Edible Empire

Planet Pulse Pacific

Planet Pulse Pacific—your go-to podcast for conversations about people and planet—is proud to host a special series: Edible Empire.

As the climate and global health crises intensify, the need for meaningful change has never been more urgent. This six-episode series brings together leading voices from around the world to explore the concept of food imperialism, uncover the hidden social and environmental costs of what we eat, and examine how we can build a more just and sustainable food system.

Join your hosts, Ben Eitelberg and Emma Strutt, alongside special series co-host Dr Neal Haddaway, as they dive into the complex and often unseen world of food—how it is produced, traded, and consumed across the globe. Kelly Allum edits the series.

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28 episodes
weekly
Avg 43 min
English

Episodes 28

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S7 · E2
February 15 · 24 min
Jess Lamb - Waste Minimisation As An Athlete
Jessica Lamb is the Christchurch Hub Leader for Athletes for Nature and the Sustainability Coordinator at Without Waste. Jess holds a strong connection to te taiao and is passionate about caring for both people and planet. With a background in environmental science and geography, she works to support a shift towards a circular economy and the rewilding of cities through thriving urban ngahere. A committed nature and zero-waste advocate, Jess combines big-picture thinking with practical, community-led action. Outside of her professional roles, she is a plant-powered trail runner, avid hiker, and enthusiastic ‘compost queen’, using her love of the outdoors to inspire others to reconnect with and protect the environments they move through. In this episode, we discuss: Jess’s background and what sparked her passion for nature and sustainability Her studies in environmental science and geography New Zealand’s waste problem and why it matters Jess’s journey into trail running and how it shapes her environmental advocacy Her extensive volunteering background, including Forest & Bird Youth Stepping into the role of Christchurch Hub Leader for Athletes for Nature, and why she got involved How composting can be a practical, change-making solution at the local level Her work as Sustainability Coordinator at Without Waste The role of athletes as advocates for climate action and conservation Jess’s goals for Athletes for Nature in 2026, including plans for the Christchurch hub How trail runners (and outdoor athletes more broadly) can reduce their environmental footprint Personal ambitions over the next few years—both athletic and sustainability-focused To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
S7 · E1
February 1 · 30 min
Abby Patterson - The Future of Science Communication
Abby Patterson is an aspiring climate storyteller and science communicator, and our brand-new co-host on the Planet Pulse Pacific podcast! Over the past two years, Abby has grown her Instagram platform Outdoors with Abby, where she breaks down the often tough (and sometimes overwhelming) realities of climate change and environmental science into content that’s engaging, relatable, and easy to understand. Her postgraduate research focused on how climate science and emerging innovations can be communicated in ways that not only inform people but help them feel empowered to support meaningful change. Deeply passionate about sustainability and science communication, Abby hopes to build a career at the intersection of research, storytelling, and environmental advocacy. She dreams of a future where endangered species are thriving, human impacts on ecosystems are minimised, and she’s proud to be part of the movement working towards that future. Given all that, we’re absolutely pumped to welcome Abby on board as our new co-host! In this episode, we discuss: A season 7 check-in and what’s ahead for 2026 Welcoming our new podcast presenter, Abby Patterson Abby’s background and studies in environmental communication Why translating science for the wider community really matters Outdoors with Abby and her work in environmental advocacy on social media Battling climate doom to prevent disengagement Her volunteering with Forest & Bird Youth and Athletes for Nature Why solutions already exist—and how we often focus on the wrong things Abby’s personal goals as a podcast host The impact of positive interactions that reach the right people and spark meaningful conversations Navigating the role of AI in communication and the power of parody when used in the right context To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
S6 · E9
Aug 3, 2025 · 58 min
Amy Steel - Wildfires And Interventions on Ecosystems
Amy Steel is a climate adaptation expert and PhD candidate with Adrift Lab at Curtin University, Western Australia. With over a decade of experience advising on decarbonisation and climate resilience, Amy is now focused on a vital question: should humans intervene to help ecosystems on the verge of collapse—and if so, how, where, and when? Amy's research centres on the Yowli (otherwise known as Flesh-footed Shearwaters) breeding on islands in the Recherche Archipelago off Kepa Kurl, Esperance. These seabirds face increasing and worsening threats from lightning-ignited wildfires during their peak breeding season, impacted by climate change. Working with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Rangers, Amy is exploring how Wudjari cultural burning can protect these fragile habitats. Amy also reflects on moving from high-level strategy to hands-on fieldwork, the importance of Indigenous knowledge, and what it means to protect ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate. In this episode, we discuss: Amy’s diverse background and what led her from leadership roles in climate strategy to research The long-term impacts of heat stroke that ended her competitive netball career and influenced her path Joining the Adrift Lab team and what inspired her to undertake a PhD Why islands and seabirds like the Yowli are critical indicators of ecosystem health The increasing severity of wildfires and extreme weather, and their impacts on vulnerable species Whether seabirds and other wildlife can adapt to human-driven climate change, and if natural checks and balances are breaking down The ethical and ecological questions around human intervention in collapsing ecosystems Working closely with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Rangers, and the role of Wudjari cultural burning in ecosystem resilience The importance of place-based policy and honouring Indigenous knowledge in climate responses How to communicate climate and conservation issues effectively, and create lasting change within communities Staying motivated in advocacy through collaboration and community action The role of athletes in climate conversations, and how to stay safe while being active in a changing climate What gives Amy hope as an environmental researcher To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
S6 · E8
Jul 13, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Christelle Bakhache - Ecological Impact of Nature Recreation
Christelle Bakhache is a climber, conservationist, Lagoped ambassador, and Nature Sports Project Manager at Asters, the Conservatory of Natural Spaces in Haute-Savoie, France. With a background in environmental science and fieldwork that includes time with global organisations like WWF, Christelle brings a deep, practical understanding of conservation to her current work protecting some of France’s most fragile alpine environments. Christelle works where outdoor adventure and environmental protection meet. She focuses on making sure that people can still enjoy the mountains without causing lasting harm to the ecosystems that make these places so special. Whether it’s shaping policy, supporting grassroots projects, or helping athletes think differently about their impact, she’s passionate about finding practical ways to balance human presence in these special and unique environments. In this conversation, Christelle shares how her love for wild spaces fuels her mission, what she’s witnessing firsthand in the face of climate change, and how outdoor athletes and everyday adventurers alike can reduce their impact. She also reflects on her personal journey—blending exploration, advocacy, and a commitment to low-impact living to pursue a more sustainable future. In this episode, we discuss: Christelle’s path into conservation and her drive to protect the natural world Life and work in Haute-Savoie, and how the region shapes her environmental outlook Her role at Asters and their mission to safeguard mountain biodiversity The rapid and visible impacts of climate change in the European Alps Conservation wins, persistent challenges, and reasons for hope The hidden environmental toll of large-scale sporting events What genuinely low-impact outdoor events could look like Sustainable training and travel tips for athletes and adventurers Practical ways we can all reduce our footprint in nature The influence of individual athletes and institutions advocating for change Christelle’s year of travelling simply and living with intention Steps toward becoming a more thoughtful, respectful presence in the outdoors To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
S6 · E7
Jun 29, 2025 · 41 min
Joseph Boctor - Micro- And Nanoplastics In Agricultural Soils
Joseph Boctor is a PhD researcher at Murdoch University’s Bioplastics Innovation Hub and a passionate advocate for sustainable environmental solutions. Originally from Egypt, Joseph’s work is driven by a personal mission to address the growing plastic pollution crisis in the Nile River and other regions where waste management and recycling systems are underdeveloped or ineffective. At the Bioplastics Innovation Hub — a collaborative initiative between Murdoch University, CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and industry partners — Joseph’s research focuses on developing innovative ways to break down plastics in environments where traditional approaches fall short. With expertise in chemical sciences and biotechnology, he’s helping pioneer next-generation strategies for plastic degradation and sustainable materials. Together with the team at the Hub, Joseph is contributing to Australia’s efforts to rethink the plastic lifecycle, to create a cleaner, more resilient future for ecosystems around the world. In this episode, we discuss: Joseph’s background and what sparked his passion for tackling plastic pollution The shocking scale of plastic waste in the Nile River and its broader implications The two sides to the plastic problem—beginning and end of life strategies His lead authorship on the paper “Microplastics and nanoplastics: fate, transport, and governance from agricultural soil to food webs and humans” Why micro- and nanoplastics are so concerning, and how their size makes them nearly impossible to escape From soil to salad: How micro and nanoplastics enter agricultural soils and what that could mean for our health The urgent need for regulation and standardised risk assessments of plastics in food webs Packaging solutions that don’t leave a legacy: The groundbreaking work of the Bioplastics Innovation Hub Australia’s love affair with plastic, and the alarming statistics behind our consumption Joseph’s lead authorship on the review “Nature’s Plastic Predators: A Comprehensive and Bibliometric Review of Plastivore Insects” The intriguing insects that can feed on plastics—and how they could revolutionise waste management The Hub’s Smart Sprays Project and its potential to transform the agricultural industry Practical steps we can take as consumers to reduce our plastic footprint and avoid contamination To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
S6 · E6
Jun 15, 2025 · 45 min
Gareth Hughes - Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa
Gareth Hughes is a former Member of Parliament, political commentator, author, and passionate advocate for economic transformation. With a decade of experience in Parliament representing the Green Party, Gareth held key roles including Party Whip, strategist, and Chair of the Social Services and Community Select Committee. Before his time in politics, Gareth led climate campaigns with Greenpeace, helping to drive awareness and action on critical environmental issues. Gareth now serves as Director of WEAll Aotearoa Wellbeing Economy Alliance, a Te Tiriti-led, non-partisan ‘think and do’ tank focused on reimagining Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy to prioritise the wellbeing of people and te taiao (the natural world). Through research, advocacy, and coalition-building, the WEAll Aotearoa team are helping to shape a future where thriving communities and ecosystems are at the heart of economic decision-making. In this episode, we discuss: Gareth’s journey from climate activism to Parliament to economic systems change How his personal and political experiences shaped a deep commitment to systemic economic change Why the current economic model is failing—and why change is urgent What a well-being economy really means (and what it’s not) Challenging common myths about economic growth and prosperity Why Aotearoa needs an economy that works for everyone, within planetary boundaries The mission and work of WEAll Aotearoa—empowering communities, policymakers, and businesses to co-create change The Wellbeing Economy Alliance—a global movement, now in 19 countries Tools and frameworks for action, including the Wellbeing Economy Policy Design Guide Business as a force for good Gareth’s nationwide listening tour—hearing how everyday New Zealanders want the economy to work Barriers to shifting the system, and how we can overcome them What success could look like, and Gareth’s message of hope and action How you can support WEAll Aotearoa and get involved in the movement Gareth offers a hopeful, grounded, and inspiring conversation about how we can reimagine the economy to truly serve both people and the planet. To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
S6 · E5
May 11, 2025 · 59 min
Dr Catherine Knight - An Uncommon Land
Dr Catherine Knight is an award-winning author, environmental historian, and policy expert with extensive experience in both strategic and operational environmental governance. Currently working in strategic policy in the government sector, Catherine is also an Honorary Research Associate at Massey University’s School of People, Environment and Planning. Her writing on wellbeing, post-growth economics, and environmental policy frequently appears on platforms such as Newsroom, The Spinoff, and Substack. Catherine has authored several acclaimed books exploring the relationships between people, nature, and politics, including Nature and Wellbeing in Aotearoa, which we explored with her in a previous podcast episode. Her latest work, An Uncommon Land, is her most personal to date, tracing Aotearoa’s environmental and social history through the lens of her own ancestors. It explores powerful themes like enclosure, colonisation, and the gradual denaturing of landscapes. In this episode: Her background in policy and current work beyond authorship Auckland’s lost tram network and the role of holistic city design Rethinking the economy to serve both people and planet What inspired Catherine to write An Uncommon Land The personal journey of understanding her ancestors to shape present-day insights The vulnerability of writing a deeply personal book The concept of The Commons—its historical significance and near-erasure in modern Aotearoa Debunking the myth of the "tragedy of the commons" How the shift to enclosure and private property continues to shape society today The enduring systems of war, colonisation, and environmental degradation—and their modern parallels Our complicity in an economy driven by exploitation and consumption How New Zealand’s celebrated progress has often depended on the extraction of resources and environmental destruction Envisioning alternative futures: post-growth models, food security, and land as a shared inheritance Why we must redirect public investment toward collective wellbeing What Catherine and her daughter learned from travelling together in the process of researching this book. To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.
S6 · E4
Apr 6, 2025 · 34 min
Sheena Chhabra - Plant Based Treaty
We are joined by Sheena Chhabra, campaigner for the Plant Based Treaty—a groundbreaking global initiative tackling the climate and ecological crises by putting food systems at the heart of the solution. The Plant Based Treaty is calling for a shift toward a just, plant-based food system that respects planetary boundaries, protects biodiversity, reforests the Earth, and creates a more resilient and equitable future. Recently, Sheena and the Plant Based Treaty team celebrated a major milestone: helping Darebin City Council become the first local government in Australia to endorse the Treaty, joining the ranks of progressive cities like Los Angeles and Amsterdam. With a vision to see a global Plant Based Treaty adopted alongside the Paris Agreement, the organisation is driving policy change, strengthening networks, and supporting communities to transition to healthier, climate-friendly food systems. In this episode, we discuss: Sheena’s journey into plant-based advocacy and environmental campaigning How the Plant Based Treaty came to be and what it aims to achieve The critical connection between food systems, climate change, and biodiversity loss Why reducing reliance on animal agriculture is key to cutting methane emissions How and why Australia is one of the world’s worst hotspots for land clearing and species extinction The vulnerabilities in our current food systems and how to build resilience with a plant-based shift The links between animal agriculture, antibiotic resistance, and zoonotic disease risks An introduction to The Safe and Trust report: The Plant Based Treaty’s Vegan Donut Economics Approach to the Food System The Treaty’s five core programs and what they’re doing to drive real change How individuals and institutions can support the movement What’s ahead for the Plant Based Treaty in 2025 and beyond To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.

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