Ep.36 Science Communication - Abby Patterson

In Episode 45 of The Seed Pod, guest Tobia Dale and I kōrero about all things native frogs here in Aotearoa. We dispel some common misconceptions about frogs, explore their fascinating life cycles, share some incredible illustrated resources, and highlight some conservation stories; from 'pickling pepekatua', to radio telemetry in the field.Tobia also celebrates her experiences overseas, working with poison dart frogs and the Panamanian golden toad, which is now extinct in the wild, fascinating herpetology conferences, and adventures searching for glass frogs in the wild. We explore the wonder of getting to know these often-overlooked animals, the importance of understanding their lives, and what we can learn from the work being done to protect them.This episode is a celebration of frogs, the people working to understand them, and the sense of wonder that comes from discovering just how much there is to learn about the natural world. Ngā mihi nui to NZ Frogs for supporting the production of this episode, and a three-part movement exploration reel series brought to life by Molly Lorraine O’Hagan, Elizabeth Werner and Ameka Weston.

In Episode 44 of The Seed Pod, guest Imogen (Mo) McRae and I kōrero about lost skills and traditional crafts, with a particular focus on tanning and brikkevev (card weaving). We explore the wonder of foraging, how careful observation becomes part of everyday life through bike touring, and why sharing knowledge matters when it comes to preventing the loss of skills and resources.We also talk about developing a deeper appreciation for animals and the resources they provide beyond meat, including the huge amounts of time, care and gratitude involved in turning those resources into useful products that can outlast synthetic alternatives. Mo shares her perspectives on the challenges within the leather industry, dealing with hate online, and the idea of moving from cradle-to-grave products towards more circular, cradle-to-cradle approaches to design.And, of course, we get into the slightly unexpected world of roadkill roadtrips?!

In Episode 43 of The Seed Pod, guest Grace Jacobs Corban and I explore the fascinating connections between space, maths, nature, and the patterns that shape our world. We discuss moon phases, Matariki, maramataka, and the value of careful observation in understanding seasonal cycles and our local environments.We also dive into NASA’s Artemis missions, the perspective astronauts gain when viewing Earth from space, and how space exploration can inspire a deeper appreciation for our planet. Along the way, Grace shares hidden maths in nature, from honeycomb and snowflakes to Saturn’s giant hexagon, and reflects on how curiosity, pattern-seeking, and interdisciplinary thinking help us make sense of the world around us.This episode is a celebration of wonder, observation, and the connections between Earth, space, and ourselves.

In Episode 42 of The Seed Pod, guest Kai Lane and I explore what it means to learn from and care for Country through observation, story, and shared knowledge. We dive into Aboriginal perspectives on seasons, sky knowledge, and natural indicators, looking at how reading the land, water, and wildlife can guide everything from understanding animal behaviour to informing food gathering and restoration work.Kai shares powerful insights into intergenerational knowledge, including his captivating Dreamtime story about the zombie fish, and how storytelling can share ecological and social wisdom. We also talk about natural habitat additions, celebrate local landscape-scale wetland restoration, and discuss the role of games and instruments like the didgeridoo in keeping knowledge alive and accessible.This episode weaves together culture, ecology, and connection, reminding us that nature is always communicating; we just need to know how to listen.

In Episode 41 of The Seed Pod, we’re joined by Arabella Crowley, an Australian marine biologist. We kōrero about her work studying coral reefs and butterflyfish on the Great Barrier Reef, what day-to-day fieldwork looks like beneath the surface, and how scientists communicate and take notes underwater. Arabella also shares unforgettable encounters with sea turtles and bait balls, and reflects on how she stays hopeful while witnessing mass coral bleaching events first-hand.

In Episode 40 of The Seed Pod, we’re joined by Andy Johnston, aka The Creature Teacher. We kōrero about science communication, giant wētā conservation, jaguar encounters in Brazil, and unpack some of the recent headlines around de-extinction.

In Episode 39 of The Seed Pod, guest Sam Ludden and I kōrero about art inspired by deep connections to tuna and awa ecosystems, mahi with iwi, mokopuna decisions, programmes that are healing intergenerational trauma through nature connection, and his adventures with whānau through syntropic food forestry and unschooling.

In Episode 38 of The Seed Pod, guest Julia Palmer and I take a deep dive into the wild and wonderful world of invertebrates. We nerd out over bug fieldwork, common misconceptions, the vital roles they play, and how species ID doesn't have to be daunting. Julia shares stories from her after-dark mountain adventures, her time exploring the Sub-Antarctic Islands, and how iNaturalist and nature clubs foster community and connection. We also chat about photography, fascinating species interactions, and why observing who’s hanging out with whom can reveal more than searching for the bugs sometimes... and how parasitic worms can hypnotise spiders?! You don’t want to miss this one.

In Episode 37 of The Seed Pod, guest Vitor Velez (@theheadlessketcher) and I dive deep into his unique nature art style that blends scientific drawing and nature journaling. We discuss adventures, sources of inspiration, nature observation, fascinating facts, the finer details, colours, layers and style, and how outside of the page is one of the most important parts of any drawing. We also share in our love for native birds of Aotearoa and the unique ecological context present.

In Episode 36 of The Seed Pod, guest Abby Patterson and I kōrero/chat about conservation and advocacy through online science communication, her alphabet elevator pitches, wellbeing and nature connection, the overcomplication of climate action leading to disengaged citizens... and we reminisce about birthday parties as children.