Meet How's That?, a podcast that dives deep into all sorts of things that make our world work — such as organisms that act like zombies, plants that talk to each other, light that pollutes our skies and academic change that brings climate topics to students.

The podcast is reported and produced by graduate students in the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University.

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For more information about the podcast, visit ⁠nyclimateexchange.org⁠.

C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program manager: Jennifer Gilday

Darcey Evans explores the cultural importance of salmon to Indigenous peoples. Host Heather Lynch and Evans, an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology at Stony Brook University, discuss how salmon are harvested in British Columbia, Canada, including the environmental impacts and power struggles involving multinational corporations, local communities, and Indigenous nations. There are broader questions about sustainable food production, ethical research practices, and the role of consumer choices in shaping industry practices.

Learn more with:

• “Pathogenic proliferations: Salmon aquaculture, industrial viruses, and toxic geographies of settler-colonialism” by Darcey Evans

Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:

• 00:30 The Global Impact of Salmon Farming
• 01:01 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 01:23 Research on Salmon Aquaculture
• 04:55 Indigenous Perspectives on Salmon
• 08:10 Environmental and Health Impacts of Salmon Farming
• 10:12 Settler Colonialism and Indigenous Rights
• 19:10 Challenges and Future of Aquaculture
• 32:57 Anthropological Research Methods and Ethics
• 44:32 Conclusion and Future Episodes

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You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.

Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/c4e/newsletters.php

For all things Stony Brook on social media: https://gosbu.co/m/social

C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program Manager: Jennifer Gilday

Meet The Climate Story Project, an initiative led by The New York Climate Exchange to record, archive and share real, personal stories about climate change to inspire action and connection.

During 2025 Climate Week NYC, The Exchange invited the public to tell us their climate story at Pioneer Works and the American Museum of Natural History, and supported by Wellcome.

In snapshots of life in the midst of climate change, hear voices from different places and walks of life to grow an archive of personal climate stories so we can remember, reflect, and respond together.

Tell a friend and share a link to this episode.

For more information about the podcast, visit ⁠nyclimateexchange.org⁠.

C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program manager: Jennifer Gilday

Stephen Baines is focused on the ecological reshaping of coastal wetlands. Host Heather Lynch and Baines, an associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution, discuss the impact of non-native species, nitrogen's role in marsh stability, the influence of iron fertilization on ocean ecosystems, and the complexities of coastal conservation. Baines is concerned about keeping coastal marshes intact amid rising sea levels and human infrastructure, and the importance of native plant gardening to support local biodiversity.

Learn more with:

• “Lakes as sentinels of climate change” by Rita Adrian, Catherine M O'Reilly, Horacio Zagarese, Stephen B Baines, Dag O Hessen, Wendel Keller, David M Livingstone, Ruben Sommaruga, Dietmar Straile, Ellen Van Donk, Gesa A Weyhenmeyer, Monika Winder
• “The production of dissolved organic matter by phytoplankton and its importance to bacteria: patterns across marine and freshwater systems” by Stephen B Baines, Michael L Pace
• “Luxury iron uptake and storage in pennate diatoms from the equatorial Pacific Ocean” by Benjamin S Twining, Stephen B Baines
• “Plant Traits Explain Seasonal and Spatial Variation in Denitrification Within Spartina Alterniflora Wetlands” by Stephen B Baines, Priscilla Moley, Mary Alldred

Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:

00:33 Impact of Climate Change on Species Redistribution

00:59 Exploring Coastal Wetlands and Marshes

01:31 Understanding Salt Marsh Plant Species

06:39 Nitrogen's Role in Coastal Marsh Stability

16:51 Fiddler Crabs and Their Environmental Impact

22:10 Challenges of Sea Level Rise and Marsh Sustainability

28:02 Concerns About Coastal Development

28:14 Economic Models for Coastal Adaptation

28:40 Emotional Ties to Coastal Living

29:11 Sea Level Rise Models and Predictions

29:31 Historical Context of Coastal Areas

30:00 Challenges in Coastal Management

30:07 Switching to Ocean Chemistry

30:35 Iron Fertilization and Carbon Capture

30:57 The Role of Iron in Ocean Ecosystems

32:51 Experiments and Debates on Iron Fertilization

34:13 Potential Risks and Consequences

35:36 Challenges in Large-Scale Experiments

36:14 Political and Economic Implications

36:41 Nutrient Redistribution and Global Impact

38:07 Practical Challenges in Implementation

39:36 Bridging Science and Art for Public Outreach

48:28 The Importance of Native Plant Gardens

50:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

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You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.

Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/c4e/newsletters.php

For all things Stony Brook on social media: https://bit.ly/m/sbu

C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program Manager: Jennifer Gilday

Pamela Ginex explores the impacts of disasters on emergency preparedness and patient care. Host Heather Lynch and Ginex, assistant professor in the School of Nursing at Stony Brook University, discusses how hospitals and clinics can be prepared for climate-related disasters like hurricanes and heat waves. Ginex highlights the need for proactive measures for those with known toxic exposures and the role of sustainability in healthcare, as well as the necessity of integrating environmental awareness into medical training to better support the health sector in the face of climate change.

Learn more with:

• “Exposure-Informed Care Following Toxic Environmental Exposures: A Lifestyle Medicine Approach” by Pamela Ginex, Paul Barach, […], and Tammy A. Butterick
• “Climate stressors and oncology care: awareness of healthcare professionals in Puerto Rico” by Jessica Hernandez Marrero, Nancy R. Cardona-Cordero, Marievelise Soto-Salgado, Pamela Ginex, Milagros Eliah, Ana P. Ortiz
• “Climate change, climate disasters and oncology care: a descriptive global survey of oncology healthcare professionals” by Pamela Ginex, et al.

Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:

00:35 Impact of Natural Disasters on Healthcare

01:14 Understanding Nursing Research

02:25 The Versatility and Demand of Nursing Careers

03:52 Climate Disasters and Cancer Care

05:42 Personal Experiences During Hurricane Sandy

08:29 Hospital Preparedness for Climate Disasters

15:07 Heat Stress and Cancer Treatment

17:28 Sustainability Efforts at Stony Brook Hospital

24:57 Preventative Care for Toxic Exposure

31:06 Training the Next Generation of Medical Professionals

32:28 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Tell a friend and share a link to this episode.

You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.

Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/c4e/newsletters.php

For all things Stony Brook on social media: https://bit.ly/m/sbu

C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program Manager: Jennifer Gilday

Rafael D’Andrea is focused on understanding what makes the queen bee different from her peers. Host Heather Lynch and D’Andrea, assistant professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University, to discuss mathematical models in understanding nature, and the importance of collaboration and data sharing in scientific research. D’Andrea explains his research on eusociality in animals and the factors contributing to diversity in tropical forests. Additionally, they delve into potential biases and the need for reforms of the peer review process.

Learn more with:

• “Eusocial reproduction selects for longevity” by R D’Andrea, CD Kocher, B Skiena, B Futcher
• “Chesson's coexistence theory” by G Barabás, R D'Andrea, SM Stump
• “Can editors save peer review from peer reviewers?” by R D’Andrea, JP O’Dwyer

Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:

• 00:24 Introduction to Nature's Diversity
• 01:14 Transition from Physics to Ecology
• 06:45 Understanding Eusociality
• 09:05 Longevity and Eusociality
• 24:26 Exploring Tropical Forest Biodiversity
• 27:38 Role of Animals in Plant Reproduction
• 27:42 Introduction to Barro Colorado Island
• 28:43 Unique Data Set of Barro Colorado Island
• 31:12 Peer Review Process in Science
• 32:32 Bias and Interventions in Peer Review
• 34:54 Challenges and Solutions in Peer Review
• 49:11 Future of Theoretical Ecology
• 54:02 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

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You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.

Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/c4e/newsletters.php

For all things Stony Brook on social media: https://bit.ly/m/sbu

C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program Manager: Jennifer Gilday

Stony Brook University Hospital is on the front lines of sustainability. Host Heather Lynch speaks with CEO Carol Gomes, Director of Healthcare Safety Barbara Boyle, and Josephine Connolly-Schoonen, executive director of the nutrition division at Stony Brook Medicine, to explore how the hospital is reducing waste and emissions. They say Stony Brook's commitment to reducing greenhouse gases and promoting sustainable practices both within the hospital and the local community requires retrofitting facilities with LED lighting, rethinking waste management in the operating rooms, and deploying community outreach programs, including rooftop garden initiatives,

Learn more with:

• Stony Brook University Hospital Ranked in Top 25 in the Country for Work in Environmental Excellence (SBU News)
• Stony Brook University Hospital Named Top Performer for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability (SBU News)
• Stony Brook University Hospital’s Commitment to the Climate
• Practice Greenhealth

Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:

• 00:38 Sustainability in Healthcare
• 01:22 Stony Brook University Hospital's Environmental Achievements
• 03:01 Challenges and Innovations in Hospital Sustainability
• 04:53 Engaging Staff and Community in Sustainability Efforts
• 11:40 Sustainable Practices in the Operating Room
• 18:14 Nutrition and Sustainability at Stony Brook Hospital
• 23:13 Introduction to Plant-Based Nutrition
• 24:04 Community Education and Nutrition
• 25:40 Lifestyle Medicine Explained
• 27:12 Food Pharmacy and Insurance Coverage
• 28:47 Environmental Toxins and Nutrition
• 33:07 Decarbonization and Sustainability Goals
• 35:37 Future Projects and Community Outreach
• 39:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tell a friend and share a link to this episode.

You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.

Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/c4e/newsletters.php

For all things Stony Brook on social media: https://bit.ly/m/sbu

C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Associate Producer: Hadar Pepperstone

Program Manager: Jennifer Gilday

Jaymie Meliker’s research seeks to inform policy and individual actions to mitigate environmental exposure to health risks. Host Heather Lynch and Meliker, a professor in the Program in Public Health and the Department of Family Population and Preventative Medicine at Stony Brook University, explore critical topics at the intersection of public health and environmental science, including the nuanced impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns, methods for studying community-level depression, and the complex relationship between stay-at-home orders and domestic violence. The discussion dives into various environmental pollutants, such as PFAS, heavy metals like cadmium and arsenic, and their implications for public health.

Learn more with:

• “Invited Perspective: Is It Time to Revisit the Allowable Maximum Contaminant Limit for Arsenic in Public Drinking Water?” by Jaymie Meliker and Meroona Gopang
• “SARS-COV-2 re-infection and incidence of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) among essential workers in New York: a retrospective cohort study” by Tesleem Babalola, Sean Alexander, Penning Clouston, Zennur Sekendiz, Devi Chowdhury, Nicola Soriolo, Joseph Kawuki, Jaymie Meliker, Melissa Carr, Bruno R Valenti, Ashley Fontana, Onix A Melendez, Olga Morozova, Benjamin Luft
• “Lifetime exposure to arsenic in drinking water and bladder cancer: a population-based case–control study in Michigan, USA,” by Jaymie Meliker, Melissa J Slotnick, Gillian A AvRuskin, David Schottenfeld, Geoffrey M Jacquez, Mark L Wilson, Pierre Goovaerts, Alfred Franzblau, Jerome O Nriagu

Skip ahead to the chapter that interests you:

• 00:35 Public Health and Environmental Conversations
• 01:22 Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Mental Health
• 01:34 Domestic Violence During COVID-19
• 02:40 Twitter Data and Mental Health Trends
• 06:37 Life Expectancy and Drug Overdoses Post-COVID
• 11:48 Environmental Pollutants and Public Health Risks
• 14:56 Water Safety and Contaminants
• 22:57 Municipal and State Actions for Public Safety
• 25:42 Consumer Demands vs. Health Risks
• 26:36 Challenges in Arsenic Exposure Studies
• 31:25 Cadmium Exposure and Health Impacts
• 34:16 Heavy Metal Testing
• 40:08 Lead Exposure Risks and Prevention
• 44:29 Current and Future Research Directions
• 46:59 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Tell a friend and share a link to this episode.

You can find all our episodes at www.stonybrook.edu/c4e or wherever you stream audio.

Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/c4e/newsletters.php

For all things Stony Brook on social media: https://bit.ly/m/sbu

C4E Presents is a production of Stony Brook’s Collaborative for the Earth.

Host: Heather Lynch

Editor: J.D. Allen

Program Manager: Jennifer Gilday