086 Surfing, Science, and Storytelling with National Geographic Explorer Shannon Switzer Swanson (2021)

When Women Fly

Today's episode features Shannon Switzer Swanson, a National Geographic Explorer, marine social ecologist, and surfer who explores the intersection of storytelling, research, art, and science.
As part of Season III, we are revisiting some of our favorite episodes that grapple with big life themes, break down the components of change, and dive into strategies that are relevant and applicable to you today.
In this episode, Sylvia and Shannon discuss modern-day "exploration" and the role of women and the BIPOC community in redefining it. Shannon is not discouraged or dissuaded by the complexities in her conservation work. She continues to ask difficult questions such as: “Can coastal communities manage their resources in ways that both sustain prosperous livelihoods and a healthy environment.” What is the win-win formula?

Fun fact: Shannon is the granddaughter of one of the pioneering women pilots of the mid-1900s.
Topics Include:
- Photography, storytelling, and research
- How our perception of time affects choices around sustainability
- What it means to be a modern-day explorer
- Female role models
- Extensive field research in Central Sulawesi
- Building trust and participatory research methods
- National Geographic programs and getting your start
- Maintaining relationships while traveling
- Balancing work and family life
- Advice for women adventurers
- And other topics...
Resources Mentioned:
Femininities in the Field: Tourism and Transdisciplinary Research: https://www.amazon.com/Femininities-Field-Tourism-Transdisciplinary-Research/dp/1845416503
An interactive website for folks interested in knowing where aquarium fish come from and how to keep an aquarium that doesn’t harm the world’s reefs, check it out at https://reeftoaquarium.com/
Connect with Shannon:
Instagram: @ShannonSwitzerSwanson
Twitter: @S3Oceans
Facebook: @S3Oceans
LinkedIn: @shannonswitzerswanson
Interview with Shannon
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