This episode discusses the issue of microplastics in the Great Lakes, featuring experts from the International Joint Commission (IJC) and universities. Dr. Rebecca Rooney and Eden Hadley explain the standardized definition of microplastics, ranging from 5 millimeters to 1 micron, and their sources, including nurdles, tire wear, and synthetic clothing fibers. The IJC's report highlights the need for standardized monitoring and harmonized methods to assess microplastic concentrations accurately. Recommendations include listing microplastics as a contaminant of mutual concern and promoting life cycle responsibility for producers. Individual actions, such as using microfiber filters in washing machines, can also help reduce microplastic pollution.

Episode Links:
https://ijc.org/sites/default/files/SAB_MicroplasticsReport_2024.pdf

https://ijc.org/en/sab/monitoring-ecological-risk-assessment-and-management-microplastics-laurentian-great-lakes

https://ijc.org/sites/default/files/SAB_MicroplasticsRpt_SuppMaterialsA.pdf

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Show Credits:

Host: Stuart Carlton

Senior Producer: Carolyn Foley

Producers: Megan Gunn and Renie Mills

Associate Producer and Fixer: Ethan Chitty

Editor: Sandra Svoboda

Podcast Art by: Joel Davenport

Music by: Stuart Carlton

(New episodes coming soon!)

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/too-many-geese-and-not-enough-mussels/

Episode Links:

https://ftw.usatoday.com/2025/01/giant-sturgeon-attacks-mermaid-aquarium-china-video

https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/02/let-us-spray-river-dolphins-launch-pee-streams-into-air/

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/sports/sturgeon-michigan-black-lake.html?unlocked_article_code=1.v04.UlcR.kPF-9mN6HIsK&smid=url-share

Growing up with multiple newspapers delivered to her home and spending a lot of time outside in Michigan, maybe it was inevitable that Kelly House would become an environmental journalist extraordinaire. She joins TMATGL to talk about her work, why journalism matters, and what gives her hope for the future of her profession and the natural world.

Show Links:

Kelly’s work at Bridge Michigan

Sign up for Kelly’s newsletter HERE

Kelly’s Sandwich Pick: Babe's Corner

Show Credits:

Host: Stuart Carlton

Senior Producer: Carolyn Foley

Producers: Megan Gunn and Renie Mills

Associate Producer and Fixer: Ethan Chitty

Editor: Sandra Svoboda

Podcast Art by: Joel Davenport

Music by: Stuart Carlton

The nonprofit Freshwater Future has had much success working with local communities toward cleaner, safer drinking water. Jill Ryan, executive director, and Ann Baughman, associate director, patiently play Stuart’s favorite game, counting down the top five threats to our drinking water as they know them. SPOILER ALERT: Two of them surprised Stuart.

Show Links:

Freshwater Future Website

TMATGL Episode 74 “It Depends How You Do a One” - whatever that means

Ann’s Donut Pick: Hinkley Bakery

Jill’s Taco Pick: Jose’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant

Show Credits:

Host: Stuart Carlton

Senior Producer: Carolyn Foley

Producers: Megan Gunn and Renie Mills

Associate Producer and Fixer: Ethan Chitty

Editor: Sandra Svoboda

Podcast Art by: Joel Davenport

Music by: Stuart Carlton

This episode is a scientist’s dream and a nightmare of would-be organizational acronyms. Dr. Drew Gronewold, with his multiple titles and international work, introduces the TMATGL team to the Global Center for Climate Change and Transboundary Waters and the value of data. (As if we didn’t know…)

Show Links:

Global Center for Climate Change and Transboundary Waters

Coordinating Committee on Great Lakes Basic Hydraulic and Hydrologic Data

The Lives of Lake Ontario, by Daniel MacFarlane

TMATGL Episode 91 “A Generational Opportunity”

Drew’s Donut Pick: Benny’s Bakery

Show Credits:

Host: Stuart Carlton

Senior Producer: Carolyn Foley

Producers: Megan Gunn and Renie Mills

Associate Producer and Fixer: Ethan Chitty

Editor: Sandra Svoboda

Podcast Art by: Joel Davenport

Music by: Stuart Carlton

Jump on the rollercoaster of being an environmental reporter.

The Chicago Tribune’s Michael Hawthorne joins Stuart and Megan to talk drinking water, PFAS, petroleum coke, microplastics, what it’s like to have Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vetter talk about one of your articles, and how sometimes, yes, sometimes journalists’ work leads to positive change for Great Lakes communities and environments. Also, there’s one fart joke and some good conversation about the excellent fried seafood at Calumet Fisheries.

Show Links

Michael’s Sandwich Pick: Tempesta Market

Show Credits:

Host: Stuart Carlton

Senior Producer: Carolyn Foley

Producers: Megan Gunn and Renie Mills

Associate Producer and Fixer: Ethan Chitty

Editor: Sandra Svoboda

Podcast Art by: Joel Davenport

Music by: Stuart Carlton

SHIPWRECK DRAFT! Stuart is joined by TMATGL Hall of Fame Stephanie Gandulla of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Kevin Cullen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum as they draft Great Lakes shipwrecks. Plus: the world debut of a new shipwreck ballad! Does the world need another shipwreck ballad? Probably not…but maybe?

Show links:

Map of the Drafted Shipwrecks with more information

Wisconsin Maritime Museum

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Thunder Bay International Film Festival

Project Shiphunt Documentary

Kevin’s Sandwich Pick: Ryan’s On York

Stephanie’s Donut Pick: Cops and Doughnuts

Stephanie’s Previous TMATGL Appearances:

Episode 14 Take the Plunge

Episode 49 I Recommend the Thunder Pass

Episode 74 It Depends on How You Do A One

Show Credits:

Host: Stuart Carlton

Senior Producer: Carolyn Foley

Producers: Megan Gunn and Renie Mills

Associate Producer and Fixer: Ethan Chitty

Editor and Awesomer: Sandra Svoboda

Podcast Art by: Joel Davenport

Music by: Stuart Carlton