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South Pole

Exploring Antarctica


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  • 1. 21. A Continent for Science, A Continent for peace: The Antarctic Treaty System

    36:53||Season 3, Ep. 1
    Antarctic Treaty System explained—why it matters today. Season 3 of South Pole begins with a deep, accessible guide to the Antarctic Treaty System: the international agreement that keeps Antarctica demilitarized, dedicated to peace, science, and environmental protection. Political and environmental philosopher Dr. Alejandra Mancilla (University of Oslo) traces how the treaty emerged from overlapping territorial claims and Cold War tensions—and how it evolved into today’s consultative vs. non-consultative membership model, where decision-making is tied to “substantial scientific research” and consensus rules shape outcomes. We unpack the 1991 Environmental Protocol, the ban on mineral extraction through 2048, and the big debates now facing Antarctic governance: tourism, legitimacy, climate change, and who gets to decide Antarctica’s future.Episode Guest: Dr. Alejandra MancillaVisit Dr. Mancilla’s websiteFind Dr. Mancilla’s article hereBrowse Dr. Mancilla’s publications on Google ScholarLearn more about the Antarctic Treaty hereSouth Pole: What if Antarctica had Legal Personhood?Read Antarctic journalist Tiara Walter’s work Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Oceanography on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

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  • NEW Science Pod: Oceanography (Trailer)

    02:25|
    Pine Forest Media is proud to present Oceanography, a new podcast hosted by South Pole creator Clark Marchese. This weekly series explores the science and global cooperation needed to protect our oceans.With guests ranging from marine biologists and oceanographers to UN policymakers and community organizers, the show connects science with society—diving into topics like whale communication, bioluminescent species, deep-sea ecosystems, and the future of conservation policy.Oceanography isn’t just about marine life—it’s about the role oceans play in global climate, biodiversity, and justice.The first season includes interviews with the Deputy Global Coordinator at UNESCO and the Tribal Liaison for the Marine Protected Area Collaborative Network.🎧 Listen to the trailer now and follow Oceanography wherever you get your podcasts. First episode drops July 29.Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Apple PodcastsOr stream wherever you stream best! 📌 South Pole Season 3 arrives this fall. 🌐 Learn more: pineforestpods.com

  • 10. 20. Putting Antarctic Women on the Map with Carol Devine

    33:21||Season 2, Ep. 10
    In this season finale, South Pole delves into Carol Devine's impactful projects that connect environmental stewardship with Antarctic history. Carol shares her experiences leading the Antarctic Cleanup Project, where volunteers removed waste left in polar regions, modeling environmental accountability. We also explore her Mapping Antarctic Women project, which celebrates female contributions to Antarctic exploration by identifying place names across the continent named in their honor. Through Carol’s stories, listeners gain insight into the intertwined history of human impact and environmental preservation in Antarctica.Episode Guest: Carol DevineLearn more about Carol Devine hereFollow Carol Devine on InstagramFollow Carol Devine on XFind The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning on Good Reads and Harper CollinsRead about the Mapping Antarctic Women project here Find the Map of Antarctic Women hereEpisode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruizhf8G6WG2xCPX0XYyU5e0

  • 9. 19. Cold Dirt, Permafrost, and the Greening of Antarctica with Dr. Joe Levy

    37:20||Season 2, Ep. 9
    Explore the secrets locked in Antarctica’s permafrost as we dive into soil formation, ecosystem changes, and climate impacts in the world’s coldest desert. Guest Dr. Joe Levy, a geomorphologist and planetary scientist, shares insights from years of fieldwork in Antarctica’s dry valleys and how studying “cold dirt” offers clues about Earth’s past and Mars’ potential. Discover how warming temperatures and permafrost thaw could transform this frozen landscape into a carbon sink—or trigger unforeseen consequences. Join us as we learn about ancient soils, microbial mats, and the surprising parallels between Antarctica and Mars in this fascinating episode of South Pole.Episode Guest: Dr. Joe LevyLearn more about Dr. Levy hereBrowse Dr. Levy’s publications hereFollow Dr. Levy on XLearn more about the Cold Dirt Lab hereEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz

  • 8. 18. Antarctic Musicology and the Not So Silent Continent with Dr. Carolyn Philpott

    38:02||Season 2, Ep. 8
    Dive into the fascinating world of Antarctic musicology in this episode of *South Pole*. Explore how music, soundscapes, and even silence shape our understanding of the icy continent. Dr. Carolyn Philpott, a senior lecturer and researcher, shares her journey into the interdisciplinary study of music, place, and environment. Discover the sounds of Antarctica—from cracking icebergs to the lively cacophony of penguin colonies—and learn how composers capture the essence of this remote landscape. Whether you’re a music lover or an Antarctica enthusiast, this episode highlights how sound and art foster deeper connections with the natural world. Grab your headphones for an immersive auditory adventure into the heart of the silent continent.Episode Guest: Dr. Carolyn PhilpottLearn more about Dr. Philpott hereBrowse Dr. Philpott’s Publications hereConnect with Dr. Philpott on LinkedInListen to Vaughn Williams’ Scott of the Antarctic on YoutubeListen to Penguin Ballet by Nigel Westlake on Spotify Listen to Seals (Underwater) by Douglass Quinn on YouTubeListen to Antarctic Sound Recordings by Phillip Samartzis on YouTubeIceberg Crash by Almaz KhakimovEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz

  • 7. 17. What if Antarctica had legal personhood? with Cormac Cullinan

    35:05||Season 2, Ep. 7
    This episode explores an ambitious initiative to grant Antarctica legal rights as a distinct entity within international law. A representative from Antarctic Rights discusses how the movement aims to secure a unique legal status for Antarctica, allowing it to be represented in global policy spaces. Topics include the philosophical framework of Earth jurisprudence, the shortcomings of the current Antarctic Treaty, and how a rights-based approach could reshape global environmental law. This conversation also dives into proposed protections and explores the challenges of determining what’s truly in Antarctica’s best interest.Episode Guest: Cormac CullinanLearn more about Cormac Cullinan hereLearn more about Antarctic Rights hereGet involved with Antarctic Rights hereLearn more about Wild Law hereEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz

  • 6. 16. Ice Cores and Paleoclimatology with Dr. Tas van Ommen

    44:55||Season 2, Ep. 6
    In this episode of South Pole, host Clark Marchese dives into the science of paleoclimatology and the fascinating world of ice cores with Dr. Tas van Ommen, an Antarctic climate scientist from the University of Tasmania. Ice cores, described as time capsules, contain some of the oldest Earth system records, revealing invaluable data about past climate conditions, atmospheric composition, and even ancient air trapped within tiny bubbles. Together, Clark and Dr. van Ommen explore how ice cores can help us understand natural climate cycles, inform climate models, and shape current environmental policies, such as drought management in Australia. This episode sheds light on how Antarctic research contributes to our understanding of climate change and highlights the urgency of climate action.Episode Guest: Dr. Tas van OmmenFind more on Dr. van Ommen here.Follow Dr. van Ommen on XFind Dr. van Ommen’s publications here. Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz