Send us a text Matt chats to comedian Kirsty Webeck all about some weird and wonderful ocean animals. From the Vampire squid to the Wobbegong shark and the Costasiella seaslug the ocean is home to some very quirky seacreatures. Learn about the shark that can bite its own tail, the squid that has bioluminescent mucus instead of ink and the seaslug with solar all on this episode of the Seacreatures Podcast. Check our Kirsty Webeck's website for upcoming shows (some of which are partially about sea...
Jun 18, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Send us a text Matt and palaeontologist guest Ben Francischelli chat all about the extinct super predator Livyatan. A 3 million year old giant Sperm Whale that roamed the oceans and likely preyed upon animals like the Megalodon Shark. With huge 40cm teeth, Livyatan was perhaps one of the biggest predators to ever live! Ben talks us through what its like to look for the fossils of a Livyatan and the inferences we can make from these ancient fossils. Check out Ben's work on his Instagram https://w...
Apr 22, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Send us a text On this episode of the podcast, guest Nerida Wilson talks to host Matt Testoni all about the little known species the Ruby Seadragon. Whilst the Weedy and Leafy Seadragons garner lots of attention there is actually a third species of Seadragon in the world that was only described in 2015. So what do we know about a species so new to marine biology? Find out in this episode of the Seacreatures Podcast. To learn more about Nerida's project Seadragon Search check out her TED talk htt...
Feb 10, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 57
Send us a text On this episode Matt chats to Ruben Vermeule all about diving with Lumpsuckers in the Netherlands. Learn about this amazing fish that is commonly dived with but not talked about enough. From creating a "nest" to turning orange they are one quirky fish! Check out Ruben's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eendierofzo/ Check out Dan Musil (our theme composer) https://danmusilmusic.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/dan.musil.music Visit the Seacreatures Instagram https://www.instagra...
Dec 14, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Send us a text On this episode of the Seacreatures Podcast, Matt chats to Zoe Kean all about the world of Stromatolites. These ancient single celled organisms are one of the original, oldest and first seacreatures on our planet and can still be found in small isolated locations today!!!! Zoe uses them in her latest book to both start and finish explaining why we are who we are in a biological sense. Learn more about Stromatolites in Zoe Kean's book at her book launch https://www.fullersbookshop....
Oct 20, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Send us a text In this episode of Seacreatures we chat to Madi Green, a forensic marine ecologist all about the wonderful world of sharks. Matt and Madi chat about everything shark including how some shark babies are born with tiny sheaths on their nose and what species is the world smallest shark. Learn more about sharks here https://www.shark-references.com/ Check out some of Madi's work on her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/madigreenmarine/ Check out the Big Fish Card Game here https://b...
Aug 31, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 54
Send us a text Matt and Professor Mary-Anne chat all about the world of Seals. Mary-Anne shares lots of awesome information about seal biology, facts about how they sleep and dive, and even what it's like to sit next to a 3 tonne Elephant Seal. Check out Professor Mary-Anne Lea's work here https://mpredlab.org/ and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mpred_lab/ or X (Twitter) https://x.com/icetempete Check out Dan Musil (our theme composer) https://danmusilmusic.com/ or https://www.facebook.c...
Jul 28, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Send us a text Matt and Klaus talk all about the world of the Lionfish in this episode of the SEACREATURES podcast. Klaus shares some amazing insights into why Lionfish are so environmentally damaging in the Caribbean but beloved and in the Pacific. And, we chat about Klaus's latest book! Check out Klaus's website here https://pacificklaus.com/ and see his awesome photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/pacificklaus/ and his latest book (featuring a great chapter on Lionfish!) https://shop.asiangeo...
Jun 30, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Send us a text In this episode Matt chats to squid and climate scientist Gretta Pecl all about the amazing world of squid! From their bizarre and various mating behaviours to why their skin and ink is so cool. If you love squid facts this is the episode for you! Check out Gretta's citizen science project REDMAP here https://www.redmap.org.au/ Gretta's squid articles here https://www.redmap.org.au/article/squid-the-biology-basics/ https://www.redmap.org.au/article/squid-mating-calamari-nuptials/ ...
May 31, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Send us a text In episode 50 of the seacreatures podcast we celebrate this milestone show by mixing the it up a bit and having your host Matt Testoni as the guest. Matt's good friend Suz Kroeber interviews the seacreatures podcast host all about why he loves diving, how he goes about taking underwater photos, and his ocean passion. Check out Matt Testoni's photography on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/matt_testoni_photography/ or at https://www.mtunderwatermedia.com Check out Dan Musil (our...
Apr 26, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Send us a text Matt chats to ocean artist Rachel Brooks all about the amazing world of the Basking Shark. Not only do Rachel and Matt chat about some cool facts, they also delve into the vast amount of unanswered questions that remain about the lives of Basking Sharks. From where they breed to why they might have Lampreys attaching to them, its all a bit of a mystery. Check out Rachels amazing art here https://rachelbrooksart.com/ or here https://www.instagram.com/rachelbrooksart Learn more abou...
Mar 28, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Send us a text Matt chats to Eel advocate and enthusiast Malcolm Johnson all about this amazing seacreature. Malcolm talks all about how Eels start their lives as tiny larvae way out at sea and migrate, and morph as they journey back into rivers and lakes, before returning decades later to the sea where they were born. Learn more about Eels with Malcolm by visiting his webpage https://bio.site/malcolmsjohnson or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maclikesthesea/ and watch the amazing TEDx perfo...
Feb 19, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Send us a text Matt chats to wildlife photographer Jake Wilton all about the world of the Whale Shark. From how to photograph one these incredible animals to what it's like to swim and work alongside the worlds biggest fish. Checkout Jake Wilton's fantastic photographic work on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jakewiltonphoto and his website https://www.jakewiltonphoto.com/ Learn more about Whale Shark identification and citizen science by visiting https://www.sharkguardian.org/whale-shark-re...
Feb 03, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Send us a text Lawrence Sheele and Matt Testoni talk all about the amazing world of the Gloomy Octopus (also known as the Sydney Octopus) in this episode of the Seacreatures Podcast. Lawrence talks all about how the Gloomy Octopus is one of the only octopus to be observed as living in a small community, nicknamed Octopolus and why this seacreature is one of his all time favourite animals. Check out Lawrence's website https://www.lawrencescheele.com/ and his Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sn...
Dec 21, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Send us a text In this episode Matt and marine biologist Quinn chat all about the incredible animal that is the Horseshoe crab. Quinn explains how this unusual seacreature is not a crab at all, but is actually more closely related to scorpions, has unique and medically special blood, and walks a huge distance on the seafloor to lay eggs up on dry land! Learn more about Horseshoe crabs and Quinn's work here https://www.littoralsociety.org/horseshoe-crabs.html https://www.littoralsociety.org/quinn...
Nov 24, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Send us a text In this episode join Matt and Dave Harasti as they chat all about the White's Seahorse. An endangered species that lives, in all places, Sydney Harbour. Dave talks all about his amazing work making seahorse hotels that create new habitats for the White's Seahorse. To learn more about White's Seahorse visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/threatened-species/what-current/endangered-species2/whites-seahorse and to see Dave Harasti's amazing photography visit http://www.daveharasti...
Oct 23, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Send us a text Join Matt Testoni and Olly Dove as they delve into the world of the Short Tailed Shearwater. Olly has worked with these birds on islands in Tasmania and shares her first hand knowledge of what its like being a sea bird researcher. From making sure you have a shearwater nest and not a penguin nest to to the hazards of seabird research, Olly is a wealth of shearwater knowledge! Check out Olly's podcast, That's What I Call Science https://thatsscience.org/ and her adventures on Insta...
Aug 10, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Send us a text Join Matt Testoni and David Scheel as they chat all about the incredible world of the Giant Pacific Octopus. David tells us some remarkable facts and behaviours he has studied along with what its like to encounter these amazing underwater animals. Check out David Scheel's new book https://www.amazon.com.au https://www.barnesandnoble.com https://www.booktopia.com.au and David's webpage https://alaskaoctopus.com/ Check out Dan Musil (our theme composer) https://danmusilmusic.com/ or...
Jul 26, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Send us a text In this episode Matt chats to Sam all about the amazing world of Leatherback Sea Turtles. Sam talks about his experiences working with this enormous animal and how they have some rather unique and astonishing biological skills. Check out Sam's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samriley_wildlife and learn more about them here https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/leatherback-turtle https://www.iucnredlist.org/ Check out Dan Musil (our theme composer) https://danmusilmusic.com/ or...
Jun 27, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Send us a text In this episode Matt and Matt talk all about squid and what it's like to spend time around these amazing animals. This episodes guest Matty Smith is a talented underwater photographer who isn't afraid of an early morning 5am night dive if it means he gets to photograph the local squid population. He also shares a few tips on how to photograph these almost alien seacreatures. Check out Matty Smiths' work on his website https://www.mattysmithphoto.com/ or his Instagram https://www.i...
May 30, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Send us a text In this episode Matt chats to Hanne Strager all about the society and culture of Orcas. Hanne has spent years researching the culture and stories of these amazing animals for her new book, The Killer Whale Journals Our Love and Fear of Orcas. She shares a couple of her favourite stories, from Orcas that get bullied by bigger whales to those that like to break boat rudders. Check out Hanne's website https://hannestrager.com/ and her Instagram for her incredible Orcas photos https:/...
Apr 22, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Send us a text In this episode Matt chats to Keith all about the amazing ocean bird that is the Albatross. Keith talks about his time researching them on remote islands, how we can protect them and even what its like to be preened by an Albatross! Learn more about these amazing birds by visiting ACAP as mentioned by Keith in the show https://www.acap.aq/ Check out Dan Musil (our theme composer) https://danmusilmusic.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/dan.musil.music Check out Matt Testoni's photog...
Mar 09, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Send us a text Learn all about the mysterious and unknown world of Jellyfish as Matt chats to Jellyfish researcher and enthusiast Scott Morrissey. We learn all about species such as the Immortal Jellyfish and the deadly Box Jellyfish. If you thought that ocean animals were unique then wait till you learn more about Jellyfish! Check out Scott's Instagram for heaps of Jellyfish content https://www.instagram.com/jellyfish_science/ Or visit Scott's Twitter to learn more about his research https://tw...
Feb 15, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Send us a text The world of PLANKTON is uncovered in episode 36 of the Seacreatures Podcast. Our guest Erich Hoyt, whale researcher and plankton enthusiast talks all about the world of plankton, from what they are to where they live and why they are so amazing. Erich's passion for plankton has led to the release of his spectacular new book Planktonia. The book delves into even more detail and is punctuated by a series of incredible plankton images! Check out Erich's new book Planktonia on his we...
Nov 21, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Send us a text Learn all about the world of Little Penguins with wildlife and penguin guide Natalia Lucano. Learn about how these ocean based birds live their lives and how interesting and amazing they are. From burrowing in the wrong places to how their love life can be anything but simple. To visit or learn more about the Little Penguin check out https://bichenopenguintours.com.au/ https://www.facebook.com/BurniePenguinObservationCentre/ https://www.penguins.org.au/ https://www.penguintourstas...
Oct 21, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Send us a text Join Matt as he chats all about octopus to the founder of Octonation Warren Carlyle. Warren shares a myriad of facts about Octopus and why the octopus is so special to him. He is passionate not only about sharing Octopus research but also about sharing Octopus stories and interactions. If you have ever wanted to know as much as you can about Octopus in a chilled out and accessible manner then this is the episode for you. Visit Octonation and learn ever more about Octopus with the ...
Sep 20, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Send us a text In this episode of the podcast Matt chats to marine biologist and restoration ecologist Simon Branigan all about Shellfish. Simon and Matt discuss how shellfish reefs have largely disappeared in temperate Australia and how Simon along with the nature conservancy is working to restore these incredibly important habitats. Learn more about Shellfish Restoration and the Nature Conservancy on their webpage https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/our-priorities/oceans/ocean-storie...
Sep 03, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Send us a text In this episode of the podcast Matt chats to marine biologist and Lady Elliot Island guide Liam Turner all about sea turtles. Liam shares handy tips for identifying different turtle species along with more detailed information on the life of a Green Sea Turtle. To learn more about Lady Elliot Island check out their website https://ladyelliot.com.au/ or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ladyelliotislandecoresort/ Check out Dan Musil (our theme composer) https://danmusilmusic.com/...
Jul 14, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Send us a text In this episode of the Seacreatures Podcast Matt chats to Polar Bear guide Drew Hamilton all about, you guessed it, Polar Bears. Drew talks about what its like seeing these animals along with some of their amazing behaviours, plus a whole bunch more. Check out Drew's photography on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drewhh or his website https://www.drewhh.com/ Check out Dan Musil (our theme composer) https://danmusilmusic.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/dan.musil.music Check ou...
Mar 04, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Send us a text In episode 30 Matt chats to Scott Portelli all about one of his his favourites animals, the Leafy Seadragon. Scott who recently won the Australian Wildlife Photographer of the Year award with a photo of a Leafy tells us what its like diving with these animals and what the best way to go about finding them is. See Scott Portelli's photography on his website http://www.scottportelli.com and his Instagram https://www.instagram.com/scott.portelli Check out Dan Musil (our theme compose...
Feb 10, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 30
