Greatest Classroom on Earth - A Students on Ice Podcast

• Episode 9: Bursting the Bubble - How One Journey Sparked a Lifetime of Climate Action with Seabound's Alisha Fredriksson

  “The only thing we can really do is try. We don’t know if and how all of our actions will amount to some sort of global solution, but we certainly need to try.”  – Alisha Fredriksson, SeaboundWhat happens when a teenager ventures to the remotest continent on the planet and into one of Earth’s most fragile ecosystems? For Alisha Fredriksson, a life-changing expedition to Antarctica with Students on Ice didn’t just open her eyes to the beauty and vulnerability of our planet — it set her on a path to reimagine the future of one of the world’s most polluting industries.In this episode, host and Students on Ice Founder Geoff Green sits down with Alisha, now the co-founder and CEO of Seabound, a London-based climate tech company developing cutting-edge onboard carbon capture systems for ships.Alisha reflects on how the untouched landscapes of Antarctica and the mentorship she received on the expedition shattered her teenage “bubble” and sparked a sense of purpose. That experience fueled her drive to tackle global problems, eventually leading to the creation of Seaound, which is on a mission to decarbonize the shipping industry — responsible for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, equivalent to the entire country of Germany.Together, Geoff and Alisha trace the journey from seasick first days in the Drake Passage, to the awe of standing in an untouched frozen wilderness, to the welding floors of Seabound’s London workshop, where a new generation of carbon capture solutions is being built. This episode is a testament to how experiential education and early moments of inspiration can ripple outward to create lasting, global impact.Alisha Fredriksson is the co-founder and CEO of Seabound, a climate tech startup committed to reducing global shipping emissions through onboard carbon capture technology. Her work focuses on developing modular systems that trap CO₂ directly from a ship’s exhaust, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.From Vancouver, Canada, before founding Seabound, Alisha launched a climate program at Generation, a nonprofit founded by McKinsey & Company. She has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree (2023) and an MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 for her pioneering contributions to energy and sustainability.

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• Episode 8: From Antarctica to Galaxies Far, Far, Away with Irene Shivaei

  In this episode, host Geoff Green, founder and expedition leader of Students on Ice, interviews Irene Shivaei, one of the world's leading astrophysicists. She took part in the SOI 2007 Antarctic Expedition as an eighteen-year-old student. Irene recounts her journey from growing up in Tehran with a passion for astronomy to becoming a leading researcher on the formation and evolution of distant galaxies. As they discuss the 2007 Antarctic expedition, Irene shares a pivotal moment: her first encounter with icebergs, which profoundly deepened her love for Earth. Irene describes the magical experience of seeing the icebergs up close and the inspiration she drew from that moment and how her joy also inspired musician Ian Tamblyn to write a song about it, Thrill To My Heart. Geoff and Irene also reflect on the spirit of exploration, the impact of the Students on Ice program, and the importance of youth connecting across borders. They discuss Irene's subsequent academic and professional achievements, including her work with the NASA James Webb Space Telescope and her current project, Distant Dust. Irene emphasizes the educational value of science, her hopes for future generations, and her enduring connection to her Iranian roots.You can see the official SOI video of that 2007 Antarctic expedition, including Irene's first encounter with icebergs and Ian Tamblyn's song here. And here are Ian's lyrics to Thrill To My Heart - Irene's Song. Thrill to My HeartThrill to my heart when I hear your laughterThrill to my heart when I see you smileAnd it moves man to see your raptureAnd it moves me – right to my soul.Thrill to my heart to see you dancingThrill to my heart to see you spinning aroundYou could call this a dance, call this a chapterIt moves me man –right to my soul.Thrill to my heart – your eye wide openTakin’ it in – breath deep and be boldCuz it moves me man to see your passionOver the moon to my soul.Ian Tamblyn - Sea Lynx Music SOCAN. -Jan. 2008.Many thanks to Ian, a regular musician in residence on SOI expeditions, for sharing the song for this podcast.Our theme song is Lancaster Sound by Juno award-winning musician and SOI Alum, Sarah Harmer.Greatest Classroom on Earth is produced by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca00:00 Introduction to Irene Shiva and Her Love for Earth00:46 Meet Irene Shiva: From Tehran to the Stars01:43 The Birth of Students on Ice03:59 Irene's Journey: From Tehran to Astronomy07:23 The Antarctic Expedition Experience10:38 Irene encounters Icebergs20:57 Irene's Career in Astrophysics33:08 Hope for the Future and Final Thoughts

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• Episode 7: Exploring Arctic Biodiversity with Roger Bull

  "We're really in the trenches every day understanding that we're in a biodiversity crisis." - Roger Bull, Canadian Museum of Nature.In our latest episode of the Greatest Classroom on Earth podcast, Geoff Green interviews Roger Bull, Head of Operations for the National Biodiversity Cryobank of Canada and the Laboratory of Molecular Biodiversity at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Recorded on board the Polar Prince as it headed up towards Northern Labrador on the Innu Nation Uinipekᵁ expedition. Roger shares his background, growing up in Halifax and Southern Alberta as the son of a Parks Canada superintendent, to his two decades as a biologist and Arctic researcher at the Canadian Museum of Nature. They delve into his extensive involvement with Students on Ice expeditions, on-board ships going back to 2014, his work with the Cryobank, the importance of biodiversity, and the challenges and hopes for conservation. The conversation highlights the significance of experiential education and engaging with Indigenous communities in Arctic research.

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• Episode 6: Pioneering Polar Architecture with Justin Sargenti

  In this episode of 'The Greatest Classroom on Earth,' host Geoff Green, founder of Students on Ice, talks with Justin Sargenti, an alum of the 2015 Arctic Expedition and a PhD student in architecture, with a focus on polar and extreme environments. Geoff and Justin talk about that SOI journey to Greenland and the Northwest Passage and how it inspired Justin to focus his architecture studies on developing eco-friendly buildings in hostile environments. Their discussion covers how Justin earned a spot on that 2015 expedition after winning a photo contest in Monaco sponsored by Prince Albert II, and his subsequent expeditions to study several international research stations in the Antarctic. They highlight the negative environmental impacts that many of these scientific bases have and the importance of sustainable design. Justin shares his mission to inspire the development of a more environmentally-conscious approach in polar research facilities.Our theme song is Lancaster Sound by Juno award-winning musician and SOI Alum, Sarah Harmer.Greatest Classroom on Earth is produced by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca00:00 Introduction: The Generation of Today00:42 Meet Justin Sargenti: From SOI Alumni to PhD Student01:20 The Birth of Students on Ice02:03 Reflecting on 25 Years of SOI Expeditions02:52 Justin's Journey: From Contest Winner to Arctic Explorer06:53 The Impact of SOI: Personal and Professional Growth10:22 Current Challenges and Future Aspirations11:50 Innovations in Polar Architecture14:28 The Environmental Impact of Antarctic Stations19:37 The Role of Youth in Global Environmental Leadership22:07 Conclusion: A Message of Hope and Action

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• Episode 5: Leading from the North - Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell on Youth, Mentorship, and Arctic Advocacy

  In this episode of Greatest Classroom on Earth, Students on Ice founder Geoff Green sits down with Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell, a trailblazing Inuit leader and former Member of Parliament. Senator Karetak-Lindell reflects on her journey from Arviat, Nunavut to the Senate of Canada, sharing insights on community leadership, Indigenous representation, the challenges and hopes for Inuit youth, and her participation in the 2017 Students on Ice Arctic expedition.Together, they explore her childhood growing up on the shores of Hudson's Bay, the impact of residential schools, views on the power of mentorship, and the role of traditional knowledge in shaping Inuit lives and policy. Senator Karetak-Lindell speaks candidly about the value of Inuit being heard in political spaces and the strength of cultural identity. Along with our theme song by Sarah Harmer, this episode also features music recorded on the 2017 SOI Arctic Expedition by Juno award winner Ian Tamblyn, and accompanied by two more SOI alumni, James Raffan and Andrew Bresnahan.Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell is an Inuk leader from Arviat, Nunavut. In 1997, she became the first female Member of Parliament for the Eastern Arctic, serving until 2008. She later led the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada and has held many leadership roles advocating for Inuit rights. Appointed to the Senate in 2024, she continues to champion issues such as housing, language, and northern equity. She is also a recipient of the Order of Canada.

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