Planet Visionaries: Recent Episodes
Rolex and The Washington Post Creative Group
Planet Visionaries spotlights climate innovators who are helping to solve some of the world’s most challenging environmental issues. In each episode, host Alex Honnold, an adventure rock climber and outdoor advocate, will talk to one of those leaders to learn about their work, background and what motivates them to preserve the earth. Listeners will hear from the world’s most renowned ocean explorer, a man who has dedicated his life to protecting penguins, a volcanologist who found a way to predict eruptions and a Peruvian biologist who is safeguarding sea life with the help of coastal communities. Taken together, the podcast will offer an intimate portrait of the diverse and dynamic people who are at the forefront of the quest to keep the planet perpetual.
The Great Spine of Africa expeditions are an unprecedented survey of Africa’s rivers. Biologist Steve Boyes and his team are paddling 40,000 kilometers in dugout canoes to gather groundbreaking data on some of the world’s least-explored waterways.
The first woman to solo ski across Antarctica, Felicity Aston knows better than anyone how to survive on the ice. Now she tells Alex Honnold how her latest expedition unlocked new truths about climate change in the Arctic.
The Amazon is the world’s strongest barrier against climate change — and few of its creatures are more important than the beautiful pink river dolphin. 2024 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year Fernando Trujillo joins Alex Honnold to discuss a lifetime protecting this vital mammal.
Marine biologist Ben Fitzpatrick has spent decades protecting the coastlines and coral reefs of Western Australia. Today he joins Alex Honnold to talk about his ongoing work to conserve one of the ocean’s most precious habitats.
Wildlife photographers Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen tell Alex Honnold how they’re using storytelling to inspire a new generation of conservationists.
When her country was stricken by drought, Kenyan entrepreneur Beth Koigi developed a machine that uses condensation to produce water. She tells Alex Honnold how this technology can reduce water scarcity around the globe.
Since she last spoke to Alex Honnold in 2021, legendary explorer Sylvia Earle has made great progress in her efforts to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Now she’s back to explain how Mission Blue’s Hope Spots provide safe haven for sea creatures worldwide.
Biologist Constantino Aucca Chutas has spent two decades coordinating a continent-wide tree planting effort in South America. He joins Alex Honnold to explain how he’s preserving this magnificent landscape using one very special tree.
Fashion touches every person on Earth. Denica Riadini-Flesch, an Indonesian entrepreneur, tells Alex Honnold how she’s reimagining it as a force for good.
Join host Alex Honnold for Season 4 of “Planet Visionaries.” Meet the explorers, scientists and adventurers who are tackling Earth’s biggest climate challenges in this podcast.
Bats play a pivotal role in the well-being of people, ecosystems and the planet. Rodrigo Medellín, Mexico’s “bat man,” tells Alex Honnold how he’s saving several species from extinction.
A never-before-documented ecosystem in the Amazon coastal area could present new solutions for climate resilience. Explorer Angelo Bernardino explains why.
A deep dive into Arctic waters uncovered an uncharted underwater forest. Meet the explorers who found it and hear how this unusual ecosystem contributes to overall ocean health.
A daring expedition to extract a record-breaking ice core could help us prepare for future climate transitions. Hear from the scientist who led the project.
Alex Honnold meets two scientists using new technologies to protect the Mediterreanean’s marine life.
Ocean health is crucial to our planet. Listen to three young visionaries discuss their boundary-breaking conservation of marine ecosystems with Alex Honnold and hear a special appearance from legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle.
Climate influencers Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen on how social media is inspiring a new generation of ocean protection.
How Tompkins Conservation is rewilding millions of acres and restoring key species in South America.
Meet the biologist canoeing 40,000km of Africa’s under-researched rivers to solve water and food security concerns for millions.
Join host Alex Honnold for Season 3 of “Planet Visionaries.” Hear the stories of the explorers, adventurers and scientists solving Earth’s biggest climate challenges in this podcast.
Mapping Indigenous knowledge could help a nation adapt to climate change. Geographer and climate action advocate Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim explains how.
High in the Himalaya, a tiny community is testing a new conservation model that could have far-reaching effects.
The ocean’s murky and difficult-to-reach “middle light” zone is teeming with undiscovered species. Meet the man on a mission to find them.
Two scientists are searching the world’s most remote caves for clues to our climate’s past — and future.
A daring diver discovers new life — and a unique ecosystem — in Patagonia’s remote fjords.
Trailblazing conservationist Tomas Diagne on why protecting turtles protects the planet.
Meet Rohan Pethiyagoda, the pioneering naturalist reclaiming Sri Lanka’s mysterious cloud forests.
These legendary conservationists champion innovative new solutions for protecting threatened species.
Join Alex Honnold for season 2 of Planet Visionaries, featuring more incredible individuals helping to solve global conservation issues.
Technologist Topher White is using audio in new ways to help find and stop deforestation.
Inside conservation biologist Kerstin Forsberg’s community-based approach to saving the majestic manta ray.
Andrew McGonigle has leveraged digital technology in an effort to better forecast volcanic activity, learn about the planet and save lives.
Pablo García Borboroglu blends direct action, research, advocacy and education to safeguard penguins.
Meet Sylvia Earle, a legendary explorer, oceanographer and Rolex Testimonee, who has dedicated her life to protecting marine habitats.
A sneak peek at Planet Visionaries, the groundbreaking podcast that spotlights the people who are at the forefront of the quest to keep the planet perpetual.