Searching for a Greener Room

Curly Steve and Ben Marshall discuss what it really takes to rebuild our lobster populations, why these creatures are vital to healthy seas, and the surprising challenges that come with keeping our oceans in balance. Ben, who once ran music venues before retraining as a marine biologist, now leads production at the National Lobster Hatchery in Cornwall, where he works on the frontline of marine conservation.

In this episode, you’ll...

The Chat The Guest: Lizzi Larbalestier Ocean Advocate, Blue Health Coach, Seal Rescuer, and Water Whisperer

The Chat Tapping Into Ocean Superpowers

Childhood by the Sea Lizzi recalls her upbringing on the Cornish coast, where rockpools, dunes, and butterflies sparked her first connections with nature. Freedom to explore, often with little supervision, rooted her deep love of wild spaces and an early awareness of environmental care.

The Chat The Guest: Pete Fraser Owner of Harbour Lights Fish & Chip Shop, Fraser’s Fish & Chips, and Kona; Sustainability Advocate in the Fish & Chip Industry

The Chat From Navy to the Fryer Pete shares his journey from a Royal Navy helicopter observer to fish and chip shop owner, explaining how friendship and a leap into business ownership with Harbour Lights set him on a new path. After an amicable split with his firs...

Farmer, Environmental Advocate, Lead Partner at the Cornwall Beaver Project, Co-Founder of the Beaver Trust

Chris shares the early days of Woodland Valley Farm, tracing his journey from traditional mixed farming through to environmental collapse under industrial daffodil growers. The devastation of the soil pushed him to rethink everything. He adopted organic farming, s...

The Guest: Kate Richards Founder of Radical Wax | Tennis Coach | Former Lifeguard

The Chat

Cornish Roots and a Life Outdoors Kate grew up in Cornwall, always outside, always moving. Early passions included cricket and running, spurred on by a supportive primary school and a few stand-out teachers. Later, she transitioned into tennis, drawn to its inclusivity and long-game appeal.

A Lifelong Love of the Ocean From chil...

Chris Hines, a long-time environmental activist and co-founder of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), discussed his journey from surfing in Cornwall to leading campaigns against sewage pollution. He highlighted SAS's early successes, including a 1991 lobby at the Houses of Parliament that led to a £2 million research fund. Hines also shared his work at the Eden Project, where he implemented sustain...

Curly Steve and Matt Hocking discuss the transformative power of creativity in addressing the climate crisis. Matt, founder of LEAP, a B Corp design studio, emphasises the importance of ecological and social responsibility in design. He shares his journey from early creative influences to leading at the Eden Project, where he implemented sustainable practices. Matt highlights the significance of B Corp certification, which he achie...

Curly Steve and Stephen Murphy discuss the impact of home energy use on the UK's carbon emissions, which account for 20%. Stephen, a low-carbon energy advisor, emphasises the importance of insulation, particularly loft and solid wall insulation, and the benefits of heat pumps over traditional heating systems. He highlights the role of Community Energy Plus in guiding homeowners through retrofitting processes, including grants and f...

Jane Gray, known as the Nettle Lady, shared her journey from Brighton to Cornwall, highlighting her transformation from a stay-at-home mother to a university graduate and nettle weaver.

She discussed her challenges, including a tumour diagnosis and the loss of her great friend, Howard.

Jane emphasised the health and sustainability benefits of nettles, including their use in textiles and teas. She founded Nettle Revolution, promotin...

Nigel Gooding, a data privacy advisor and doctoral student, discussed his journey from Exeter to Cornwall, his business in data protection, and his doctoral research on sustainable business in Cornwall's natural landscapes. He highlighted the challenges of balancing environmental sustainability with economic viability, particularly in tourism and farming. Nigel emphasised the importance of AI in fraud detection and data privacy, ad...

Curly Steve interviews Zoey Cotton, founder of Saunassa, a contrast therapy space in Cornwall. Zoey shares her journey from managing a $6 million ski bar in Whistler, Canada, to establishing Saunassa. She emphasises the benefits of contrast therapy, including improved cardiovascular health and mental well-being. Zoey discusses the importance of community, inclusivity, and social prescribing, where GPs can prescribe sauna sessions....

Curly Steve and Jake discuss the impact of eco-anxiety on individuals' actions and empowerment. Jake explains that eco anxiety is a range of emotions, including numbness, motivation, and fear, in response to the climate crisis. He emphasises the importance of community, reflective activities, and visualisation in overcoming eco-anxiety. Jake highlights the significant impact of dietary changes, particularly shifting to plant-based ...