In this episode, I chat with spider researchers Dr. André Wanderley do Prado and Dr. Pedro de Souza Castanheira to explore the remarkable and often misunderstood world of spiders. André and Pedro share their journey from researching Brazil’s dense, biodiverse forests to working hands-on with Western Australia’s unique species at the WA Museum, where live specimens, fieldwork, and careful taxonomy all play a role in uncovering new insights into arachnid life.

We dive into what it is like to work with venomous species, why spider diversity is so much higher in some regions than others, and how museum collections help scientists trace evolution, behaviour, and ecological change. Along the way, André and Pedro break down common myths, highlight the surprising beauty and complexity of spiders, and reveal what these tiny predators can teach us about our rapidly changing planet.

In this episode Kurt dives into the wild coastline of Western Australia with whale researchers Katy Fannei and Max Fabry, two scientists who built a groundbreaking whale-monitoring program from scratch, fueled by passion, volunteers, and community pilots.
From flying light aircraft over 450 km of coastline to navigating remote beaches with drones and 4WDs, Katharina and Max reveal how a chance meeting led to a unique collaboration linking whale behavior with estuaries, drones, and citizen science. Discover how storm-driven estuary openings may shape whale movements, hear incredible close-encounter stories with southern right whales and great white sharks, and learn how community-powered science can unlock secrets of our oceans.
It is science in the sky and surf, equal parts inspiring, adventurous, and awe-filled. Tune in to explore the frontier where whales, people, and place meet.

In this episode, I am joined by Professor Treena Burgess, Executive Director of the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University, and one of the world’s foremost experts on Phytophthora, to unravel the fascinating biology and devastating impact of this plant pathogen. Together, they explore what makes it so persistent, how it spreads, and why climate change and human activity have amplified its reach.

From the challenges of containment and restoration to new research uncovering potential resistance and soil microbiome defenses, this conversation shines a light on both the scale of the problem and the growing hope for solutions.

Whether you’re a scientist, conservationist, or simply someone who loves the Australian bush, this episode offers a powerful look at how one tiny organism can reshape an entire ecosystem and what we can do to protect what remains.

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Jennifer Verduin, Oceanographer and Pro Vice Chancellor at Murdoch University, with a passion for seagrass. Fresh from an expedition to Antarctica as part of a global leadership program for women in STEM, Jennifer shares what it was like to stand among thousands of penguins, witness icebergs the size of cities, and confront the stark realities of a changing climate.

Together, we explore the emotional and scientific impact of seeing global warming up close, the interconnectedness of Earth’s oceans, and how collaboration between scientists and policymakers can help protect our planet’s most fragile ecosystems. From tales of whales and glaciers to reflections on leadership, eco-grief, and hope, this conversation captures both the awe and urgency of protecting our blue planet.

In a world shaped by headlines, algorithms, and endless scrolls, who really controls the narrative?

Associate Professor Tauel Harper, media scholar at Murdoch University, joins Kurt Krispyn to unpack the complex intersections of democracy, persuasion, and misinformation. From political spin and media ownership to social media’s sway over truth and trust, they explore how our beliefs are shaped, and how we can sharpen our critical thinking in an age of constant noise.

A thought-provoking conversation on free speech, manipulation, and the power of genuine understanding, a reminder that meaningful change starts with awareness.

Conversation Between Trees wasn’t just another podcast recording; it was a moment that redefined the idea of the public lecture, a tradition that has been with us for centuries. Hosted by the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University, this was the first live podcast I’ve ever done, and it was an experience that meant so much to both Rachel and me.

Together, in front of a vibrant, engaged audience, we celebrated Rachel’s promotion to Professor while weaving science, storytelling, and laughter into something entirely new. Unlike the classic lecture format, this conversation unfolded in real time, unscripted, alive, bringing listeners and the audience into the heart of what science communication can be.

This event marked a new way of sharing knowledge, bridging the deep roots of academic tradition with the dynamic immediacy of podcasting. For Rachel and me, it was more than a recording; it was a night that blended community, history, and innovation into one unforgettable exchange.

In a completely different field of science that I am used to, I sit down with clinical sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett to talk about the science of sexual health and wellbeing. Melissa shares her expertise on common misconceptions around libido, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer recovery, the role of hormones, and how lifestyle factors influence intimacy.

The discussion highlights the importance of open conversation, evidence-based care, and a broader understanding of sexual health as an essential component of overall quality of life. This episode is designed to educate, challenge stigma, and provide listeners with a clearer perspective on the science behind sex, relationships and their own bodies, because things change when you get older.

Cyclones are among the planet’s most powerful forces- reshaping coastlines, reefs, and ecosystems with every storm. Dr. Marji Puotinen, a spatial ecological data scientist from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, joins Paramount Importance to break down what cyclones really are, how they form, why they differ from hurricanes and typhoons, and what they mean for coral reefs, migratory animals, and our changing climate.

From the physics of waves and storm tracks to the surprising ways cyclones can both damage and protect reefs, Marji explains the science in a way that’s accessible and engaging. We also explore how climate change is altering cyclone behaviour, and why understanding these storms is essential for the future of our oceans.