Edible Empire

Associate Professor Martin Brook is a Chartered Geologist (CGeol) and director of the Master of Engineering geology degree at the University of Auckland. Martin was part of the landslide emergency response team for the Gisborne state of emergency in November 2021 and has published over 80 journal articles with many focusing on landslide investigations and satellite monitoring, particularly on urba...

Professor Corey Bradshaw is the Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology at Flinders University, Director of the Global Ecology Laboratory and a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage . Corey is a master communicator and prolific researcher, having hundreds of scientific papers to his name. Here we discuss a paper Corey recently co-authored...

Dr Niyati Sharma is a Dermatologist with a sub-speciality in paediatric dermatology, extensive clinical experience with skin of colour and a Master of Public Health where she specialised in nutrition, policy and advocacy. Dr Sharma is also the founder of Inside Out Dermatology clinic in Melbourne. Given her diverse training and qualifications, Niyati helps patients approach their skin concerns in...

Dr Michael Greger is a licensed general practitioner specialising in clinical nutrition He is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine, and a founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine . In 2017 Dr Greger was honoured with the Lifestyle Medicine Trailblazer Award and became a diplomat of the American Board of L...

We’re rounding out season three with a bang, marking our 100th podcast episode! We have two popular return guests joining us and one fresh face; we speak to our favourite freshwater ecologist and science communicator Dr Mike Joy as well as zero-waste extraordinaires Hannah Blumhardt and Liam Prince . Hannah is a Senior Associate at the Institute of Governance and Policy Studies at Victoria Univers...

In our 99th episode, Ben and Emma take a moment to reflect on the past 3 years and inform listeners on plans for The Lentil Intervention moving forward in 2023 and beyond! We provide an update on our major campaigns and our plans for climate and health advocacy moving forward. Next year we aim to showcase more local success stories and highlight the amazing work happening in your community – so if...

Dr Anis Ta’eed is a nephrologist and general physician (FRACP) working in Fiji since 2020. Dr Ta’eed works as the head of Nephrology at CWM Hospital in Suva and serves as director of the Fiji National Kidney Centre . Anis is also a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician (IBLM) and is passionate about the benefits of plant-based diets for kidney health (and health in general!). In this episod...

David Spratt has been Research Coordinator for the independent think tank Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration since 2014. He was co-founder of the Climate Action Centre in Melbourne and co-authored Climate Code Red ; the case for emergency action. David is a prolific climate science communicator, writing regularly for popular publications and blogging at climatecodered.org. In thi...

Environmentalist, campaigner, content creator and all-around legend, Geoff Reid joins us again on the podcast for an update on his latest work. If you’re new to Geoff’s work we suggest checking out our first conversation with him ( S1 Ep25 ) – but not until you take a listen to this one, because Geoff has an exciting project launching into the world very soon! Geoff has been working incredibly har...

Dotsie Bausch is a plant-powered athlete, an Olympic medallist, renowned public speaker, podcast host and founder of the non-profit organisation Switch4Good . Her achievements are nothing short of phenomenal. After overcoming an eating disorder and cocaine addiction, her therapist suggested taking up an activity, which ultimately set Dotsie on the path to winning an Olympic silver medal – becoming...

Simon Michaux is an Associate Professor of Geometallurgy at the Geological Survey of Finland in the Circular Economy Solutions Unit.  Holding a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Physics and Geology and a PhD in Mining Engineering from the University of Queensland, Simon has extensive experience in mining research and development, circular economic principles, industrial recycling, and mineral...

Thomas Tothill is a passionate environmental consultant, research technician and PhD candidate with Marine Futures Lab at the University of Western Australia. With a diverse background in marine and environmental sciences, Thomas is now undertaking his PhD where he is working in collaborative partnership with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation , pairing indigenous cultura...

In this episode, we’re chopping it up with the inspiring Josh Uluilakeba, AKA the Maoli Chef . Josh is a plant-based chef and entrepreneur, who’s on a mission to bring more plant-based cuisine to Fiji! Like many other Pacific Islands, Fiji has undergone economic and nutrition changes that have contributed to a dramatic rise in non-communicable diseases over the last few decades. In fact, over the...

Chris Darwin’s mission is a life of love – and what a life he’s led so far! With a background in advertising and a career as a mountain guide, Chris is what you would call a certified adrenaline junkie, having been involved in two world-first expeditions: The world’s highest dinner party on Peru’s highest peak and the first round-Britain windsurfing expedition. Chris is also an enthusiastic nature...

Summer Wright (Ngāti Maniapoto, Pākehā) is a dietitian, Co-Convenor of OraTaiao , and current PhD candidate at Massey University. Passionate about food sovereignty and social justice issues, Summer’s PhD will investigate the social and economic opportunities for Māori businesses in plant-based foods, under the umbrella of the Future Foods Catalyst Programme. Her research will also assess overseas...

Dr Peter Johnston is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, lifestyle medicine practitioner and wellness coach with a PhD in Human Genetics. Peter is also a fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine acting as a facilitator with Melbourne Lifestyle Medicine and running his private practice; Perfect Human Food . We chat with Peter about the benefits of a whole food plant-based diet and t...

Professor Diana Sarfati (MBChB, MPH, PhD, FNZCPHM) is a public health physician, cancer epidemiologist and health services researcher. Serving as Tumuaki, Chief Executive and National Director of Cancer Control New Zealand, Diana discusses the goals of the Cancer Control Agency and their aims to both assist and challenge the cancer care sector to achieve fewer cancers, better survival and equity f...

Jack Santa Barbara, PhD is a retired CEO, academic, philanthropist, author, and environmental and peace activist. Jack has long been writing and educating on environmental and energy issues and the consequent impacts on people and the planet. Here Jack discusses the current predicament we find ourselves in regarding energy use and our limits to growth. We have within reach an opportunity to carve...

Dr Angela Egan is a trained GP, now working in a highly specialised team undertaking major heart and lung surgery in Townsville. Angela is a passionate advocate of lifestyle medicine, health equity and climate action in her community. In fact, her determination for stronger changes in these areas has motivated Dr Egan to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Australian federal election....

Dr Lennart Bach is an ARC Future Fellow for Climate intervention at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, at the University of Tasmania. As a Marine Biogeochemist , Lennart has a special interest in marine plankton communities, the carbon cycle, and ocean-based solutions for the climate crisis. Here Lennart provides a nuanced overview of the ocean-based climate intervention strategies cu...

Dr Carolyn Orr is a Neurologist and Clinician Researcher from Western Australia, specialising in degenerative brain diseases. A member of Doctors for the Environment Australia , Dr Orr is also a passionate environmental advocate, speaking out against fossil fuels in the interest of health. Carolyn recently delivered a powerful TEDxUWA speech where she outlined the relationship between fossil fuels...

Charlotte (Charlie) Turner is a Senior Associate of Climate Risk Governance at MinterEllison and the APAC co-lead at The Chancery Lane Project . Charlotte specialises in climate risk through a finance, corporate governance, and liability lens - so while the subject matter of this episode may be a little different to our usual offerings, this conversation will be of particular interest to listeners...

Professor Gretta Pecl is a marine ecologist, Director of the Centre for Marine Socioecology , chair of Redmap Australia and an ARC Future Fellow. If that’s not already impressive enough, Gretta was also a lead author of the recent IPCC sixth assessment report from working group II; Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability . After noticing big changes in marine environments in the early 2000s, Profess...

Anthony Dissen , MPH, MA, RDN, CPH, (he/him) is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Public Health Educator focusing on lifestyle medicine, health humanities, narrative-based medicine, and community and public health education. Anthony is currently a professor in the School of Health Sciences at Stockton University in the USA and is currently completing a Doctorate in Education. In this episode...

Dr Rochelle Ade describes herself as a disillusioned former advocate of green building and rating tools. Being engaged with the Green Building movement for over ten years, both in New Zealand and internationally, all was happy in Rochelle’s green building world until she commenced her PhD studies. During that time, Rochelle’s research led her to conclude that there was actually little proof that g...