Polar Diaries

About Polar Diaries

Welcome to Polar Diaries! A podcast where polar scientists from around the world share their icy adventures and incredible research from the Arctic and Antarctic, hosted by Octavia Brayley.

Publisher

Octavia Brayley

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Feb 2024

Latest episode

1 May 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 May 2026

   When dinosaurs roamed Antarctica with Dr Matt Lamanna

   On episode 9 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Matt Lamanna, the Mary R. Dawson Curator of Vertebrate Palaeontology and senior dinosaur researcher at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Some of you mayalready know this, and others may not, but I’ve loved dinosaurs and palaeontology for as long as I can remember, and I even considered studying it at degree level for a time. So, as you can imagine, I was incredibly excitedabout this episode! Originally from the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Matt received his B.Sc. from Hobart College in 1997, followed by an M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Over the past 27 years, Matt has directed or co-directed field expeditions across Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, China, Croatia, Egypt, Greenland, and the western United States, which have led to the discovery and identification of more than 20 new species of dinosaurs and other fossil animals from the Cretaceous Period. Remarkably, Matt is one of only a handful of scientists in history to have discovered dinosaur fossils on all seven continents, including Antarctica, where Late Cretaceous discoveries from the James Ross Basin have helped reshape our understanding of dinosaur biogeography at the end of the Age of Dinosaurs. Matt’s research covers an incredible range of prehistoric life, from enormous long-necked dinosaurs discovered in Patagonia, to strange meat-eating dinosaurs from the ancient southern continents, to marine reptiles from Antarctica and fossil birds from China. More recently, he has helped describe a brand-new species of giant dinosaur from Egypt, worked out how the arm muscles of certain predatory dinosaurs were arranged and how they might have moved, helped determine the age of fossil rocks in Antarctica from just before the dinosaurs went extinct, and contributed to a major Nature study exploring whether some carnivorous dinosaurs may even have hunted in the water. Matt also served as chief scientific advisor to Carnegie Museum’s $36 million Dinosaurs in Their Time exhibition and has appeared on PBS, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, the History Channel, and more, helping bring cutting-edge palaeontology to global audiences. From the frozen landscapes of Antarctica to the deserts of Patagonia and North Africa, Matt’s work tells the story of a planet in motion, of drifting continents, evolving ecosystems and the final chapters of the dinosaurs. In this episode, we chat about Matt’s childhood obsession with dinosaurs, our shared love of Jurassic Park, the iconic Dippy the Dinosaur connection between London and the Carnegie, where he’d time-travel to in the dinosaur age, the surreal moment of hearing David Attenborough say one of his discoveries on Prehistoric Planet, and the big, unanswered questions that still keep him up at night. Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask a polar scientist? Use the Q&A function here on Spotify or DM the page on Instagram (@polardiariespodcast) to feature on the show. Learn more about Matt and his work: https://carnegiemnh.org/research/matthew-lamanna/ (https://carnegiemnh.org/research/matthew-lamanna/)Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/)

2. 

   17 Apr 2026

   Stories from Arctic waters with Professor Audrey Giles

   In episode 8 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Professor Audrey Giles from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa. Audrey is an applied cultural anthropologist who works with Indigenous communities in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Canada. Much of Audrey's research centres on three key areas. The first is injury prevention, especially drowning prevention in northern communities where water travel is an essential part of daily life. The second is health promotion and physical activity, including how exercise and wellbeing initiatives can be adapted to better reflect Indigenous cultures and community priorities. Her third area of focus examines the role of sport in development and reconciliation, exploring how sport can support social change and stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples in Canada and internationally. Audrey has authored more than 150 academic articles and over 25 book chapters, and has co-edited several books including 'Participatory Research in Sport and Physical Activity'. Her book, 'Aboriginal Peoples and Sport in Canada: Historical Foundations and Contemporary Issues' received the Best Anthology award from the North American Society for Sport History. Her work has been widely recognised with awards for research impact, education and community engagement, including a Fulbright Canada Arctic Research Chair and national awards for her contributions to drowning prevention and safe boating initiatives. At the heart of her work is a commitment to community-based research, ensuring that research is conducted collaboratively, respectfully and in ways that directly benefit the communities involved. In this episode, Audrey talks about her work on drowning prevention in northern communities, promotion of health and physical activity in Indigenous cultures and the role that sport can play in reconciliation between Indigenous peoples in Canada and internationally. Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask a polar scientist? Use the Q&A function here on Spotify or DM the page on Instagram (@polardiariespodcast) to feature on the show. Learn more about Audrey and her work: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-health-sciences/human-kinetics/our-professors/audrey-giles (https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-health-sciences/human-kinetics/our-professors/audrey-giles) Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/)

3. 

   5 Feb 2025

   Communicating the beauty of Antarctica with Dr Natalie Robinson

   In episode 7 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Dr. Natalie Robinson. Natalie is a marine physicist with a passion for polar oceanography. Based in New Zealand at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in Wellington as well as at the Antarctic Research Centre at Victoria University of Wellington, Natalie’s work dives deep into the icy world of Antarctica. From large-scale ocean circulation and year-to-year variability to the fascinating small-scale processes at the ice-ocean interface, Natalie’s research is as wide-ranging as it is groundbreaking. She’s played a key role in unraveling the mysteries of how ice shelves and sea ice interact, using cutting edge sub-ice observations to study everything from pressure induced supercooling and multi-phase fluid flow to the drag and roughness at the ice interface and buoyancy-driven convection. Don’t worry if this all sounds quite confusing, Natalie will simplify things and explain everything in more detail during the show. But Natalie’s work isn’t just about science—it’s about sharing the wonder of it with the world. She’s a big advocate for making science accessible and loves bringing together the humanities and sciences to help people appreciate the beauty of Antarctica and the challenges it faces. In 2015, Natalie received a $300,000 Fast-Start Marsden grant to investigate a fascinating question: why is Antarctica producing more sea ice even as the ocean warms? Her work focuses on the boundary layer beneath platelet ice, a little known but critical area. Today, she’s also a co-lead on a major Antarctic Science Platform project, studying the links between sea ice and carbon cycle feedbacks. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your travels to the frozen regions of the world! Learn more about Natalie and her work: https://niwa.co.nz/people/natalie-robinson (https://niwa.co.nz/people/natalie-robinson) Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/)

4. 

   2 Sept 2024

   Breaking the ice: friendships in Antarctica with Professor Ian Hawes

   In episode 6 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Professor Ian Hawes who is an Antarctic scientist with Antarctica New Zealand and with the University of Waikato. Ian is a recognised expert in cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and he specialises in the biodiversity and ecosystems of inland and coastal waters and has made significant contributions to knowledge of freshwater ecosystems in both New Zealand and Antarctica. Ian is originally from the UK and joined the British Antarctic Survey in 1978, undertaking pioneering research into inland waters and melt streams. He then joined the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme in 1989 and over 30 years has led a series of research projects in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, the McMurdo Ice Shelf and on Ross Island. Ian is a qualified ice diver and has studied many under-ice environments in the Dry Valley Lakes. His ice diving expertise has contributed to United States, Italian and Korean expeditions and research projects, as well as New Zealand studies on the under-ice marine coastal communities of McMurdo Sound. He has worked extensively with scientists from many countries on international research programmes and has strengthened New Zealand collaborative links. Ian has developed innovative technical solutions to the challenges of collecting scientific data in remote locations and extreme environments. Ian also won the New Zealand Antarctic Medal in 2022, in recognition of his long and dedicated service to Antarctic science and conservation. In this episode, Ian talks extensively about his amazing science and how building friendships and fostering collaborations has been essential to many of his exciting projects. Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask a polar scientist? Use the Q&A function here on Spotify or DM the page on Instagram to feature on the show. Learn more about Ian and his work: ⁠https://www.antarcticscienceplatform.org.nz/about/people/ian-hawes-phd⁠ (https://www.antarcticscienceplatform.org.nz/about/people/ian-hawes-phd) A link to a science communication project that Ian was involved in- 'where memories sleep,' as discussed on the episode: ⁠https://mro.massey.ac.nz/items/8397e0d9-3457-49ba-af51-d2daab838c91⁠ (https://mro.massey.ac.nz/items/8397e0d9-3457-49ba-af51-d2daab838c91) Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/)

5. 

   19 Aug 2024

   The surprising secrets of sea ice with Dr Petra Heil

   In episode 5 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Dr Petra Heil. Petra is a sea ice scientist with the Australian Antarctic Programme and the University of Tasmania. Over the years working at AAD and as an associate researcher at the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC at the University of Tasmania, her research has evolved to take in several aspects of sea ice science including coupled ocean/ice/atmosphere modelling, field work, and remote sensing. In this episode, Petra will tell us about the surprising secrets of sea ice- from the physical processes and associated impacts of climate change to the communities (both big and small) that rely on it. Petra will ignite our imaginations to the stunning scenery in Antarctica, and will empower us- both scientists and non-scientists alike, to take action to reduce the impacts of climate change and the profound loss of polar sea ice, and leaves us with a powerful message to always stay curious about the wonderful natural world around us. Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask a polar scientist? Use the Q&A function here on Spotify or DM me on Instagram to feature on the show. Learn more about Petra and her work: ⁠https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-petra-heil/⁠ (https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-petra-heil/) Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/)

6. 

   12 Apr 2024

   Cetaceans and satellites with Dr Hannah Cubaynes

   In episode 4 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Dr Hannah Cubaynes who is a research associate in the ‘wildlife from space’ team at the British Antarctic Survey. Hannah’s research interests are to develop the use of space technology for marine wildlife research in remote places, and to make this method applicable at a global oceanic scale by improving the efficiency of image analysis through crowdsourcing and automated systems. Hannah currently works on developing this method for whales and walruses. We discuss Hannah's career journey, how she developed a passion for whale biology, and how she uses satellite data and AI to monitor animal populations. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your travels to the frozen regions of the world! Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask a polar scientist? Use the Q&A function here on Spotify or DM me on Instagram to feature on the show. Learn more about Hannah and her work: https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/hanbay24/ (https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/hanbay24/) Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/)

7. 

   13 Mar 2024

   Albatrosses from space with Professor Richard Phillips

   In episode 3 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Professor Richard Phillips who is the leader of the Higher Predators and Conservation group within the British Antarctic Survey Core Science Ecosystems programme. Much of Richard's work focuses on the evolutionary ecology and population demographics of seabirds including albatrosses, petrels, and skuas. Richard tells us about a recent project, ‘albatrosses from space’, where satellite images and citizen scientists were used to monitor the population sizes of Wandering and Tristan albatrosses at remote islands around the Southern Ocean. Richard tells us about how he fits trackers to enormous Antarctic albatrosses, how infrasound might be used by seabirds as a cue for migration, and how researchers can use the stomach oil deposits from snow petrels to analyse their diet and past sea-ice environments. We also discuss Richard's recent Polar Medal win and his brief meeting with King Charles. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your travels to the frozen regions of the world! Do you have a burning question you'd like to ask a polar scientist? The last few minutes of each episode of Polar Diaries is now being dedicated to listener questions! Use the Q&A function here on Spotify or DM me on Instagram to feature on the show. Learn more about Richard and his work: https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/raphil/ (https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/raphil/) Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/)

8. 

   28 Feb 2024

   Pride in the Poles with Dr Huw Griffiths

   Happy LGBTQ+ History Month! In episode 2 of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Dr Huw Griffiths. Huw is a marine biogeographer at the British Antarctic Survey and he mostly studies the animals that live at the bottom of the sea around Antarctica and the Arctic. Huw is passionate about equality and diversity in STEM and he co-organised the Polar Horizons Programme which has so far paired 85 early career researchers from underrepresented groups with established scientists, engineers and policy experts in an effort to inspire a diverse future generation of polar researchers. Huw tells us about how he measures the biodiversity of deep sea organisms in the Southern Ocean, what it's like travelling to Antarctica on the infamous Boaty McBoatFace where Sir David Attenborough's voice is frequently heard on the ship tannoy, and the inspiration behind his projects promoting Polar Pride and diversity in the sciences. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your travels to the frozen regions of the world! Learn more about Huw and his work: https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/hjg/ (https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/hjg/) Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/)

9. 

   14 Feb 2024

   How to be a scuba diver in Antarctica with Professor Lloyd Peck

   In this first episode of Polar Diaries, we are joined by Professor Lloyd Peck who is a Science Leader with the British Antarctic Survey. Lloyd- who is chatting to us all the from Antarctica, tells us about his research on animal adaptations in cold environments, how he prepares to scuba dive in the Southern Ocean, and what it's like living and working on an Antarctic research base. You'll also learn about enormous sea spiders, Antarctic starfish that might have anti-cancer properties, and how sequencing the DNA of polar species could be critical for future conservation. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your travels to the frozen regions of the world! Learn more about Lloyd and his work: https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/lspe/ (https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/lspe/) Follow Polar Diaries on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/polardiariespodcast/)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

12 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

19

Social presence

90

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Polar Diaries

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.