The Surfrider Podcast
The Surfrider Podcast
Podcast Description
The Surfrider Podcast dives beneath the surface of today's most pressing coastal environmental issues. Each episode takes you beyond the headlines to explore the compelling stories behind Surfrider’s mission to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches — from the plague of plastic pollution to the coastal impacts of climate change. Join us as we spotlight the extraordinary people who power Surfrider’s environmental work: dedicated volunteers making a difference in their communities, passionate advocates fighting for policy change, and everyone in between who's making waves to protect our ocean. Listen now to discover the deeper currents of change at work at the Surfrider Foundation, and learn more about how you can get involved at www.surfrider.org
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on key topics in coastal environmentalism, including plastic pollution, climate change impacts, and community activism. For example, episodes cover critical issues like the Tijuana River sewage crisis affecting San Diego and highlight initiatives such as Surfrider's Clean Border Water Now program, providing listeners with concrete examples of environmental advocacy and community-driven solutions.
The Surfrider Podcast dives beneath the surface of today’s most pressing coastal environmental issues. Each episode takes you beyond the headlines to explore the compelling stories behind Surfrider’s mission to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches — from the plague of plastic pollution to the coastal impacts of climate change. Join us as we spotlight the extraordinary people who power Surfrider’s environmental work: dedicated volunteers making a difference in their communities, passionate advocates fighting for policy change, and everyone in between who’s making waves to protect our ocean. Listen now to discover the deeper currents of change at work at the Surfrider Foundation, and learn more about how you can get involved at www.surfrider.org
Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert joins Surfrider CEO Dr. Chad Nelsen to confront the federal government’s push to expand offshore oil drilling off California, Florida, and Alaska. As the new five-year offshore leasing plan takes shape, they cut through the “energy emergency” narrative, explain why more domestic drilling won’t lower prices at the pump, and trace the real cost of oil spills — from Santa Barbara and Refugio to Huntington Beach and Deepwater Horizon — for the coastal communities and taxpayers left paying for them.
Ryan shares how Patagonia evolved from funding grassroots groups to suing a sitting president over Bears Ears National Monument, and why he believes outdoor recreation business leaders can’t stay silent. Chad breaks down the Coastal Zone Management Act, the battle with Sable in Santa Barbara, and the recent Endangered Species Act rollback. Plus: why paddle outs and community advocacy still move decision-makers, and how you can get involved and take action with Surfrider.

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