178: Sailing the waves of change a conversation with Captain Paul Watson
In this episode, we talk to Captain Paul Watson. He is a true legend in, marine wildlife conservation and environmental activist. As one of the founding members of Greenpeace (which he left in 1977) and founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Captain Watson has spent his life fighting for the protection of our oceans and marine life. He continues this mission today through the new Captain Paul Watson Foundation.
A master mariner, accomplished author, and renowned speaker, he has received numerous honors for his dedication to the planet, including the Genesis Award for Lifetime Achievement, being named one of Time Magazine’s Top 20 Environmental Heroes of the 20th Century, and induction into the U.S. Animal Rights Hall of Fame. In 2007, he was awarded the Amazon Peace Prize by the president of Ecuador and in 2012, he became only the second person, after Captain Jacques Cousteau, to receive the Jules Verne Award for environmentalists and adventurers.
During this episode we talked about the current state of our oceans, how we are all connected to the oceans and took a deep dive into the environmental movements, the role media plays and what the future might have in store for us.
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KEY TAKE AWAY
“Be passionate, courageous and persistent”
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.