Shows
Paramount Importance2025 Ep 22 Estuaries! Dr. James TweedleyIn this episode of I sit down with my supervisor, mentor, and globally respected estuarine ecologist, Dr. James Tweedley senior lecturer at Murdoch University, for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about one of the most overlooked yet critically important ecosystems on Earth: estuaries.From the moment I stepped into his lab as an undergrad, James completely changed the way I saw the world—turning what I once thought were just “dirty puddles” into ecosystems that are dynamic, essential, and fascinating. In this episode, we explore why estuaries matter—ecologically, economically, and culturally—and unpack some of the challenges...2025-07-231h 44Paramount Importance2025 Ep 21 Parasites: Dr. Storm MartinWhat is a parasite, and why do they matter? In this deeply engaging and unexpectedly funny episode, Associate Lecturer and Parasitologist Dr. Storm Martin from Murdoch University dives headfirst into the weird and wonderful world of parasitism. From fish tongue-biters to feather lice, from malaria to zombie snails, we explore what defines a parasite, how parasites shape entire ecosystems, and why most of Earth’s biodiversity might actually be parasitic.Storm breaks down the evolutionary origins and mind-blowing complexity of parasite life cycles (including the ones that require three hosts and a heron), the di...2025-07-161h 48Paramount Importance2025 Ep 20 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Dr. Leigh SheppardHow well do we really understand OCD? In this deeply insightful episode, we sit down with Dr Leigh Sheppard, GP and Founding Director of OCD WA, to break down the science and stigma surrounding obsessive-compulsive disorder.From her own journey living with undiagnosed OCD for over 30 years to founding a support and education network for those affected, Leigh shares powerful reflections on misdiagnosis, lived experience, and the importance of evidence-based care. We explore the neurobiology of OCD, misconceptions in pop culture, and how OCD is one of the most disabling yet treatable conditions.2025-07-091h 24Paramount Importance2025 Ep 19 Fire Ecology Dr. Joe FontaineIn this episode, Dr. Joe Fontaine - fire ecologist and senior lecturer at Murdoch University - unpacks the complex role of fire in shaping ecosystems. From smoke-triggered seed germination to species that rely on fire to survive, he explains why fire isn’t just a threat - it’s a critical part of life.We dive into cultural burning, fire frequency, and how new tools like drones could reshape how we manage bushfires. Joe also discusses the alarming collapse of peat wetlands, the incredible discovery of WA’s sunset frog, and the ecological consequences of burning too often...2025-07-021h 20Paramount Importance2025 Ep 18 Seagrass: Assoc. Prof. Mike van KeulenWhat if one of the most powerful tools we have against climate change lives just below the ocean’s surface? In this eye-opening episode, marine biologist Associate Professor Mike van Keulen, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Seagrass Specialist Group joins Kurt for a deep dive into the world of seagrasses: the unsung heroes of our coastlines.Seagrasses stabilise sediment, protect shorelines, support fisheries, and store staggering amounts of carbon, but they’re also vulnerable to pollution, warming oceans, and human development. Mike walks us through the good, the bad, the...2025-06-251h 23Paramount Importance2025 Ep 17 Dogs in science: Dr. Megan BarnesWhat do rare orchids, endangered reptiles, invasive species, and medical conditions have in common? They can all be sniffed out by dogs, if you train them right.In this episode, Dr. Megan Barnes, conservation ecologist and founder of Detection for Good, takes us deep into the fascinating world of conservation detection dogs. From dragon-hunting Labradors in Queensland to sniffing out subterranean orchids in Western Australia, Megan’s work sits at the intersection of ecology, animal behaviour, and cutting-edge field science.We unpack the surprisingly complex science behind training dogs for precision detection, the logistical and et...2025-06-181h 20Paramount Importance2025 Ep 16 Toxicology- supplements and chinese medicine: Assoc. Prof. Garth MakerWhat’s really in your supplements? From hidden pharmaceuticals to toxic metals and missing ingredients, Associate Professor Garth Maker from Murdoch University exposes the surprising science behind herbal medicines and over-the-counter supplements. In this eye-opening conversation, we explore how regulation works (or doesn’t), what makes a product trustworthy, and the silent risks of products millions take every day — including weight loss pills, protein powders, and even green tea extract. This one might change how you shop for health. 2025-06-111h 00Paramount Importance2025 Ep 15 Soil Microbiome: Dr. Anish ShahSoil isn’t just dirt... It’s alive, and it matters.In this episode, Kurt talks with microbiologist Dr. Anish Shah about the soil microbiome and its influence on crop health, nutrient cycling, and agricultural resilience. They explore how farming practices shape microbial communities and how microbes might shape the future of food production.If you're curious about what’s happening below ground and why it’s central to sustainable agriculture, this one’s worth your time.2025-06-041h 18Paramount Importance2025 Ep 14 Mussels and reef restoration: Dr. Alan CottinghamIn 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 hopefu...2025-05-281h 06Paramount Importance2025 Ep 13 Turbid coral reefs: Dr. Shannon DeeIn 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. 2025-05-211h 08Paramount Importance2025 Ep 12 - Terrestrial Ecology: Professor Rachel Standish 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. 2025-05-1454 minParamount Importance2025 Ep 11 - We're Back: The Return of Paramount Importance and 1st PhD updateIn 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...2025-05-0739 minParamount Importance2025 Ep 10 - Coral Reefs: Dr. James GilmourIn 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 re...2025-04-3055 minParamount Importance2025 Ep 9 - Space Dr. Amanda WilberWhat 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 a...2025-04-231h 21Paramount Importance2025 Ep 8 Cats with Emeritus Prof. Mike Calver and Dr. Heather CrawfordCuddly 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 c...2025-04-1645 min
Chumming UpParamount ImportanceMarine Scientist, Fisho and Diver Kurt Krispyn joins the Pod to chat about Norghern fish species being seen further south, the awesomeness of estuaries, how fishing helps with science and getting spined by a Cobbler.2025-03-2852 minParamount Importance2019 Ep 7 - Native bees: Dr. Kit PrendergastOn 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 an...2019-06-1555 minParamount Importance2019 Ep 6 - Great White Sharks with Dr. Oliver JewellOn 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 w...2019-05-181h 45Paramount Importance2019 Ep 5 - Snakes and Lizards with Reptile Photographer and public eductor Ross McGibbonRoss 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 c...2019-04-241h 22Paramount Importance2019 Ep 4 - Life on Mars with Mars One candidate Josh RichardsBuilding 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...2019-04-091h 32Paramount Importance2019 Ep 3 - Entrepreneur of The Surf Meal co. Steele WalsterSteele 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. 2019-04-051h 19
Paramount Importance2019 Ep 2 - Shark Scientist Michael HeldsingerShark 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.2019-03-241h 26
Paramount Importance2019 Ep 1 - Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi on the science behind waves, tides, climate change and the missing plane MH370Professor 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...2019-03-061h 39