Science, Solutions, Santa Cruz
Claim This Podcastby Seymour Studios
Podcast Overview
<p>Hosted by Jonathan Hicken, Executive Director of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, this podcast spotlights groundbreaking research in Santa Cruz, California, and shares actionable, positive environmental news from the region. Featuring in-depth conversations with scientists from UC Santa Cruz and beyond, along with local leaders and environmental experts, the show makes complex science accessible while highlighting real progress and tangible solutions protecting our unique coastal community.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
2/25/2026
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Recent Episodes
July 15, 2026
DEEP DIVE: California's Marine Protected Area Network with Mark Carr
<p>In this special “Deep Dive” episode, guest host Eric Palkovacs, Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at UC Santa Cruz, sits down with Mark Carr. Mark is a living legend of marine ecology who helped pioneer the concept of Marine Protected Areas (MPA'S) in California and now advises for new MPA’s all over the world.</p><p></p><p>As a scientist, Eric brings a different perspective to his interviews. He still gets to the core of why this research matters to our community, but he also asks for some key behind the scenes details that reveal the thoughts, twists, and turns behind the science. Mark and Eric discuss land versus ocean conservation, how keystones species fluctuations and climate change have altered California’s underwater ecosystems, and much more in this all-encompassing chat. </p><p>If you’re a scientist or someone who likes watching the director’s commentary of a movie, then you’ll love this episode. Prep your SCUBA gear, because we’re going deep on this one. </p><p><br /><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Mark Carr</p><p>02:09 Purpose of the deep dive episodes and scientific storytelling</p><p>04:55 Overview of California's Marine Protected Areas and their significance</p><p>09:02 History and motivation behind California's MPA network</p><p>12:06 Design principles and scientific basis for MPAs</p><p>17:07 Stakeholder involvement in establishing MPAs</p><p>22:01 Ecosystem types and habitat representation in MPAs</p><p>27:08 Monitoring outcomes and ecological responses to MPAs</p><p>33:03 Role of key predators and species in ecosystem health</p><p>38:52 Climate change impacts and resilience of MPAs</p><p>44:53 Future directions and expansion of the MPA network</p><p>51:50 Global perspectives and advice for other countries</p><p>01:00:03 Summary of lessons learned and importance of ongoing monitoring</p><p></p><p><b>Resources:</b></p><p>Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) -<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MLPA" target="_blank"> https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MLPA</a></p><p>California Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) -<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs" target="_blank"> https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs</a></p><p>UC Santa Cruz Institute of Marine Sciences -<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://marine.ucsc.edu" target="_blank"> https://marine.ucsc.edu</a></p><p>British Columbia Marine Protected Areas Planning -<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/marine-conservation" target="_blank"> https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/marine-conservation</a></p><p>First Nations Marine Protected Areas in Canada -<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bcnature.ca" target="_blank"> https://www.bcnature.ca</a></p><p>Deep Sea Conservation Coalition -<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.savethehighseas.org" target="_blank"> https://www.savethehighseas.org</a></p><p></p><p><b>Keywords</b></p><p>Marine Protected Areas, California MPAs, Marine Conservation, Ecosystem Monitoring, Climate Change Impact, Marine Biodiversity, Fisheries Management, Marine Science, Conservation Policy</p>
July 14, 2026
"What would have to be true?" Sarah Newkirk of Land Trust Santa Cruz
<p>This week, we're sharing a bonus crossover episode with our friends at "Designing Tomorrow" - a podcast all about creativity and authenticity in social impact strategies. Host Eric Ressler sits down with Sarah Newkirk, Executive Director of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz, who shares her insights on conservation strategies, community engagement, and innovative climate adaptation projects. Tune in to discover how local efforts in places like Santa Cruz can inspire global impact initiatives, and learn more about the importance of guiding the vision of conservation through public engagement.</p><p></p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Designing Tomorrow</p><p>00:53 The Role of Conservation in Community Impact</p><p>02:55 Sarah Newkirk's Journey as Executive Director</p><p>05:35 Strategic Planning and Organizational Change</p><p>08:36 Innovative Conservation Projects</p><p>11:05 Leveraging Tools for Change</p><p>13:51 The State of the Conservation Movement</p><p>16:58 Connecting Local and Global Conservation Efforts</p><p>19:40 The Importance of Public Engagement</p><p>22:28 Joy in Conservation Work</p><p>25:26 Building Relationships for Success</p><p>28:12 The Role of the Public in Conservation</p><p>31:06 Conclusion and Call to Action</p><p></p><p><b>Resources</b></p><p>Land Trust of Santa Cruz - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://landtrustsantacruz.org/" target="_blank">https://landtrustsantacruz.org/</a></p><p>Wildlife Crossing Project - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://landtrustsantacruz.org/wildlife-crossing" target="_blank">https://landtrustsantacruz.org/wildlife-crossing</a></p><p>Sea Level Rise Adaptation at Beach Ranch - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://landtrustsantacruz.org/beach-ranch" target="_blank">https://landtrustsantacruz.org/beach-ranch</a></p><p>Learning the Land Podcast - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://landtrustsantacruz.org/podcast" target="_blank">https://landtrustsantacruz.org/podcast</a></p><p></p><p>Keywords: conservation, climate adaptation, community engagement, land trust, Santa Cruz, wildlife crossings, environmental impact, nonprofit leadership</p><p></p><p></p>
July 8, 2026
Senator John Laird on 50 Years of Conservation in California
<p>Imagine sitting by Mission Street for an hour and only seeing 5 cars pass through, or being in one of the first graduating classes from the “new” school of UC Santa Cruz. That’s the perspective Senator John Laird brings to this episode as shares his extensive experience across California’s local and state governments. As he reflects on the past 50 years of environmental policy, he highlights the long-term mindset needed to tackle looming problems when short-term budgets and election cycles cloud the decision making process. Approaching the end of his term limit as a Senator is not slowing him down, but fueling his fire to do as much as he can to set future generations up for success. Check out this episode with Senator Laird for a deep discussion on purpose, politics, and perseverance in the past half century of California legislation.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Senator John Laird's Environmental Journey</p><p>01:38 Senator Laird's Early Years and Connection to Santa Cruz</p><p>02:35 Involvement in Santa Cruz City Council and Environmental Initiatives</p><p>04:23 The Blue Wall and Anti-Oil Drilling Campaigns</p><p>07:41 Origins of Environmental Advocacy and Water Policy in California</p><p>10:25 Water Independence in Santa Cruz and State Water Issues</p><p>12:21 Water Bond and Infrastructure Challenges in California</p><p>15:04 Levee Repair and Flood Prevention in Pajaro Valley</p><p>18:06 The Pajaro River Levee Breach and Emergency Response</p><p>20:18 Innovative State Funding for Local Water Projects</p><p>22:57 Climate Change, Ocean Health, and Water Recycling</p><p>27:15 Saltwater Intrusion and Groundwater Management</p><p>29:31 Bridging Short-Term and Long-Term Environmental Planning</p><p>38:20 Role of Long-Term Monitoring and Science in Ocean Protection</p><p>43:06 Future Challenges and Opportunities in Santa Cruz</p><p>48:01 Final Reflections and Call to Action</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Resources:</b></p><p>Senator John Laird - Official Website - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sd23.senate.ca.gov/" target="_blank">https://sd23.senate.ca.gov/</a></p><p>California Ocean Protection Council - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.opc.ca.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.opc.ca.gov/</a></p><p>Save Our Shores - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://saveourshores.org/" target="_blank">https://saveourshores.org/</a></p><p>Water Recycling in California - UCLA Study by Andy Fisher - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.uclalawreview.org/" target="_blank">https://www.uclalawreview.org/</a></p><p>Cap-and-Trade Program - California Air Resources Board - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/cap-and-trade" target="_blank">https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/cap-and-trade</a></p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Keywords</b>:</p><p>environmental policy, water management, climate resilience, Santa Cruz, ocean protection, levee repair, water recycling, coastal planning</p>
24 total episodes available
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- What is Science, Solutions, Santa Cruz?
<p>Hosted by Jonathan Hicken, Executive Director of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, this podcast spotlights groundbreaking research in Santa Cruz, California, and shares actionable, positive environmental news from the region. Featuring in-depth conversations with scientists from UC Santa Cruz and beyond, along with local leaders and environmental experts, the show makes complex science accessible while highlighting real progress and tangible solutions protecting our unique coastal community.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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