first dolphin re...

2025-05-211h 07 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 202 - Snails vs Slugs: The Nud(ibranch) TruthWhich came first: slugs or snails? Listen in as we discuss this age-old question, and chat about the differences and similarities between these slimy friends. This episode will have you saying ‘please send nud(ibranchs)’! BIG TAKEAWAY: 🐚Shells are (maybe shockingly) vital to the survival of both snails and slugs, and calcium is a key component in creating and maintaining these structures. Eroding shells are a major source of this calcium, which needs to be available for the growth of new shells. Shells aren’t knick-knacks, they’re part of an ecosystem; leave the beach better than you find it and collect...

2025-05-071h 06 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 201 - The Secret Lives of Hermit CrabsListen in as we discuss these cute little decapods and how they find their homes, why they’re actually not crabs at all, and what we can do to help them out. Are hermit crabs never nudes? Do they exhibit impeccable social skills? Find out in this episode! BIG TAKEAWAY: If you wouldn’t try to steal someone’s home, then please don’t take a hermit crab’s shell. Not only does removing shells destabilize the beach itself, but it leaves fewer home options for hermit crabs, takes vital elements from ocean ecosystems, and can force crabs to creatively use trash...

2025-04-221h 13 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 110 - Great Pacific Garbage Patch: Plastics Made It PossibleListen in as we discuss the enormous issue of garbage patches forming in the ocean and the types of debris found within them. We also chat about what plastic is, why we’re so addicted to it as a society, and what we all can do to prevent plastic pollution. BIG TAKEAWAY: Plastic does not degrade, and much of it is not recyclable. The best way to prevent plastic pollution is to limit its use by replacing plastic items with sustainable materials, electing officials who will put anti-plastic legislation into action (GO VOTE!!), and by supporting companies who make sustainable al...

2024-11-021h 25 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 109 - Sea Turtles, etc - Chat with a HerpetologistListen into this extra long, extra silly episode as we dive deeper into sea turtles, focusing on leatherbacks, cold stunning, and a whole lot more amid a ton of laughter with @TheAmandaFiles herself, Amanda Sargent Mezzatesta!! BIG TAKEAWAY: Sea turtles have very few predators, but the most dangerous to them are us humans. We can help them in many ways: from reducing single use plastic, to volunteering to rescue cold stunned turtles from beaches, to making your travel eco-forward, we can all help protect these incredible creatures. Resources: 💡Researcher Spotlight: Herpetologist, Amanda Sargent Mezzatesta 🔎Deeper Dive Read: “Protecting Sea Turtles on Cape...

2024-10-161h 42 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 108 - Sea Turtles: Kings of the CretaceousWe’ve got one shell of an episode for you! Listen in as we discuss the different species of sea turtles, how they reproduce, and the major threats to their survival. Stay tuned next week when we’re joined by our herpetologist friend to dive deeper! BIG TAKEAWAY: Sea turtles have survived for > 100,000 years due to their incredible adaptations, but our world is changing too fast for them to adapt to the numerous threats they now face. Protecting them requires a multi-pronged approach; from being mindful of our plastic use, to preventing light pollution, we all have a part to play...

2024-10-101h 20 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 107 - Equatorial Grudge Match: Penguins VS PuffinsListen in as we take our first flight into our friends the seabirds! We discuss the equatorial grudge match of penguins vs. puffins; these birds may look similar, but their differences may surprise you. We welcome Evan Hennerberry to give more insight on these tuxedoed pals. BIG TAKEAWAY: Despite living on opposite sides of the world, these birds face many of the same threats. Areas of the world who use very little fossil fuels, like the poles, can be some of the most vulnerable to climate change effects. When we decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, we help keep these...

2024-09-251h 21 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 106 - Coral Reefs: Part 2Listen to the second half of Kait & Ash’s discussion on coral with special guest Liz Trueblood! We discuss coral protections, climate change, and climate- & coral-friendly options! BIG TAKEAWAY: There are many actions we can all take to protect these crucial ocean ecosystems, from simply changing the types of sun protection we use, to modifying boating practices, to reducing our carbon emissions. Corals can only support life if they are supported. Art by Fox and Fish Printing @foxandfishprinting Music by Garrett Gordon and Steve Colwell of High and Dry @highanddryrock

2024-09-1043 min $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 105 - Coral Reefs: Part 1Listen in as Kait explains different types of reefs, what exactly coral is, and how it grows and survives. We discuss what these ecosystems mean to the ocean, where they can be found, and how large they can get. Special guest Liz Trueblood will be on Part 2, coming 9/11/24! BIG TAKEAWAY: There are multiple types of reefs, some even man-made. More than one quarter of all marine life lives in a coral reef at some point in their lives! Reefs are integral not only to the lives of sea creatures, but also to the coastal regions around them. Resources: 💡Researcher Spotlight: Pal...

2024-09-0459 min $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 104 - Who Run The World? Orcas!Listen in as we discuss the dynamics between different Orca pods, their matriarchal structure, and hypothesize about why they are attacking boats. Ash realizes how much she identifies with the predators from “the kingdom of the dead” and Kait nerds out over peduncles. Also, we welcome our first pod guest, Katie Russell! BIG TAKEAWAY: Orcas are the most widely distributed predators in the world, second only to humans; they rule the water, we rule the land. However, being a predator doesn’t mean you can eat anything and everything. We are tipping the balance when we don’t responsibly manage the reso...

2024-08-211h 31 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 103 - Plankton: Not Just A Spongebob CharacterEver thought about plankton? Likely not, but you should! From multi-thousand pound fish, to single-celled organisms, you’ll learn what plankton is and why they’re the unsung heroes of our ocean. Also featured: Kait geeking out. BIG TAKEAWAY: While most species are microscopic, plankton is essential to life on Earth. Pharmaceutical industries and climate change are threatening their way of life, and ours in turn. By being mindful of where our supplements and food come from, and shopping locally when possible, we can protect these keystone creatures. Resources: 💡Researcher Spotlight: Scientist and Educator @elizabethbeston of ‘The Plankton Project’ 🔎Deeper Dive Read: “Ti...

2024-08-071h 14 $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 102 - Manatees: Big Boned BeautiesListen in as Kait and Ash discuss the flower children of the sea, the gardeners of the ocean, those big-boned beauties sunning in the tropics. Are manatees related to mermaids, cows, or something else entirely? BIG TAKEAWAY: Manatees are slow-moving gentle giants, which can make them susceptible to harassment. Even with pure intentions, touching, feeding, or otherwise interacting with these animals can cause them major harm. Appreciate them from a afar, call help for an animal in distress, and PLEASE: Boat slowly where they live! Resources: -Researcher Spotlight: Marine Conservationist Jamal Galves @therealmanateeman -Deeper Dive Read: A read for the...

2024-07-2450 min $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea 101 - Sharks: Villains or Victims?Listen in as we discuss why sharks are just misunderstood and far less scary than a lot of #sharkweek may have us believe. Comment with what shark facts you learned in the episode, and what else you’d like to learn about these sensitive sweeties! **Big Takeaway: The best thing we can do to help our cartilaginous friends is tell others about what you learn; these incredible and important fish need our help, not our fear. **Resources: *Researcher Spotlight: Minorities in Shark Science @miss_elasmo *Deeper Dive Read: “Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World's Most Misunderstood Predator” by @Wh...

2024-07-1057 min $Let\'s Sea$

Let's Sea Episode 0 - Maiden VoyageLet’s Sea is an informative podcast which will provide you with a whimsically educational deep dive into the wonders of our ocean as well as actions we can all take to protect our blue planet from its formidable foes. In the giant school Science Fair of life, consider this episode of Let’s Sea as the ‘abstract’ of our podcast - we’re giving you a glimpse into what we’ll be talking about in the main episodes, but want to use this time to explain to you why you may want to spend your free time listening to us. Art by F...

2024-07-0109 min