Host: Mary

Guest: Stefan Christmann: Nature Photographer, Physicist, and Emperor Penguin Storyteller

Episode Summary: In this episode of All About Penguins, the conversation is with Stefan Christmann, a German physicist turned award-winning nature photographer who has spent multiple seasons in Antarctica documenting emperor penguins. From wintering at Neumayer-Station III to working with the BBC Natural History Unit on the Dynasties emperor penguin episode, Stefan combines scientific training, field experience, and visual storytelling to share one of nature’s most powerful survival stories. His book, Penguin: A Story of Survival, takes us right into the heart of an emperor penguin colony, exploring resilience, community, and the realities of a warming world.

🐧 Key Topics Covered:

• From Physics to Penguins. How Stefan went from studying physics in Germany to living among emperor penguins in Antarctica, and why photography became his way of telling science-driven stories.
• Life at the End of the World. What it’s really like to winter at Neumayer-Station III, documenting an emperor penguin colony at Atka Bay in brutal cold, darkness, and isolation.
• Photography in Extreme Conditions. Field logistics, gear challenges at −40 °C, and how his scientific mindset helps him plan, endure, and keep equipment (and himself) working in the cold.
• Penguin Love & Survival. Stefan talks about “Penguin Love”, the deep social bonds and cooperation that allow emperor penguins to raise chicks in one of the harshest climates on Earth.
• Creating Penguin: A Story of Survival. How the book came together, what stories and images made it in, and how it invites readers to see emperor penguins not just as icons, but as families fighting for survival on thinning sea ice.
• Climate Change & the Future of Penguins. What Stefan has witnessed in Antarctica, why emperor penguins are so vulnerable to changing sea ice, and how images can spark awareness and action.

💬 Quotes to Remember:

“Emperor penguins remind us that surviving the impossible often comes down to staying together.”

“Their strength isn’t individual, it's community. That’s something we can all learn from.”

“Watching them survive the Antarctic winter teaches you what persistence really looks like.”

“Working in minus forty teaches you patience. You can’t rush nature.”

“Their tight-knit communities are the heart of their survival story.”

Connect with Stefan:

• Website: Nature in Focus
• Instagram: @christmannphoto

Buy the book:

• Penguin: A Story of Survival (website)
• Penguin: A Story of Survival (Amazon)

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode:

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Host: Mary

Guest: Dr. Jeff White – Seabird Ecologist, Conservation Biologist, and Penguin Researcher

Episode Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Jeff White shares his journey from a childhood fascination with birds to a specialised focus on penguins. He discusses the various challenges penguins face in different regions, the unique traits of crested penguins, and the importance of movement tracking in understanding their behavior. Dr. White also reflects on his fieldwork experiences, the pressing conservation issues for penguins, and the significance of public engagement in science communication.

🐧 Key Topics Covered:

• From Pigeons to Penguins. Jeff’s journey into seabird ecology started with pigeons and unexpectedly led him to the world of penguins.
• Crested Penguins Up Close. He explains what makes crested penguins unique, from their breeding habits to their resilience in harsh environments.
• Tracking Penguin Movements. Jeff highlights how satellite tags and GPS tracking reveal where penguins forage, how far they travel, and why this data is critical for conservation.
• Fieldwork Realities. From rugged coastlines to long hours in unpredictable weather, Jeff shares the demanding yet rewarding experiences of working directly with penguins.
• Public Engagement Matters. Jeff reflects on why science communication is essential, and how sharing penguin stories helps people connect, care, and take action.
• Conservation in Context. No two penguin species—or even populations—face the same problems. Solutions must be tailored, collaborative, and science-driven.

💬 Quotes to Remember:

“Climate change is a huge issue.” – On the biggest challenge facing penguins today.

“It’s hard to be a baby penguin.” – On the struggles juveniles face in their first years at sea.

“People have to know about the problem, care about the problem, to then do something about the problem.” – On why public engagement in science matters.

Connect with Jeff:

• Website: Jeff White
• Instagram: @jeff_white618
• Bluesky: @jeffwwhite

Featured Research: Population structure of New Zealand crested penguins – PLOS One

Projects:

• The Tawaki Project
• The Tawaki Trust
• Falklands Wildlife Health

Extra Resources & Mentions

• Myrene Otis: Inter-colony and inter-annual behavioural plasticity in fjord-dwelling penguins
• Penguin being washed down by a wave (Instagram reel):

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode:

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Host: Mary

Guest: Karolina, a Penguin Biologist, PhD Candidate, and Founder of @the_penguin_biologist social media channel

Episode Summary:

Welcome to the All About Penguins podcast! In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, you hear from Karolina, a passionate penguin biologist currently based in France. From a spontaneous Instagram post during lockdown to leading hands-on seabird rehab in South Africa, Carolina shares her unique journey into penguin conservation.

This episode covers everything from her fieldwork at SANCCOB, penguin-fishery conflicts, what it’s really like to work with these iconic birds, and how storytelling and science go hand in hand in raising awareness.

🐧 Key Topics Covered:

• How a Random Instagram Post Changed Everything. Carolina didn’t start in ecology. Her love for penguins was sparked during lockdown by a simple post of an emperor chick. That one moment led her to pivot her entire career.
• The Road to Becoming a Penguin Biologist. She transitioned from biochemistry to a master’s in environmental science and never looked back.
• Behind the Scenes at SANCCOB. Carolina gives a candid look into her three-month internship at SANCCOB, a seabird rescue center in Cape Town. Expect bruises, cleaning, emotional releases, and penguin slap fights!
• Penguins vs. Fisheries. She breaks down how overfishing is directly affecting species like the African and Humboldt penguins. Less sardines = starving penguin chicks.
• The Power of Storytelling in Science. Her Instagram (@thepenguinbiologist) combines science with emotional storytelling to create awareness and connection.
  • Misconceptions About Penguins. No, they don’t live at the North Pole. No, they’re not friends with polar bears. Yes, some penguins live near the equator! (Hello, Galápagos!)
• Favorite Penguin Fact. African penguins have a gland above their eyes that is pink in color, which helps regulate their body temperature. It gets pinker when they overheat!
• Most Memorable Moment. Releasing rehabilitated penguins back into the wild, pure emotion and purpose.

💬 Quotes to Remember:

“They’re tiny, but they’re full of attitude.” – Carolina on Adélie Penguins.

“Your fork can be a tool to protect penguins.” – On sustainable seafood choices.

“Don't listen to the people who will tell you you can't do it.” – On following an unexpected passion.

Carolina’s Advice for Aspiring Conservationists:

• Stay passionate and don’t let background or doubt stop you.
• Start somewhere; even volunteering can make a difference.

Connect with Carolina:

• Instagram: @the_penguin_biologist
• Collaborator: @bluetideproject (Ill

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed this episode:

• Follow the podcast
• Leave a review
• Share with fellow animal lovers and penguin fans!

To learn more about how to help penguins, check - https://lifeguin.com/help-the-penguins/

Get into style and spread awareness about penguins - https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/68837568

Buy us a Kofi - https://ko-fi.com/lifeguin

Send us an email at lifeguin@gmail.com