Shark Week: The Podcast

FACT: Statistically, only 1 in 11.5 million people are bitten by sharks each year, a rare occurrence that contrasts sharply with the fearsome reputation sharks have in popular culture. FICTION: Hollywood often portrays sharks as relentless man-eaters, lurking in the waters to attack unsuspecting swimmers. Join host Kasha Patel as she dives into the reality of shark attacks, debunking myths with Behavioral Ecologist Dr. Tristian Guttridge and shark attack victim turned advocate Paul de Gelder. 

FACT: Marine ecologists have shown that sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems, preventing the collapse of marine biodiversity. FICTION: A world without sharks would have no impact on ocean life. Join host Kasha Patel as she dives into the latest research on the ecological importance of sharks, exploring the potential consequences of their decline with Dr. Tiara Moore, a marine ecologist and CEO of Black and Marine Science.  

FACT: Marine biologists have documented the peculiar characteristics and survival strategies of deep-sea sharks such as the cookiecutter, goblin, and megamouth. FICTION: Alien sharks are extraterrestrial creatures that have come to Earth to observe human activity. Join host Kasha Patel as she dives into the latest research on these bizarre deep-sea sharks, exploring their unique adaptations and ecological roles with Dr. Austin Gallagher a marine biologist and explorer who is founder and CEO of the marine research institute, Beneath The Waves. 

FACT: Paleontologists have unearthed fossils and analyzed bite marks to better understand the feeding habits and behaviors of the ancient Megalodon. FICTION: Megalodons still roam the deep oceans today, waiting to surprise unsuspecting swimmers. Join host Kasha Patel as she dives into the latest research on Megalodon, exploring its hunting strategies and ecological impact with Dr. Emma Kast who studied the nitrogen cycle and the megalodon.

FACT: Scientists have studied and observed shark shivers to ascertain whether their social behavior is driven by mutual companionship or survival instincts. FICTION: Sharks go on roadtrips just like humans. Join host Kasha Patel as she delves into groundbreaking research on shark social behavior and chats with Dr. Yanis Papastamatou, the esteemed head of the Predatory Ecology and Conservation Lab at Florida International University.