143: How To Save Our Oceans With Dr. Sylvia Earle
In this episode, we talk to Dr. Sylvia Earle. She is National Geographic’s Explorer At Large, internationally renowned oceanographer, explorer and author of the highly-anticipated forthcoming book National Geographic Ocean: A Global Odyssey She has been called Her Deepness, A Living Legend, dubbed Time Magazine’s first Hero of the Planet. She holds the record for deepest walk on the sea floor and is a world-renowned expert on marine biology. She has led more than a 100 oceanic expeditions and has logged over 7,000 hours under water.
She is also the President & Chairman of Mission Blue as well as The Sylvia Earle Alliance. She has developed a comprehensive reference explaining the fundamental science of the ocean with more than 100 maps and diagrams, including seafloor and political maps of all Earth’s seas and oceans. She has made a lifelong commitment to protect the planet with a soft spot for our blue heart aka the ocean.
During this episode we talked about how Dr. Earle’s journey started, her love for our ocean. She shared why it was important for her to write her latest book . We also digged a little deeper into the importance of the ocean and how we can do our part to help protect it and how hotspots around the world are bringing hope to our ocean.
Links from the episodes
Dr. Earle’s Book – National Geographic Ocean : A Global Odyssey
Where can people find Dr. Earle?
KEY TAKE AWAY
“Together we can be the heroes, for all of civilization to follow. ”
The photo used for this podcast is take by Kip Evans Photography “Sylvia Earle passes a barrel sponge as she explores outside Aquarius laboratory.”
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.