What can seashells teach us about the health of our oceans?
Summary
Host Emily Kwong interviews author Cynthia Barnett about her book "The Sound of the Sea," exploring seashells as vital scientific records rather than mere beach debris. They discuss how shells reveal ancient Native American history, the origins of Shell Oil, and the overlooked contributions of paleontologist Mary Anning. The episode highlights how climate change harms mollusk shell formation, urging listeners to view shells as sentinels of ocean health.
Topics discussed
Intro: The hidden life of seashells
Ancient history: The first shell keepsake
Calusa shell mounds and historical records
From shell shop to Shell Oil Company
Seashells as sentinels of climate change
Mary Anning and women in conchology
Conclusion and final thoughts
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