Dr. Andrew Thaler: 10 Years of Crowdfunding Success on Patreon
Release Date: 05/31/2024
Great White Shark Populations Have Interesting DNA
How To Protect The Ocean
Great white shark DNA is one of the most puzzling mysteries in marine biology. Recent research has revealed that despite being one species, great whites have split into three distinct genetic groups across the globe. What’s even stranger: their nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA tell conflicting stories, leaving scientists scratching their heads. Shark philopatry—the tendency of females to return to their birthplace to give birth—adds another layer to this mystery. While philopatry has been well documented in species like lemon sharks and blacktip sharks, great whites show patterns that...
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How Scientists Can Become Advocates
How To Protect The Ocean
Advocacy for scientists is a skill that can transform how research impacts the real world. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin reflects on an article by Melissa Varga from the Union of Concerned Scientists that encourages scientists to step into advocacy roles. Andrew shares why many researchers hesitate to speak out, the cultural challenges within academia, and how advocacy can be integrated into a science career without sacrificing credibility. Ocean conservation also depends on people outside the scientific community. Andrew emphasizes that anyone, scientist or...
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Sustainable Fashion with Courtney Barriger: Protecting the Ocean Through Clothing Choices
How To Protect The Ocean
Sustainable fashion is more than a trend, it is a movement that connects what we wear to the health of our planet. In this episode, Andrew Lewin speaks with Courtney Barriger, CEO of Holding Court Inc., about how clothing design can reduce waste, prevent microplastic pollution, and empower people to make responsible choices. The discussion reveals the hidden costs of fast fashion, from synthetic fibers shedding microplastics into waterways to the massive environmental toll of textile waste. Ocean protection is at the heart of this conversation. Courtney shares her journey of creating stylish,...
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Terracycle: Recycling Everything from Plastics to Global Waste Solutions
How To Protect The Ocean
Terracycle is proving that almost anything can be recycled, from cigarette butts to ocean plastics, transforming how the world thinks about waste. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin speaks with Tom Szaky, the founder and CEO of TerraCycle, to explore how his company is creating global recycling programs that redefine sustainability and consumer responsibility. TerraCycle has become a leader in connecting corporations and individuals to solutions that keep waste out of landfills and oceans. This conversation dives into the economics of recycling, why certain materials are...
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Shark Meat Fed To Students: Brazil’s Hidden School Lunch Scandal
How To Protect The Ocean
Shark Meat Fed To Students in Brazil’s public institutions has sparked outrage after Mongabay uncovered thousands of tons of mislabeled shark meat, including endangered species like angelsharks, being served in schools, hospitals, prisons, and elderly care centers. Labeled as “cação” or “angel fish,” these meals were consumed by thousands of unsuspecting Brazilians, raising urgent concerns for both public health and ocean conservation. Shark meat in Brazil carries dangerous risks due to high levels of mercury and arsenic that accumulate in these apex predators. Scientists warn that...
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Oceana Working to Protect Endangered Species: How Legal Action Safeguards Whales and Sea Turtles
How To Protect The Ocean
Oceana, working to protect endangered species, is at the heart of this powerful episode featuring Tara Brock, an environmental lawyer advocating for ocean life. Tara unpacks how the Endangered Species Act is used to protect humpback whales and sea turtles, and how legal tools like this remain essential to ocean conservation. As threats like ship strikes, climate change, and bycatch continue to rise, Tara explains why this legislation is still one of the strongest protections we have—and how it’s enforced. Throughout the episode, we explore Oceana’s litigation strategies, real-world wins...
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Starting an Environmental Nonprofit: The Balean Founders Story with Bart Oor and Sander Brienen
How To Protect The Ocean
Starting an environmental nonprofit often begins with a vision and the determination to make a difference, but it also comes with challenges in funding, community support, and long-term sustainability. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Bart Oor and Sander Brienen share the story of how they created Balean, a platform designed to help independent projects and nonprofits access the support they need to thrive. Independent changemakers are reshaping how conservation work is done. Bart and Sander explain the obstacles they faced, how collaboration shaped their journey, and why Balean is...
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Pacific Islands Marine Monument Rollback and Court Reversal Explained
How To Protect The Ocean
Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument: For over a decade, these waters stood as one of the largest no-take zones on Earth, safeguarding corals, fish, and migratory species. But on day one of his presidency, Donald Trump erased the U.S. commitment to 30x30 and soon after issued Proclamation 10918, opening parts of the monument to commercial fishing. Marine conservation at risk: The rollback sparked lawsuits and reignited the debate over whether U.S. marine protections are too vulnerable to political swings. Just two weeks ago, a court overturned Trump’s proclamation on a...
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Less than 400 Left: How Media Coverage Shapes the Fate of North Atlantic Right Whales
How To Protect The Ocean
Less than 400 left — that’s how many North Atlantic right whales remain in the world. These critically endangered whales are at the center of an urgent conservation story, but how the media communicates about them plays a powerful role in shaping public awareness and action. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin sits down with Dr. Marcus Reamer, a new PhD graduate in science communication, to explore how newspapers and digital outlets covered right whale crises over the past decade. Science communication emerges as a critical conservation tool, with Dr. Reamer sharing...
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Managing Fishing Vessels: Uncovering the Hidden Ownership of Industrial Fleets
How To Protect The Ocean
Managing fishing vessels goes far beyond tracking where a boat is registered. In this episode, we dive into Oceana’s Beyond the Flag report to explore how large-scale fishing vessels are often flagged in one country but owned in another, creating dangerous loopholes that allow illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to thrive. This legal and beneficial ownership opacity undermines ocean governance, drains resources from coastal nations, and hides the true power behind global fishing operations. Managing fishing vessels transparently is essential for sustainable ocean futures. We...
info_outlineDr. Andrew Thaler, a deep-sea biologist, and expert in utilizing crowdfunding for marine science projects, shares his success in funding side projects through platforms like Patreon, Kickstarter, and experiment.com. Over the past 10 years, he has raised $50,000 for various initiatives involving 3D printing, ROV technology, and sampling bottles.
Tune in to learn how Dr. Thaler's crowdfunding campaigns have made a significant impact and gain valuable insights for funding your marine conservation projects.
Andrew Thaler's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Andrew_Thaler/posts
Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp
Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue
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YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Crowdfunding platforms like Patreon and Experiment.com have been recognized as valuable tools for funding side projects in marine science and conservation, as discussed in a podcast episode featuring Dr. Andrew Thaler, a deep-sea biologist. Dr. Thaler shared his successful experience using Patreon to fund various projects, including the OpenCTD, research papers, and aid missions to countries affected by natural disasters.
Dr. Thaler stressed the importance of cultivating a dedicated audience and engaging with them through platforms like Twitter and Patreon. He noted that Patreon enabled him to raise funds for projects that traditional sources might overlook, such as high-risk pilot studies and creative media endeavors.
The benefits of Experiment.com were also highlighted as a platform that combines foundation support with crowdfunding, making it easier for researchers to secure funding for their scientific projects.
The podcast episode also addressed the challenges of using social media platforms for crowdfunding, noting the evolving landscape. While platforms like Twitter were once effective for promoting campaigns, their effectiveness has diminished in recent years. Dr. Thaler emphasized the importance of direct outreach to potential supporters, engaging with communities, and utilizing traditional platforms like email to promote crowdfunding efforts.
In summary, the episode showcased how crowdfunding platforms like Patreon and Experiment.com offer researchers and conservationists an alternative funding source for their marine science and conservation side projects.
Maintaining support on crowdfunding platforms like Patreon requires engaging with your audience and providing regular updates on your projects. Dr. Andrew Thaler, a deep-sea ecologist and conservation technologist, shared his experience with Patreon, emphasizing the importance of transparency and communication with supporters.
Dr. Thaler keeps his patrons informed through his blog, Southern Fried Science, rather than posting private content on Patreon. By sharing updates on his projects, research findings, and activities, he ensures his supporters are aware of how their contributions are being utilized, building trust and keeping patrons engaged.
Additionally, Dr. Thaler highlighted the significance of providing value to patrons through perks like custom stickers. Introducing a sticker campaign on Patreon significantly increased his funding and engagement levels. By offering tangible rewards and involving other artists in creating unique stickers, he enhanced the overall experience for his supporters.
Furthermore, Dr. Thaler stressed the importance of personal interactions and one-on-one conversations in securing support for crowdfunding projects. Many of his donations came from in-person conversations and direct outreach efforts, establishing connections with potential supporters and leading to long-term commitments.
In conclusion, maintaining a strong relationship with your audience, providing regular updates, offering valuable perks, and engaging in personal interactions are key strategies for sustaining support on crowdfunding platforms like Patreon. By fostering a sense of community and transparency, creators can cultivate a loyal and supportive fan base for their projects.
Building partnerships and engaging with other creators on platforms like Patreon can be a valuable strategy to connect with communities interested in supporting your work. Dr. Andrew Thaler, a deep-sea ecologist and conservation technologist, highlighted the importance of interacting with other Patreon creators who produce similar creative media. Subscribing to other creators and engaging with their content can establish connections within communities sharing an interest in your work.
Dr. Thaler emphasized utilizing Patreon as a social network to connect with like-minded creators. While some campaigns may not yield significant financial returns, engaging with other creators can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations. By interacting with fellow creators on Patreon, you can tap into existing communities interested in supporting your projects.
Moreover, Dr. Thaler mentioned that in-person conversations have been instrumental in securing donations for his projects, underscoring the importance of building personal connections and engaging directly with individuals to garner support for your work. Actively reaching out to potential supporters, whether online or in person, can expand your network and connect with communities aligned with your goals and interests.
Overall, building partnerships and engaging with other creators on platforms like Patreon can not only help access funding but also foster a sense of community and collaboration within your niche. By actively participating in the Patreon community and forming connections with other creators, you can enhance visibility, attract supporters, and establish meaningful relationships contributing to the success of your projects.