Because Why?! The Science and Society Pod.
Episodes
So, what did you miss?
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of the episodes this year looked at processes we’re supposed to put our faith in – the things that are supposed to make our lives more susta...
Are we doomed? A psychologist’s guide to climate anxiety
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The world feels like a really bad parody movie right now – but it’s not funny. There’s a constant background hum of dread – climate change, bi...
Did you fall for the myth? How misinformation & racism made MSG a monster
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
MSG causes headaches, chest tightness, tingling arms and weakness - or at least that’s what we’ve all been told. For decades, MSG was considered p...
Superfoods, or super scam? How 'superfoods' aren't really super for anyone...
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is a food trend that aims to give you glowing skin, supercharged memory, endless energy, and protection from every disease that you can probably...
It's not me, it's my star sign
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do people still believe in horoscopes, even when we know they’re not true? (If this is you, I'm curious, not judging.)For nearly a century, ...
Cycling is the solution to all our problems
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I have the best news: we already have the solution to all of our problems. This could save over 8 million lives a year, make us live longer with fewer...
Is bottled water really better for you?
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So, bottled water is kind of a scam. People think it’s healthier and safer, despite zero evidence to back that up. So… is it all just one giant ma...
You asked: coffee vs tea, milk choices & the bioplastic myth
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another This or That episode!I break down the least impactful options from things you’ve been asking about.This episode is actually a rep...
You asked: 3 sustainability questions - lightbulbs, bags & food
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to a This or That episode! I break down the least impactful options from things you’ve been asking about.This episode is actually a repost, ...
The $20,000 microplastic hoax and other 'wellness' scams
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the first episode under the brand-new banner, Because Why?! The show where my curiosity gets the better of me, and I drag you along for the...
Physics myths busted: 5G, airplane toilets, and cats with toast
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A few weeks ago, we had the amazing physicist, science writer, and communicator Laurie Winkless on the podcast. She was so great, one episode wasn’t...
Animals you hate that are actually awesome - with Bethany Brookshire (Part 2)
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to Part 2 of a fascinating kōrero with science journalist and author Bethany Brookshire. This one gets a smidge more controversial...We ...
Animals you hate that are actually awesome - with Bethany Brookshire
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know when you see someone on social media and you just KNOW they'll be amazing to chat to? Well, that's Bethany Brookshire for you. Bethan...
How to tell science stories that make people care, with physicist Laurie Winkless.
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is Laurie Winkless. She's a physicist, a science writer and she's the only person I know who's actually made writing abo...
Politics and positivity with Dave Richards
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I wanted to talk about politics and combating polarising opinions… but I didn’t want to get dark about it.So, to help, I’ve called in my friend ...
The ocean makes half your oxygen - should we really mine it?
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
About half of the oxygen that you are breathing right now is made in the ocean. And last year, scientists found that some of it is made three kilometr...
Need a break from bad news? Positive stories you might have missed
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the last few episodes have been somewhat… bleak.There’s been a lot to discuss around climate change, gover...
You're not immune to disinformation: 6 ways we all fall for it
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You reckon you’re immune to propaganda and disinformation, right? A critical thinker who sees through the rubbish.I thought the same - until I reali...
We’re halfway through, so how is this Government doing?
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Well, we are officially halfway through the election cycle. The coalition government has been in place for about 18 months now. David Seymour is our D...
Still arguing about climate change? Listen to this first (Microgreens)
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you tired of arguing about climate change with your uncle, or your co-worker, or that weird person online?Welcome to the club. Now, if you really ...
What will life at 1.5+ degrees look like?
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are officially out of time to prevent hitting 1.5 degrees. Yep - earlier last week, the World Meteorological Organisation said that we are going to...
8 of the weirdest deep sea creatures you’ve never heard of (Microgreens with Melissa Márquez)
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a worm that shoots out glowing green slime, a squid that can turn itself invisible, and a fish that literally walks on land. To celebrate Wo...
How to go from Tide Pools, to TedX, to TV, with sharks. With Melissa Márquez.
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
June 8th was World Oceans Day, and if you listen to this podcast, you know this is a day I am very much here for - because I am obsessed with the ocea...
Microgreens: fungi that bleed, glow, and hijack brains (yes, really)
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine a fungus slipping into your bloodstream, hijacking every single neuron and freezing you alive while it knits its own flesh with yours.If you w...
Fungi: the weird, ancient lifeform that runs the world
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Without this one thing, every single thing you know and love would disappear. Soil would fail, forests would starve, antibiotics would, well, vanish, ...
Microgreens: the guy who f*ed the planet
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Leaded petrol has made us measurably dumber.Scientists suspect that leaded petrol has also made us more aggressive and of course it kills people as we...
Who killed the electric vehicle?
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most of the cabs on the streets of New York back in 1899 were electric, so why did they disappear? And why has it been so hard to bring them back?In t...
Fast beauty sucks! What is it, why is it and how can you be a better beauty consumer
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fast beauty may look pretty on the surface, but there is a massive catch; the real cost of keeping up with these ever-changing trends, to people and p...
NAD+ Super supplement or wellness scam?
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You've probably heard of vitamin B3. It's a molecule that's in your cells right now, quietly helping keep you alive. It goes by other names such as ni...
What nuclear energy actually offers (the not-so-silver bullet)
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kia ora kaitiaki and welcome to the final episode in my nuclear energy mini-series. Over the last three episodes, I’ve taken you through the science...
Nuclear energy: who’s using it, what’s true, and what’s next?
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s part 3 of our mini-series on nuclear power, and we’re talking about what’s going on in the reactor world and what the future of nuclear loo...
The real fallout: how nuclear energy got its bad reputation
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Part 2 of the Nuclear Mini-Series This is part two of my mini-series on nuclear power and whether it could be the clean energy solution we’ve all be...
Nuclear energy mini-series: episode 1 - what is radiation?
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fossil fuels kill about 8 million people every single year, which is more than the populations of Aotearoa and most of the remaining Pacific Islands p...
Can rewilding save the planet? Wolves, wildflowers & “going feral?”...
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kia ora, I’m Brianne – and I’m the kind of irritating person who wants to talk about rewilding. Particularly wildflowers.If you follow me on soc...
How to eat chocolate without supporting child labour (easter edition)
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Easter time and we are all rushing to the stores to buy over packaged Easter eggs. While we love the taste of chocolate it’s a sad fact that ...
Antibiotics are failing us: here’s what comes next
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This one’s probably a bit of a bleaker episode, but it’s about something absolutely fascinating that we should know more about: Antimicrobial resi...
Backyard biodiversity: how to create a wildlife haven (even in small spaces)
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Biodiversity is a big deal - and no, it’s not just about having a few more birds in your garden. It’s about creating ecosystems that are healthier...
Recycling: one of the greatest environmental myths of all time
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I want to talk about one of the greatest environmental myths ever: recycling. When I say myth, I should probably say scam. We’ve been told th...
Women who changed science, business, and sustainability but you’ve never heard of them
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A few weeks ago, it was International Women’s Day which of course meant the usual corporate fanfare where they say how much they support women while...
The invention that feeds (and threatens) the world: the story of fertiliser
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re talking about something ingrained into modern civilisation that has huge impacts on climate change and human rights, but is something yo...
How is a gin company going to change the world? With Dr. Jo Davy and Dr. Helen Gower
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do marine biology, menopause, and gin have in common? More than you might think! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jo Davy and Dr. Helen Gower...
Plastic pollution, microplastics & the mess we’re in – with Dr Olga Pantos
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There have been a few big news stories circulating, claiming that microplastics have reached such a level that 5% of our brain is now made up of them....
How to spot media BS: a crash course in media literacy
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Separating facts from bias in the news is harder than ever, so this week's episode is all about media literacy.I break down a Stuff article on “the ...
Sustainable floristry: what’s green, what’s not, and how to do better with Melanie Stapleton
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, but before we all rush out and buy flowers for the special people in our lives, it’s worth thinking about the envir...
Bugs aren’t the problem - we are
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bugs get a bad rap. Sure, they’re small, sometimes unsettling, and often unwelcome in our homes. But they’re also doing some of the most important...
Welcome back: let’s make 2025 Incrediball
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s 2025, and the drastic changes in the world might have many of you feeling a bit hopeless. I know I am - but I’m also feeling angry and ready ...
Facing climate anxiety: practical tools for hope with Dr. Susie Burke
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a surprisingly uplifting conversation about climate change—yes, really. I spoke with psychologist Dr Susie Burke on managing climate distres...
Carbon inequality kills: the Oxfam Report, super-rich, and the climate crisis
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is an episode that is probably going to make a lot of you angry. I know it’s making me angry right now.A few days ago, Oxfam released their lat...
The beauty industry sucks: packaging, marketing, and supply chain solutions (part two)
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to part 2 of my mini-series on the beauty industry.In the last episode, we discussed all the issues with the beauty industry, and I’ll be ho...
The beauty industry sucks: the reality of packaging, marketing, and supply chains (part one)
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re kicking off a mini-series on the beauty industry, focusing on what’s wrong with it. But don’t worry—it won’t be all d...
Modern zoos, orangutan habitats, and palm oil solutions with Amy Robbins
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am so excited to talk to Amy Robbins, a self-declared “jack of all trades, master of none,” but honestly, an incredibly impressive person.Amy is...
Adventure, conservation, and climate change with Steve Backshall
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This guest was someone I was equal parts terrified and excited to speak with.Steve Backshall is one of my literal heroes, and I still can’t believe ...
This or that? Tea vs. coffee, sustainable milk choices, and the truth about bioplastics
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s "This or That" episode tackles some everyday decisions that might seem small, but add them up and they make a big impact on the environment....
Miriama Kamo: the journey and joy of zero waste, sustainability, and Te Ao Māori
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we are joined by someone truly multi-talented. Miriama Kamo is an award-winning broadcaster, TV presenter, face of Sunday, author, and a ha...
Plastic pollution, sustainable business, and saving our oceans with Tim Silverwood
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
By now, you probably know that I firmly believe we need to use business to change the world. So, I was very excited to chat with a leader in the envir...
This or that? What’s better? E-Readers vs. books, hand dryers vs. paper towels, and the truth about “eco” laundry detergent
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another "This or That" episode! This short, snappy installment investigates the sustainability of three topics you've asked me about, helpi...
Paddy Gower on climate change: lessons from Antarctica
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we have a man who needs no introduction: Patrick ‘Paddy’ Gower. Paddy is an incredibly well-respected journalist in Aotearoa, known for tac...
Whale poo, climate action, and body confidence: meet science communicator and model Laura Wells
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all know science is fascinating, but sometimes the way it's communicated is... less than captivating. That’s why I’m really excited to chat wit...
This or that? What's better? EVs vs. hybrids, cotton vs. bamboo fabric, bamboo vs. plastic toothbrushes
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another "This or That" episode! This short, snappy installment investigates the sustainability of three topics you've asked me about, helpi...
Let's chat conservation in Aotearoa. Meet the CEO of WWF-NZ, Kayla.
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I thoroughly enjoy talking to incredibly smart people who make you realise you know nothing compared to them. Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb is the CEO of WWF ...
Greenwashing, fast fashion, private jets and the UN: Meet John Pabon for sustainability without the BS.
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to environmentalism and sustainability there are a wide range of opinions and perspectives, but one person I have been very excited to t...
Meet the expert: What is climate change anyway?! Here’s Dr Jim Salinger.
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am so excited to speak with the guest for this episode! I have wanted to have a proper discussion with him ever since I first met him. Dr Jim Saling...
Bottled water is a bit of a scam... Do you think it's safer and healthier?
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So, bottled water is kind of scam. People think it is healthier and safer despite no evidence showing that... So is it all one big marketing scam?! We...
This or that? What's better, what you eat or where it's from, paper or plastic bags... and light bulbs??
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another This or That episode where I break down the least impactful options from things you have asked. This weeks selection has a very con...
Happy Plastic Free July! Meet Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, the founder of the movement.
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Plastic Free July! PFJ is a grass roots movement that is all about encouraging us all to reduce our use of plastics and be part of the solution ...
This or that? What's better, shower or bath, dishwashers or hand-washing, reusable or single-use straws?!
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Big news! Now, That’s What I Call Green is going to become a weekly podcast! I have put the business podcast on hiatus and we will be going weekly p...
Our tech obsession is fueling poverty, war and human trafficking. How, and what can we do to help?
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is going to be a very deep episode. We’re talking human rights violations, genocide and human trafficking and it all comes down to the devices ...
World Oceans Day is coming up... And they need our help! Here's why, and what to do about it!
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today it is all about World Oceans Day (8th June). They are the life blood of our planet, but they are under incredibly serious threat. For this epis...
Behind the scenes with Brianne, chatting rewilding, sustainable business, lawn culture and a look into my life.
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago and to celebrate we did things a little differently. Kate, one of the team from Business, but Better joined m...
It's Ruud Kleinpaste! And today is World Bee Day. So let's talk bugs, the insect apocalypse and how not to be afraid of spiders.
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s world Bee Day, and to delve further into the topic, I have been very lucky to get Ruud Kleinpaste (or you may know him as ‘the bug man) onto ...
How can we travel more sustainable, more ethically? Jessica from Lonely Planet gives us the rundown.
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re like me, you might have constantly conflicting feelings about travel On one hand I can’t help but feel a little bit guilty about all the...
Bonus Episode! Your actions and how you make the world a better place, this Earth Day.
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Caring about the environment can be quite isolating. The news is rarely cheerful about the state of the planet (despite plenty of good things going o...
It's Earth Day! So let's talk about... Sharks. And if they all die, we will too.
21 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Earth Day everyone! It can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people and this year I have decided to make it about sharks. Obv...
Your top 10 sustainability myths - answered!
07 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to being sustainable there is often a lot of bullshit we have to wade through in order to find the right way to live AND help the enviro...
Can you have an ethical Easter? Chocolate is rife with stuff like child labour and environmental destruction. Here's how to avoid it.
24 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Easter time and we are all rushing to the stores to buy pointless, over packaged Easter eggs. While we love the taste of chocolate it’s a sad...
Plastic sucks! So let's put everything in glass... right? What's better; glass, plastic or aluminium?
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are back! Thank you for your patience while we sorted out a bit of our workload, but your reward is that this week we are doing one of my favourite...
It's definitely not too late! Your dose of hope for our planet.
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There’s something I’ve been seeing a lot of on social media lately. Ecoapathy. Ecoanxiety. There is a growing number of people who are not only an...
Yes... your lawn sucks for the environment (sorry...)
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we’re going to talk about lawns. They look great, right? They're soft to walk on, I guess they're nice enough to look at. They'...
There is no such thing as the perfect environmentalist!
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I have had enough of trolls and the idea of the perfect environmentalist. I’m sure many of you have seen or experienced random people on the interne...
New Year Resolutions - or what you can do at home this year, to lighten your impact on the planet.
14 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're going to focus on resolutions. I know, nobody keeps resolutions, so let's call them goals. This episode is all about sustainabilit...
Fast beauty sucks! What is it, why is it and how can you be a better beauty consumer (and still look fab!).
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This time, we're tackling the rubbish (literally) world of fast beauty. You know, the kind that's all over your TikTok and Instagram feeds with the we...
Your holiday gift guide to a more sustainable Christmas!
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This Christmas, your presence, is present enough... (pass me a bucket). But this sentiment is so true, even if you find the sentence a little vomit in...
Sustainable eating is complicated! Choices, challenges, and change.
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Now, That's What I Call Green," discover the intricate world of sustainable eating. Discover the environmental impacts of popular ...
Embracing sustainable living with Ethically Kate - having difficult conversations and remaining optimistic
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's a special episode of "Now, That's What I Call Green," because my first guest is one of the superstars of the sustainability world in Aotearoa - K...
The backyard revolution: your role in combating the biodiversity crisis
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever given a side-eye to your backyard and considered its hidden eco-potential? In today's episode, I, Brianne West, dig into the unsung narratives of...
Environmental policies & election promises
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of 'Now, That's What I Call Green', I, Brianne West, sift through the environmental pledges of major political parties in the ...
Greenwashing 101 - how to spot fake eco-friendly claims
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever been duped by a so-called 'eco-friendly' product that was more 'meh' than 'green'? In this episode of 'Now, That's What I Call Green', I, Brianne...
Debunking sustainability myths: trees, paper vs. plastic & 'natural' products
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the kick-off episode of "Now, That's What I Call Green", I, Brianne West - your friendly nature obsessed biochemist, am about to bust some sustaina...