In this blog post, I dive into a conversation with two members of PuertoSOS, a grassroots collective based in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. PuertoSOS is focused on addressing the ecological and social challenges resulting from rapid urbanisation and increased tourism. In this interview, the activists share their journey, the obstacles they face, and their vision for the future of Puerto Escondido, including the preservation of the iconic Mexican Pipeline surf break. I connected with them during my travels in Mexico in early 2023 after discovering their story in a local zine distributed throughout the town.

Recently, I chatted with Paul West on ABC South East radio. You might know Paul as the TV presenter from ABC Backroads and co-founder of Grow It Local, a grassroots initiative inspiring people to connect through growing their own food. We dove into the world of street art, its role in public spaces, and how it brings communities together. It was such a fun and thought-provoking conversation!

In this insightful conversation, I speak with Associate Professor Kathy Townsend, a marine biologist renowned for her work in marine conservation. We dive deep into her research on tropical ecosystems, the restoration of Lady Elliot Island, and the global impacts of marine debris and climate change. Kathy shares her experience in groundbreaking projects like Project Manta and Turtles in Trouble, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of mindful, long-term ecological action in addressing environmental crises.

In this interview with a German science journal, Australian street artist Bohie discusses her recent collaboration with scholars Blake Thompson and Dr. Anna-Sophie Jürgens from the Australian National University Centre for Science Communication. They explore how street art can reinforce environmental issues and raise awareness in local communities. Bohie reflects on how her work intersects with science communication and the power of visual storytelling for social impact.

In this 2022 interview, street artists Bohie and Smalls discuss the power of paint, toxic masculinity, and the gender experience in street art. They dive into their political activism through public murals, such as “Fair Dinkum (RIP Toxic Masculinity)”, and reflect on the public's response to their work. Both artists share their personal experiences with gender and their artistic journeys, while highlighting how their art challenges societal constructs.