The Hidden World Below: Life Beneath the Surface Through Research and Visual Storytelling with Graham Montague

What happens beneath the surface of an aquatic system is a world most people never see—but today’s guest is bringing that hidden world to life through science and underwater storytelling. This week, Conrad had the pleasure of speaking with PhD candidate and underwater videographer Graham Montague from the University of Vermont in a fascinating conversation that explored both his research and creative work beneath the surface. The discussion dove into the intersection of science communication and underwater videography, highlighting how visual storytelling can help audiences connect more deeply with aquatic ecosystems and the life they support. He also shared insights into his current research as a PhD candidate at the University of Vermont, where he studies landlocked Atlantic salmon in Lake Champlain; the perspectives he has gained throughout his career; and the unique challenges and rewards of filming underwater. Blending passion, science, and artistry, this episode offers a compelling look at how creative media can inspire curiosity, understanding, and conservation of aquatic life. Takeaway: Follow and pursue what you're most passionate about in life.  Email: [email protected] Affiliation: PhD Candidate, University of Vermont Instagram: @grammontague_ “Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).”  

On this episode of The Fisheries Podcast, Alanna hosts Dr. Gretchen McCarthy. The two discuss experiences in oyster farming, Gretchen's time as a Hollings Scholar and her bivalve research, as well as her more recent work into kelp forests, polyculture systems, and the importance of ecosystems for major bivalve resources in New Zealand. We hope you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "People are a part of their biosphere."   Find Gretchen on LinkedIn, ResearchGate, or Facebook.   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).    

This week, Preston sits down with Dr. Mike Allen from the University of Florida. They discuss just a few of the myriad research projects that Mike has been a part of since getting to Florida, from the impacts of Lionfish to Florida Bass and from forward facing sonar to his current work with snook in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. We hope that you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "Make your job fun!" Mike's email address: [email protected]   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

On this weeks episode Brendan is joined by the delightful minds behind Gonzo Ichthyology, A Graphic Guide. This incredibly illustrated book is a hilarious guide on the history of ichthyology, anatomy, behaviour, evolution, and achievements of fish.  This book is absolutely filled with illustrations that are both surreal and hilarious.  This book is both engaging, funny, and absolutely Gonzo.  We dive into what exactly gonzo means and how this passion project came to be, how humor can be used to communicate science, and how the fish in the book would feel about how they've been talked about.  From Marlon Brando to Peron parody is on full display in the podcast and the book! Please check out the Social Media feeds for the podcast for some more images from the Book! Dr. Milton Love is a research biologist at the Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara and wrote most of the words in the book.  Jessica Eggers holds a Masters of Science from Rhodes University in South Africa and has published scientific illustrations, her art can be found at galleries around Europe as well as online, she drew all of the illustrations. Please note that this podcast has a little bit more profanity and silliness than normal, I think you'll enjoy the ride!      Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).     You can find the book on Really Big Press - https://really-big-press.myshopify.com/ ,  as well as Jessica's webstore here: https://www.jessieggers.com/gonzo-ichthyology-a-graphic-guide/. You can also find the book on Amazon if you get really desperate.  Jessica's Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Roughforradio?ref=seller-platform-mcnav   

Conrad sat down with Michael Sipos, Florida Sea Grant Agent, to explore his journey from aquarium hobbyist to marine biologist—connecting his passion for science, sustainability, and the sea. From his master’s research on hormonal induction spawning in ornamental fish, advancing sustainable aquaculture practices, to his current work addressing invasive species and fishing education in Florida, Mike blends research with real-world impact. Off the clock, he channels that same curiosity into spearfishing, among many other hobbies, combining skill, respect, and sustainability in everything he does. #FisheriesPodcast #SeaGrant #Spearfishing #Aquaculture #SustainableFishing #MarineScience #StayCurious  Takeaway: stay curious   “Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).”

This week, Alanna speaks with Janelle Layton, a MS/PHD student at Oregon State University about her multi-faceted research on the famous grouper spawning aggregations of Little Cayman. Listen to this week's episode to hear more about Nassau, Tiger, and Yellowfin grouper, as well as learn about some of the unique methods that Janelle uses in her work, such as heat shock protein analysis and bomb calorimetry.    Main point: "Communication is important."   Find Janelle via her website janellemonetlayton.com, Instagram (@janelle_monet_), TikTok (@janellemonet_) or Bluesky (janellemonet.bsky.social)   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).  

This week, Preston chats with John Odenkirk from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. They discuss John's involvement with the Northern Snakehead introduction into the Potomac River, covering everything from the initial media-driven public hysteria to the current population status and the documented impacts (or lack thereof) of the introduction. They also discuss aquatic species that have been introduced to Virginia that received less publicity, but have shown more negative impacts to Virginia's native populations than what can be attributed to snakeheads. We hope that you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "Don't move fish!" John's email address: [email protected]   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

Brendan is joined by Joel Zhang, who is currently working on his PhD with Dr. Steven Cooke and Dr. David Phillip at Carleton University.  Brendan and Joel discuss Joel's current work looking at the impact of sanctuaries on local black bass populations, and how they used local angler knowledge to gain more information about how the fishery has performed over time.  They also discuss Joel's goals of bringing more social science into the field.   Joel's Paper: Local Angler Knowledge Reveals Declines in Fishing Quality for Black Bass in Lakes of Eastern Ontario Joel's Profile on the Cooke Lab Website Main Point: Don't forget to stay humble and keep learning!   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week, Conrad had the pleasure of speaking with his good friend, Natalie Ritter. Natalie is currently pursuing her master's degree in marine and environmental science at the University of the Virgin Islands. Her research focuses on the biodiversity and taxonomy of Apicomplexan blood parasites that infect coral reef fishes. They speak on the accessibility of scientific information and the benefit of a variety of different media types to spread scientific awareness. We hope you enjoy this week's episode.  Takeaway: Everything is connected. #reefish #parasites #virginislands “Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).”

Joining Alanna on the podcast this week is Dr. Emily Lester, a marine ecologist with an interest in coral reef ecosystems, predator-prey dynamics, and anthropogenic changes to animal behavior. Emily shares her experience working with the whale sharks of Ningaloo and explains the process to becoming a Fulbright researcher. Listeners will get a sneak peak of Emily's newest research on meeting goals in global shark conservation!   Main point: "The best conservation happens when people and nature both win"   Find Emily through instagram @emily_lester or bluesky @emilylester.bsky.social   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).