Side Questing: Recent Episodes
Ben Paanakker
Side Questing is born out of the love of all those interesting niche things you find along the main quest that is life. So come along as we explore those overlooked areas of our world and history to find those delightful nuggets of captivating knowledge, those you might consider a side quest. Side Questing is produced in Aotearoa/New Zealand by Ben Paanakker. Ben is a trained marine scientist who has a passion for knowledge of all things weird and wonderful from the past and the present.
In this episode, Ben sits down with Sam Purdie a herpetologist with a love for all creatures under the sun. Sam talks about his time exploring the US in search of unique wildlife along with some of his experiences in New Zealand and his experience as a science communicator. We talk about the upcoming release of his book "A Naturalist's Guide to the Reptiles & Amphibians Of New Zealand" along with his passion for wildlife photography.
All on this episode of Side Questing.
A blast from the past this week as Ben sits down with his old Breatha Science podcast host Flynn Robson. In this nostalgia-filled episode, the boys take aim at economics and discuss the inter-generational workings that go into making retirement funds work. It's a light-hearted look into an important topic that may be affecting you in ways you didn't even realise. All on this episode of Side Questing!
This week Ben sits down with Dr Gwynaeth McIntyre head of the classics department at Otago University. They deep dive into how religious propaganda was used by members of the Roman imperial family to justify and legitimise their power. Powerful women of the age are discussed and the role they played in shaping the narrative we are familiar with today. Along with some parallels between the ancient and modern world's political players. Is history doomed to repeat itself? Find out on this episode of Side Questing.
In this episode, Ben sits down with Dr Mike Hilton from the Geography department at the University of Otago. They talk about the mechanisms responsible for creating new islands in the Maldives and what the future may hold for the island nation. New Zealand's sand dune systems are explained with light being shone on a pesky invasive species.
All this and a lot more on this episode of Side Questing.
In this episode, Ben sits down with Dr Michael Palin from the Department of Geology at the University of Otago. They talk about our fascination with lead and how our relationship to it has and will continue to impact society. The Geiger counter makes an appearance as radioactive decay is discussed linking it to how carbon dating is carried out.
All this and a lot more on the first episode of Side Questing!