From Ideas to Action: The Impactful Projects of Mindfully Wired
Release Date: 07/17/2024
Whales don’t get cancer: How bowhead whale DNA could change human health
How To Protect The Ocean
Whales don’t get cancer as often as you might expect, and in this episode you learn how the bowhead whale’s unique DNA repair system is helping scientists understand cancer prevention and healthy aging. This Arctic giant lives more than 200 years, grows to airplane size, and still avoids the runaway mutation patterns that lead to tumors in other species. Whales don’t get cancer at high rates because their cells repair DNA damage with remarkable accuracy, and recent studies show that bowhead whales have powerful repair proteins like CIRBP that might someday guide cancer research. You will...
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Fish feed in aquaculture, understanding what goes into feeding farmed fish
How To Protect The Ocean
Fish feed in aquaculture is at the center of a complicated global story that most people never hear about. In this episode, Andrew sits down with marine biologist and policy expert Marine Cusa to explore the hidden world of fishmeal, fish oil, feed ingredients, and the surprising connections between aquaculture, wild fisheries, West African communities, and even penguin populations in Antarctica. Marine breaks down what actually goes into the pellets fed to farmed fish, why transparency is lacking in the supply chain, and how her genetics research is uncovering the real species being...
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Orcas vs Great White Sharks: How Killer Whales Are Changing Shark Populations
How To Protect The Ocean
Orcas vs Great White Sharks is more than a dramatic headline—it’s a sign of how ocean ecosystems are shifting before our eyes. New drone footage shows orcas in the Gulf of California attacking and killing juvenile great white sharks in what scientists believe are nursery zones. The footage, captured in 2020 and 2022, reveals orcas flipping young sharks onto their backs, inducing tonic immobility, and surgically removing their livers—a precise and efficient hunting technique that may reshape predator-prey dynamics. For years, scientists have known about great white shark nurseries, but...
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Seagrass Decline in Moreton Bay: What Long-Term Research Reveals About Ocean Change
How To Protect The Ocean
Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet overlooked ecosystems on our planet. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explores a new 19-year study from Moreton Bay, Australia, which shows that seagrass coverage and diversity are declining over time despite short-term recovery periods. This long-term research reveals that while short-term studies might show seagrass bouncing back after storms or floods, the bigger picture tells a story of gradual loss and ecological transformation. The episode also highlights why this decline matters: seagrass meadows are nurseries for...
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Animals Affected by Climate Change: How Seabirds Reveal the Hidden Impacts of Warming Oceans
How To Protect The Ocean
Animals affected by climate change are showing us how fragile our ecosystems have become. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with Dr. Helen Killeen, a marine ecologist whose research connects seabird reproduction to shifting ocean temperatures, prey diversity, and climate pressures across the northern hemisphere. Animals affected by climate change, from seabirds in the Arctic to those in the Pacific, serve as living indicators of ocean health. Helen explains how changes in prey diversity and warming oceans disrupt seabird breeding success, what this means for...
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Marine Conservation Projects: Why Recent Wins for Endangered Species Matter
How To Protect The Ocean
Marine Conservation Projects are driving real wins: green sea turtles downgraded to least concern in many regions, North Atlantic right whales showing a small but meaningful uptick, and a new vaquita calf sighting offering hope. In this episode I explain the common thread behind these stories, targeted local projects, science monitoring, and laws that actually get enforced, and I share practical ways you can support the people doing the work. From night patrols that protect turtle nests to whale disentanglement teams and community programs in Mexico that replace gillnets, you will hear how...
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Bill Gates & Climate Change: Why His Latest Comments Shocked the Climate Community
How To Protect The Ocean
Bill Gates and Climate Change have become a trending topic after the billionaire philanthropist argued that the world is too focused on cutting carbon emissions and not focused enough on improving human welfare. In this episode, I unpack what Gates said, why it caused such a reaction, and how his argument connects to decades of work in climate justice and climate equity. Many climate justice organizations have long emphasized that people struggling with hunger, illness, or poverty cannot prioritize environmental action until their basic needs are met. Gates’s claim—that people fighting to...
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Are These Whales Doing Better?
How To Protect The Ocean
North Atlantic right whales have been teetering on the edge of extinction for decades, with fewer than 400 individuals left. But recent reports hint at a small sign of hope: the population may finally be stabilizing, or even slightly increasing. In this episode, Andrew Lewin explores what that really means. Conservation efforts, from slower ship speeds to ropeless fishing gear, are starting to make a difference—but are they enough to ensure these whales survive? Andrew breaks down the latest science, the hard numbers from NOAA’s newest technical memo, and why every calf, especially every...
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Art and Ocean Science: How Creativity Reveals the Deep Sea’s Hidden Stories
How To Protect The Ocean
Art and Ocean Science are merging in ways that bring new life to marine research and conservation. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with the creative minds behind Ocean Networks Canada’s “Surfacing Secrets” project, a groundbreaking collaboration where sculptors, theatre directors, and scientists explore how art can help people see, feel, and understand the ocean in fresh ways. Ocean creativity takes center stage as guests share how sculpture can represent underwater sounds, theatre can transform data into emotion, and how cross-disciplinary...
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Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary Approval: What It Means for Captive Whales and Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary has officially received provincial approval, marking a monumental step toward creating Canada’s first ocean refuge for retired whales. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explains how this decision moves the Whale Sanctuary Project closer to reality, what challenges remain before the sanctuary opens, and why this could change the way the world cares for marine mammals. Andrew also dives into how the Whale Sanctuary Project built the foundation for this historic milestone through years of environmental assessment, scientific planning, and...
info_outlineToday on the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin speaks with Katrina Ryan, the founder of Mindfully Wired. Katrina discusses how her company is dedicated to helping the planet, particularly the oceans, through innovative projects focused on conservation and policy. They delve into the unique approach Mindfully Wired takes in combining scientists, policymakers, and communication experts to make a positive impact.
Tune in to learn about the projects Katrina has led and her vision for the future of ocean conservation.
Mindfully Wired: https://www.mindfullywired.org/
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Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
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Mindfully Wired is dedicated to positive and optimistic projects that offer solutions to environmental challenges, as discussed in the podcast episode. The company's strategy involves addressing complex marine conservation and fisheries management issues in a manner that promotes change and reduces anxiety. By focusing on projects that deliver tangible solutions and positive outcomes, Mindfully Wired aims to inspire hope and optimism in the face of environmental obstacles.
An example of this approach is the collaboration with Surfers Against Sewage, where Mindfully Wired facilitated the co-authoring of the first youth ocean and climate manifesto. This initiative empowered 200 youth activists to express their concerns and aspirations for clean water and sustainable surfing environments. By engaging with the public in this manner, Mindfully Wired not only amplifies the voices of the younger generation but also instills a sense of agency and empowerment in addressing environmental issues.
Furthermore, the company's involvement in initiatives like the Blue Carbon Action Partnership demonstrates a commitment to driving high-quality blue carbon projects globally. Blue carbon ecosystems, such as salt marshes and mangroves, play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. By actively participating in projects that protect and enhance these ecosystems, Mindfully Wired contributes to the broader goal of environmental conservation and sustainability.
Overall, Mindfully Wired's emphasis on positive and optimistic projects aligns with their mission to effect meaningful change in the marine conservation and environmental realm. By highlighting solutions, collaboration, and communication, the company not only tackles environmental challenges but also fosters hope and progress in the face of complex issues.
Mindfully Wired collaborates with a diverse team of experts from various professional backgrounds to work on intricate environmental projects. The founder, Katrina Ryan, mentions that the team at Mindfully Wired includes individuals with backgrounds in science, policy, linguistics, and communications. This diverse team enables them to address complex environmental issues such as offshore wind, seafood supply, and forestry. The team's expertise in science and policy aids in developing projects that are technically sound and aligned with sustainable practices. Additionally, the team includes agency communications experts who bring a senior dimension to the projects, ensuring effective communication strategies are in place.
The company's approach to building a diverse team reflects their commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. By bringing together individuals with different expertise and perspectives, Mindfully Wired can develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. The team's ability to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and effective communication is highlighted in their work with clients and projects. This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of their work but also allows them to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, retailers, and local communities.
Overall, the diverse team at Mindfully Wired plays a crucial role in driving positive change in the environmental sector. Their ability to work together, leveraging their unique skills and experiences, enables them to address complex issues and advocate for sustainable practices. The company's success in working on a variety of projects, from advocating for better fisheries management to promoting blue carbon projects, showcases the power of collaboration and diversity in achieving environmental goals.
Mindfully Wired engages with the public through various projects and initiatives to drive positive change and raise awareness about environmental issues. One example is the collaboration with Surfers Against Sewage to facilitate the co-authoring of the Youth Ocean and Climate Manifesto. This project involved bringing together 200 youth activists to create a manifesto advocating for clean water and environmental protection, which was then delivered to 10 Downing Street. This initiative empowered young activists to voice their concerns and contribute to meaningful change in environmental policy.
Additionally, Mindfully Wired conducts training courses at universities for master's and PhD level scientists in the environmental field. These courses focus on helping scientists communicate the impact of their work effectively and develop their communication skills to engage with a broader audience. By providing training and guidance to emerging scientists, Mindfully Wired contributes to building a community of environmentally conscious professionals who can effectively communicate their research and advocate for positive change.
Another significant project undertaken by Mindfully Wired is the Blue Carbon Action Partnership, hosted by the World Economic Forum. This initiative focuses on driving high-quality blue carbon projects globally, emphasizing the importance of blue carbon environments like salt marshes and mangroves in storing carbon and supporting local communities. By collaborating with NGOs and stakeholders, Mindfully Wired works to protect and invest in blue carbon projects, highlighting the critical role these ecosystems play in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable practices. Through these collaborative initiatives, Mindfully Wired actively engages with the public, policymakers, and stakeholders to raise awareness about environmental issues and drive positive change on a global scale.