Everything Ocean Podcast

Grant Williams (@surfingwithgrant) is a surf coach, retreat host and one of the most relatable surf content creators going around. In this episode we break down the real progression path from beginner to advanced — why almost everyone drops to a smaller board too early, the one paddling "cheat code" that fixes half your surfing, and how to actually manage fear when the waves get bigger. Grant also opens up on the early, cringe-worthy days of building an audience and why he stopped caring what the haters think.

Mike Psillakis is a Northern Beaches surfboard shaper whose twin brother Mercury was killed by a white shark at Dee Why, the first fatal shark attack on Sydney's northern beaches in around 80 years. I was working at Dee Why Beach that day. We talk about growing up together, the connection twins share, the day everything changed, and how Mike and his family turned grief into action, becoming a driving force behind the NSW drone shark-spotting program with Surfing NSW and the state government. We also get into why shark activity along the coast has shifted, bull sharks vs great whites, what's actually working to keep people safer, and Mike's take on where shark mitigation should go next. Content note: this episode discusses a fatal shark attack and grief. Boardsox: ocean-first apparel and boardsox. https://boardsox.com.au/ Surf coaching: Dee Why Salty Surf School / Salty Safaris. https://www.deewhysaltysurfschool.com.au/ https://www.saltysafaris.com.au/ Got a guest we should talk to? Reach out via socials or email.

Sydney has had a run of shark bites over the past six months, and the headlines — and social media — have been loud about it. So we sat down with someone who actually has the data. Dr. Robert Harcourt is an Emeritus Professor at Macquarie University and leads Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) animal tracking facility — a federally funded program that has tagged and tracked 180 species of fish, including every dangerous shark species in Australian waters, for the past 20 years. He's also a lifelong surfer and diver who's in the water most days. In this episode we cover: Why the "bull sharks are exploding in numbers" narrative doesn't hold up against 20 years of tagging data The vested interests behind some of the loudest voices in the shark conversation Why you're statistically far more likely to drown than to be bitten by a shark — and why that doesn't make the fear irrational The dawn-and-dusk hunting myth (it's wrong) Bull sharks vs. tiger sharks vs. white sharks — how to tell them apart by behaviour and season Shark nets vs. smart drumlines vs. AI-powered drones — what actually works, and what doesn't The real history behind Sydney's shark net program (Coogee and Malabar in the 1930s) Why the ocean is warming faster than models predicted, and what that means for the East Coast A genuinely hopeful stat: humpback whale numbers off Australia's East Coast have gone from ~500 to ~50,000 since whaling was banned Rob's rule of thumb after 40 years in and around the ocean: "If it feels sharky, get out. You can always surf another day." 🎙️ Follow Everything Ocean for more conversations on the science, stories, and people behind our relationship with the sea. 🏄 Boardsox — boardsox.com 🏄 Surf coaching — DIY Salty Surf School / Salty Safari Surf Tours

We sat down with Steve Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, to get the full picture on the state's $120 million shark drone surveillance program — the largest drone shark-spotting operation in the world. Steve has spent 37+ years across fire and rescue and NSW State Emergency Service, and now leads an organisation of 76,000+ volunteers and members. He breaks down exactly how the drone program works, what triggers a beach closure, and the surprising side of this technology that's already saved four lives — and it's not about sharks. Topics covered: the scale-up to 500,000 drone flights a year, the real protocol when a shark is spotted, AI cameras saving rock fishermen at Little Bay and Malabar, busting the shark net myth, and what this all means for nippers and beach culture heading into summer. 🎧 New episodes of Everything Ocean every week. Follow the show and leave a rating if you enjoy it — it genuinely helps.

Sydney just had one of its worst years on record for fatal shark bites. Marine biologist Dr Daryl McPhee joins the show to unpack what's really driving it — and what actually works to stop it. We cover: the real long-term bite trend data since 1980, why bull sharks spike after 45mm of rain, why white sharks follow baitfish schools, whether shark nets and culling actually reduce bites, how smart drum lines differ from traditional ones, and which personal shark deterrents (Shark Shield, shark bands, shark-eye stickers, shark-proof wetsuits) are backed by real testing versus marketing claims. Whether you surf, swim, or just want to understand the science behind the headlines, this is the most detailed shark-safety conversation you'll hear this year. Key topics: shark attack statistics, bull sharks vs white sharks, shark nets and drum lines, the NSW $120M drone program, shark culling debate, Reunion Island shark cull, personal shark deterrents. Everything Ocean Podcast (formerly Oceans Matter) — conversations with marine biologists, surfers, adventurers and ocean-impact organisations.

Everything Ocean Podcast is back — relaunching with a look at the El Niño headed for Australia this spring and summer. In this episode, Dan sits down with Felix Levesque, meteorologist at Weatherzone, to unpack the strong (possibly "super") El Niño now forecast: what it actually means for surf conditions, water temps, and bushfire risk, and where the media hype gets it wrong. They cover why this El Niño means smaller, cleaner south swells for the east coast but pumping surf for California and Hawaii, the viral claim that El Niño will "release 500 years of stored ocean energy" (fact-checked), the ocean as the "battery" behind storms and heatwaves, and the unsettling link between warming water, bull sharks, and jellyfish turning up further south than usual. Felix closes with one honest forecast for the season — and one piece of media hype to ignore. Got a guest recommendation? Send it through, link in show notes.

Join us on this exciting episode of The Oceans Matter Podcast as we dive deep into the world of innovation and sustainability. Meet Zac Duryea and Jack Vitnell, the Co-Founders of Phycologic, a remarkable bio-tech startup that's harnessing the incredible photosynthetic abilities of marine macroalgae to revolutionize indoor spaces and bring a breath of fresh air. My first encounter with Zac started years ago during a memorable surfing expedition in South Sumatra. A fearless heavy water enthusiast, riding big boards and conquering even the most challenging slabs along New South Wales' coastline by board and by body. Co-Founder Jack shares the same adventurous spirit. A true waterman and an exceptional rock climber, Jack's passion for the elements is undeniable. Discover the inspiring story behind their flagship product, the Seatree—a unique creation crafted from marine algae. Seatree is transforming indoor air quality, indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. Zac and Jack are offering a solution that not only enhances indoor spaces but also promotes cleaner, healthier living and presents as a memorizing display .

Tim Silverwood is an award winning environmentalist who Co-Founded the take three for the Sea movement. He spent 10 years leading and building this world wide movement, while also becoming a leading voice in the fight for cleaner and healthier oceans. Tims latest project which he founded in 2020 was the OIO or Ocean Impact Organisation. Oil is Australia’s first ocean impact eco system and start up accelerator. Tim has been aware the NSW green globe champion 2014, Tim starred as an Ocean Guardian in 2017 feature documentary “Blue and in 2011 sailed 5000km across he sea to the infamous Great Pacific Garbage patch and shared his experiences as a TEDx talk. We spoke about his journey through life and finding himself in the position to become a leader of a big movement, somewhat unexpectedly. How he has listened to his inner voice and intelligence to create a life chasing what his passions are and learning along the way.

Richie Vas is no stranger to the exhilarating world of big wave surfing, having grown up amidst the notorious era of the Bra Boys. Alongside renowned surfers like Mark Matthews, Richie emerged as a fearless leader in the realm of big wave surfing, particularly in the groundbreaking genre of Slab Surfing, which found its roots in Australia. But Richie's story doesn't stop there. Taking his passion for combat sports to new heights, Richie ventured into the realm of professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and even competed in the prestigious UFC. In this episode, we delve into his recent thrilling escapades at the monumental XL Wedding Cake Swell. We also explore the intricacies of growing up in Maroubra, discussing the challenges, triumphs, and unique experiences that shaped Richie's life. From a tumultuous past, including brushes with the law, Richie's journey has led him to a place of remarkable transformation. Today, he is not only a dedicated father but also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) coach, guiding others on their own path to greatness. Join us as we unravel the multifaceted life of Richie Vas, a truly committed waterman.

Glen Casey has had an astonishing journey through life. Being born in the inner western suburbs of Melbourne, Glen stumbled upon surfing in his teenage years and was instantly hooked. This self-described addiction has seen him cement himself in some of surfing's deep history, from getting a job at Rip Curl to competing in the Rip Curl Pro ( the first and probably last Melbournian to do so). He went on to pioneer some of Victoria's rugged south coast land and big waves with surfing royalty such as Wayne Lynch, Maurice Cole, and Simon Buttoshaw. Glen then started a sales agency and scaled it to an 11 million dollar business before parting ways with it to focus on a cause that was closely aligned with his heart. This came in the form of being contacted by Yvon Chinouard from Patagonia and opening Australia’s first Patagonia store in Byron Bay. Since then Glen has moved on to other projects and is still above all else fighting for a cleaner ocean and a brighter future for his daughter Willow. It was a pleasure to chat with such a humble, well-read, and spoken character that clearly has had his place in the history of surfing and continues to do all he can to keep our oceans a little healthier.

Pete Ceglinsk is the CEO and founder of Seabin, a company that's dedicated to tackling one of the biggest problems facing our oceans today: plastic pollution. Pete is a passionate environmentalist and entrepreneur, who along with Andrew Button invented the Seabin, an innovative device that works like a floating trash can, sucking in plastic and other debris from the water's surface. We talked about Petes fascinating journey which led him to this point in his life, the struggles of the start-up journey , his love for the ocean and surfing and his outlook on the future of the marine eco-space. It was a big honor to have Pete on the show as a longtime fan of him and his organization. Hope you enjoy.

James Griffin is the Member for Manly and NSW Environment and Heritage Minister. He has been hugely influential in protecting our oceans and promoting the sport of surfing in NSW. James is responsible for environmental initiatives such as replanting seaweed in the Sydney Harbour, Banning single-use plastics, and incentivizing electric vehicles in NSW. He helped secure the WSL QS pro in Manly and the WCT Pro event in Narrabeen. We sat down to speak about all this and more!

Tom Wilson is Founder of Wave Changer an environmental surf organization that provides research and projects to speed up the transition to planet-friendly materials and encourage the right type of consumer behavior from surfers. Wave Changer was created on the back of an academic thesis focused on the surfing industry, after completing a Master's Degree in Environmental Science in 2018. Tom has spent a decade working in architecture and design between 2000-2010, which has given me a keen eye for detail and creative problem-solving - before making the decision to pursue social and environmental interests from 2010 onward. Extensive experience in the social and education sectors with The Big Issue, Save the Children, and the Social Impact Team at the University of Technology Sydney. Tom and I sat down to discuss where surfing is in the environmental shift that the world is currently undergoing. With the world climate changing around us and extreme natural disasters becoming place its incredibly important for surfers to reflect Wave Changer has recently become a branch of our Partners Surfers for Climate and spearheaded their Wave Changer Club program! Find out more about it in this link -> https://www.wavechanger.org/ .

Tom Carroll is an Australian icon of surfing, born and bred in Newport on the Northern Beaches. Tom managed to rack up 26 career world tour wins, three Pipe Masters victories (87, 90, and 91), and two world titles. He is a trailblazer in professional surfing being the first goofy foot to win the world title and also the first surfing millionaire securing a lucrative contract with Quiksilver. His surfing career has extended far beyond his professional career going on to conquer unknown big wave spots with his partner in crime Ross Clarke Jones. After his competitive career finished tom faced some demons and managed to come out the other side better equipped and better than ever diving deep into his now love and passion for meditation and spreading that tool with other people now as a teacher. We talk about all these things and for me on a personal level it was an honor.

Boardsox is kicking off Season two of The Oceans Matter Podcast with a huge episode off one of the most ambitious grass roots environmental quests we have seen. Sam McLennan has had one of the most fascinating lives we have encountered and his latest mission is no different! The name of Sams operation is Project Interrupt which stems from trying to interrupt the norm which is peoples relationship with waste. He wants the raft to be a conversation starter for the kinds of environmental catastrophes that are occurring in our own backyard. Sam has been collecting debris that has been washing up all over the coastal line along Tasmania Sams raft will be ready for it's first rounds of testing he hopes at the end of February, where he will have to get a helicopter to lift the raft and place it into the ocean. Sam plans on gradually building up the raft to more difficult conditions testing it in strong winds and eventually bigger swells. If the raft passes these tests he then says it will be ready for a crack at crossing the bass strait for Hobart to Sydney. If you would like to contribute to helping Sams mission donate via the link below https://www.mycause.com.au/p/300525/project-interrupt-from-hobart-to-sydney-beyond?fbclid=IwAR12c2olN47kBGy2tdEA_57ZNqoGjaJMe5W18v3kAIApEbh1Ed9GIWAsMDo

Josh Kirkman is the newly appointed CEO of grassroots surfing organization Surfers For Climate, a grassroots organization aimed at enabling the surf community to take action on climate change. In his previous life he was also a professional bodyboarder, traveling the world to pack heavy slabs at a competitive level. Josh climbed the ranks to world number 7 on the tour and we chatted about his thoughts on the competitive bodyboarding landscape and where he thinks the sport is heading, as well as his experience working yachts and where the current initiatives and big issues Surfers For Climate are working on.

Brett Connellan is a top-tier talented surfer from the east coast of Australia, he had the humbling experience of every surfer's worst nightmare when he was attacked by a shark at his local beach in Kiama. The instinctive response of Brett and the fortunate circumstances of close friends and helpful bystanders was the difference between Brett living and dying on that day. As amazing as Brett's shark Story is, the more amazing part of this interview is Brett's headspace and mental resilience to defy doctors' prognosis of not being able to surf again to bringing himself back to peak fitness and mental fortitude. This Podcast traverses Brett's journey from growing up, to the shark attack and then through his many triumphs and tribulations since then! You can follow Brett and his amazing journey in his upcoming documentary "Attacking Life" which is soon to be released at the end of the year.

Sustainable Surf uses the global appeal of Surf culture to protect ocean health and reverse climate change. There global programs and projects like SeaTrees and the ECOBOARD Project, provide direct and measurable ways for brands and individuals to have a positive impact. We caught up with Sustainable surfs communications manager Alena Riggs and Program manager Mark Alvarado to chat about the different missions they are embarking on. If you are keen to find out more about Sustainable Surf and the arms they are comprised of Seatrees & ECOBOARD Project. https://www.sustainablesurf.org/

Deano Gladstone is a Bondi Lifeguard who was front and center as one of the head lifeguards during the rise of the TV series Bondi Rescue. He has transitioned into a multifaceted health coach teaching Yoga, PT and perhaps most notably become a master breath-work coach. Above all else he is a passionate waterman and helper to those that need it most and the perfect candidate for the oceans matter podcast.

Craig Brokensha is a surf forecaster at Swellnet. Providing surf forecasts for Australian and International locations. We delve into his journey of getting started at surfing in South Australia and how he made the transition from an engineering degree in computer science & finance to surf forecasting. We sat down to chat about his role, what it entails and how people can touch up on their skills. Craig tells us about the current climate drivers at hand, looking at a potential third La Niña. We also discuss coastal erosion and his love for photography, getting into the heavy water surf spots like Deadmans.