The Seed Pod.

In Episode 43 of The Seed Pod, guest Grace Jacobs Corban and I explore the fascinating connections between space, maths, nature, and the patterns that shape our world. We discuss moon phases, Matariki, maramataka, and the value of careful observation in understanding seasonal cycles and our local environments.
We also dive into NASA’s Artemis missions, the perspective astronauts gain when viewing Earth from space, and how space exploration can inspire a deeper appreciation for our planet. Along the way, Grace shares hidden maths in nature, from honeycomb and snowflakes to Saturn’s giant hexagon, and reflects on how curiosity, pattern-seeking, and interdisciplinary thinking help us make sense of the world around us.
This episode is a celebration of wonder, observation, and the connections between Earth, space, and ourselves.

In Episode 42 of The Seed Pod, guest Kai Lane and I explore what it means to learn from and care for Country through observation, story, and shared knowledge. We dive into Aboriginal perspectives on seasons, sky knowledge, and natural indicators, looking at how reading the land, water, and wildlife can guide everything from understanding animal behaviour to informing food gathering and restoration work.
Kai shares powerful insights into intergenerational knowledge, including his captivating Dreamtime story about the zombie fish, and how storytelling can share ecological and social wisdom. We also talk about natural habitat additions, celebrate local landscape-scale wetland restoration, and discuss the role of games and instruments like the didgeridoo in keeping knowledge alive and accessible.
This episode weaves together culture, ecology, and connection, reminding us that nature is always communicating; we just need to know how to listen.

In Episode 41 of The Seed Pod, we’re joined by Arabella Crowley, an Australian marine biologist. We kōrero about her work studying coral reefs and butterflyfish on the Great Barrier Reef, what day-to-day fieldwork looks like beneath the surface, and how scientists communicate and take notes underwater. Arabella also shares unforgettable encounters with sea turtles and bait balls, and reflects on how she stays hopeful while witnessing mass coral bleaching events first-hand.

In Episode 40 of The Seed Pod, we’re joined by Andy Johnston, aka The Creature Teacher. We kōrero about science communication, giant wētā conservation, jaguar encounters in Brazil, and unpack some of the recent headlines around de-extinction.

In Episode 39 of The Seed Pod, guest Sam Ludden and I kōrero about art inspired by deep connections to tuna and awa ecosystems, mahi with iwi, mokopuna decisions, programmes that are healing intergenerational trauma through nature connection, and his adventures with whānau through syntropic food forestry and unschooling.