Blue Frontier
164 episodes listed below
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A refreshing, irreverent dive into the lives, work, and explorations of today’s leading and diverse ocean voices. Each half-hour episode co-hosted by David Helvarg of Blue Frontier and Vicki Nichols Goldstein of the Inland Ocean Coalition sails through lively discussions with our guests about marine life, culture, and critical issues affecting our rapidly changing seas. Informative, enlightening, and often humorous it is an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about understanding, enjoying, and protecting our salty blue world.
Based on 5 episodes we listened to · September 2026
Marine science becomes practical here, as interviews connect ocean change to fisheries, conservation policy and the decisions shaping coastal ecosystems.
David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols-Goldstein pair ocean news with interviews that connect marine science to conservation decisions. Conversations move between fisheries management, deep-sea ecosystems, kelp forests, low-oxygen dead zones and marine heat waves, with attention to how…
A sea star stands on tiptoe for oxygen; you'll never hear 'dead zone' quite the same way.
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Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.
A focused case for seeing kelp as an essential ocean ecosystem, not just the new coral.
Rising Tide frames kelp as more than scenery, placing it inside a broader ocean story about food, biodiversity, shore protection, and the animals that rely on kelp forests as nurseries.
A grounded look at how shared data and longer-term thinking can change fishing culture.
A fishing story shifts once competition gives way to shared data, protected nurseries, and planning beyond the next catch. Fishermen work with environmentalists, fishery scientists, and managers to identify overfished species, locate nursery areas, adjust protections as some…
Margaret Spring makes the deep ocean feel reachable through aquarium storytelling, science, and conservation.
Margaret Spring, Chief Conservation and Science Officer for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, gives Rising Tide a grounded path into the deep ocean through an exhibit that carries visitors from the surface down to the seafloor.
A film-festival conversation opens into the access, ethics, and cultural history behind an orca documentary.
Rising Tide ties warming seas to the complicated human story behind an orca documentary. Its news segment notes that 2023 set a record for ocean temperatures and that 90% of the ocean experienced at least one marine heat wave, while coral-reef research adds a more hopeful…
A dead zone becomes a dark, murky place - and a New Jersey-sized argument.
Rising Tide makes an ocean dead zone feel less like a label on a map and more like a place where animals are running out of breath. Its Blue News You Can Use segment links petrochemical sunscreen ingredients and weakening Atlantic currents before moving into the Gulf's…
Particle accelerators, compost piles and Queen's guitarist, all explained.
Steven Novella and a rotating panel dissect weekly science news and debunk pseudoscience claims.
APA's Kim Mills interviews psychology researchers on tipping, crying, and extremism.
This episode features an interview with Chef Andrew Zimmern discussing his work on sustainable blue foods, ocean conservation, and his upcoming Blue Food Cookbook.
This episode features a compilation of highlights from ocean-related stories in 2024, starting with a commercial fisherman's account of sperm whales interfering with fishing operations in Alaska.
This rebroadcast episode of Rising Tide honors the late Dr.
This episode segment discusses the Trump administration's impacts on ocean policies, including a new bill affecting offshore activities, with guest George Leonard sharing his background in marine science and conservation.
This episode features an interview with Kate Toniolo of the U.S.
This episode features an interview with Kira Foti from Atlantic Sea Farms, discussing kelp farming for food and sustainability in Maine, including partnerships with lobstermen and product lines.
This episode features Bob Sheffelton, a former Cook Inlet Keeper, discussing his work protecting Alaska's waters and his role on the Prince William Sound Advisory Council post-Exxon Valdez spill, alongside a segment on scientists using AI to decipher whale songs.
This episode features Erin Hudson from the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program discussing how consumers can make sustainable seafood choices to protect ocean ecosystems.
This segment introduces a podcast interview discussing the relevance of David Helberg's book 'The War Against the Greens' to current environmental and democratic challenges under President Trump.
This segment introduces an episode discussing a scientific report on the threats to marine ecosystems from human activities, featuring Dr.
This special live episode of Rising Tide at SF Climate Week discusses the impacts of climate change on oceans and San Francisco Bay, featuring experts on marine conservation and pollution.
This episode features oceanographer Sara Frias-Torres discussing coral reef recovery, marine megafauna conservation, and the balance between aquaculture and sustainable fishing in the face of climate change.
This episode segment introduces Meaghan Brosnan, CEO of WildAid, discussing her background in marine enforcement and the organization's work combating illegal activities and climate impacts on ocean wildlife, followed by news about U.S.
This episode segment discusses the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, featuring guests Mike Sutton and Lindsay Gordon sharing their experiences and insights on ocean protection efforts and global commitments.
This episode segment introduces Kim McIntyre and the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, then transitions to discussing environmental threats like deep sea mining and policy changes under the Trump administration.
This segment discusses ocean conservation challenges under the Trump administration, including threats to NOAA, marine protections, and pollution controls, with insights from Representative Jared Huffman.
This episode features an interview with a young environmental science student and her grandmother from St.
This segment introduces Nat Herz, a reporter who launched the Northern Journal to cover Alaska's public lands, energy, and politics, highlighting its national and global impact, and begins discussing her background and inspiration.
This episode segment introduces oceanographer Kathy Crane's pioneering work discovering deep-sea volcanic vents and chemosynthetic life, connecting it to NASA's Europa mission.
The episode introduces the documentary 'Sequoias of the Sea' about kelp forests, featuring co-directors Natasha Benjamin and Ana Blanco, and discusses its upcoming world premiere at the Ocean Film Festival in San Francisco.
This episode segment discusses the Trump administration's cuts to NOAA and features retired Captain Craig McClain sharing his early connection to the ocean and motivation for environmental advocacy.
Jeremy Rifkin discusses his new book 'Planet Aqua', shifting focus from land to water as the fundamental element of Earth, addressing the crisis from misjudging our planet's nature.
This episode segment discusses Tom Ford's work with the Bay Foundation in restoring kelp forests in California and reintroducing endangered white abalones, while also covering recent environmental policy changes under the Trump administration affecting mercury emissions and greenhouse gases.
This episode segment discusses the discovery of bacteria causing sea star wasting disease, its impact on kelp forests, and features guest Drew Harvell, a marine ecologist from Cornell.
This segment discusses the Trump administration's actions to halt and defund the Revolution Wind offshore wind project, including false claims about whale harm, contrasting it with offshore oil drilling.
This episode features Peter Gros and Dr.
This episode of Rising Tide discusses the COP30 climate summit's focus on indigenous rights and ocean solutions, followed by a conversation about a kelp forest documentary screening.
This episode of Rising Todd, the Ocean Podcast features an interview with Reverend Robert Wilkins about his work with the Seafarers' Ministry of the Golden Gate, along with a news segment on sea otter conservation.
This episode discusses President Biden's historic ban on offshore oil and gas drilling leases and its implications for coastal protection, featuring an interview with environmental leader Richard Charter.
This episode celebrates the successful 20-year grassroots effort to transform Point Molate in Richmond, California from proposed casino and housing developments into a 413-acre public park, featuring activists who led the fight.
This episode features Dune Lankard, a member of the Eagle Clan and founder of the Native Conservancy, discussing his early experiences with commercial fishing and his transition to ocean conservation work in Alaska.
This episode discusses the intersection of ocean policy and elections, exploring why climate and ocean issues are not prominent in current political campaigns despite their importance.
This episode features an interview with Oscar-winning filmmaker Craig Foster about his lifelong connection to the ocean, his work with the Great African Sea Forest, and his new book Amphibious Soul.
This episode features an interview with Nick Rahaim, a journalist and former commercial fisherman in Alaska, discussing his experiences and perspectives on ocean-related issues, including environmental policies and coastal fishing communities.
This episode discusses the arrest of ocean activist Paul Watson by Denmark on a Japanese warrant, his history of confronting illegal whaling, and replays a 2023 interview to explain his conservation efforts.
This episode features an interview with artist Ray Troll, discussing his work and ocean-related topics, including orcas sinking boats.
This episode features an interview with underwater salvage expert Kurt Newport about his decades of experience in deep-sea operations and discusses recent ocean-related news including greenhouse gas pollution rulings and hurricane predictions.
This episode discusses the revival of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards after a seven-year hiatus, their connection to ocean conservation efforts, and the upcoming 2025 ceremony at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
This episode features an interview with Sherri Goodman discussing how climate change acts as a threat multiplier for global security and the evolving role of environmental stewardship in military strategy.
This episode features an interview with Dr.
This episode of Rising Tide discusses the Trump administration's ocean policies, including offshore oil drilling and threats to marine monuments, with guest Angelo Villagomez, a senior fellow focused on ocean and indigenous governance.
This episode of Rising Tide features an interview with big wave surf photographer and documentary producer Sachi Cunningham, discussing her work capturing women riding giant waves, while also covering current ocean-related news including the environmental impact of conflict in the Persian Gulf.
This episode discusses the documentary 'Fatal Watch' which exposes the murders and suspicious deaths of marine observers in the global fishing industry, along with related environmental policy news.
Philippe and Ashlyn Cousteau discuss their efforts to protect Antarctic waters and krill through marine conservation initiatives.
This episode discusses the Trump administration's handling of a deep-sea mining application and environmental concerns, featuring guest Richard Charter.
This episode discusses recent climate science findings from NOAA's Arctic Report Card and funding cuts to polar research, highlighting warming trends and policy impacts.
This episode features an interview with Superintendent Eric Jones of Cal Maritime, discussing his Coast Guard career, leadership of tall ships, and the integration of Cal Maritime with Cal Poly, including a new training ship.
This episode segment introduces marine mammal biologist Kirsten Donald and discusses proposed legislation threatening the Marine Mammal Protection Act, highlighting her expertise in marine mammal care and advocacy.
This episode discusses recent environmental policy changes under the Trump administration affecting oceans and features an interview with Tim Bristol about protecting Alaska's wild salmon populations.
["Rising Tide: The Ocean Podcast centers David Helvarg and Natasha Benjamin on kelp, Blue Frontier, and Helvarg's book Forest of the Sea.", "Helvarg says kelp is the Amazon forest of the Sea, covers 2.2 million square miles, and helps explain why ocean plants and algae generate 70% of our oxygen.", "The episode revisits the 95% kelp loss in Fort Bragg from Sequoias of the Sea, then moves to restoration examples in Southern California, Mendocino, and Big River.", "Benjamin closes with policy and outreach details, including Jared Huffman, South Korea's 29 million a year restoration spending, and Blue Frontier's kelp education project."]
David Helvarg and Vicki Nichols-Goldstein host Jamie Workman and Amanda Leland on Rising Tide: The Ocean Podcast to discuss Sea Change and the shift from racing to fish to catch shares.
Margaret Spring, Monterey Bay Aquarium's Chief Conservation and Science Officer, connects aquarium science to NOAA policy, Seafood Watch, and MBARI research on the Monterey Bay Canyon.
Rising Tide #106 focuses on a Russia-to-China orca trade that put 10 orcas at $10 million each and 87 beluga whales in the same export pipeline.
Rising Tide: The Ocean Podcast interviews Dr.
An interview with Dr.
An interview with U.S.
An interview with ocean activist Farah Obadullah about her lifelong connection to the sea and her work against deep sea mining.
Interview with ocean pioneer Don Walsh about his historic dive to the Challenger Deep and his lifelong career in ocean exploration.
An interview with marine biologist Les Kaufman about his career, from childhood trauma to studying coral reefs and freshwater ecosystems.