Saving Sharks Worldwide with Madi “Pip” Stewart

Today’s guest is world traveler and shark conservationist, Madi Stewart. Growing up, Madi wanted to be a marine biologist, but after one fateful dive, plans changed. In this episode, learn how Madi is working to save sharks, without the degree. We chat about growing up on the Great Barrier Reef, her amazing new project, and what you can do to help sharks.

Connect with Madi
Instagram| Website

Quick Links
Great Barrier Reef
Shark Girl
Smithsonian
Publix
Mercury levels in shark meat
Shark Culling or Shark Control Program (SCP)
Video with Sea Shepherd
Obstruction is Justice
Surfing with Sharks Guide
Palau Shark Sanctuary
Blue the Film
Project Hiu
Mark the Shark
Project Hiu Bracelets
The Hooper Collective
Jaws
Madi’s partner

Show Notes
00:29 First shark Madi ever saw
1:26 how Madi’s dad came to pull her out of school
3:27 Madi’s first underwater photography interest
4:14 The pivotal experience that changed the trajectory of Madi’s life
6:15 Madi explains the power that young people have
7:28 the results of “Shark Girl”
8:20 the biggest goal with Madi’s project – and it’s something we can all attain
9:05 how Madi got to star in a documentary at the age of 18
11:17 the real magic of documentaries
12:08 “the ocean without sharks is like blood without a heartbeat”
14:09 how to help sharks in your own backyard
15:19 shark culling in Australia
17:30 how to surf with sharks safely
19:00 first country to completely protect sharks
20:30 Fishing on the Great Barrier Reef
21:00 Madi’s incredible new project
21:50 Madi’s message specifically for SYWTBAMB listeners
23:15 the stigma surrounding shark fishermen that needs to be debunked
25:15 the importance of a different mentality for shark fishermen
25:42 Making friends with the “enemy” – the one trait that will get you everywhere
26:31 changing the conversation in the conservation world
26:43 “Don’t fight because you hate the people destroying things, fight because you love what they’re destroying”
27:10 how Madi got creative to fund Project Hiu
27:41 filming shark fishing tournaments around the United States
28:00 agriculture contributing to shark attacks
29:45 how Madi fundraises for her films
31:07 why Madi loves Jaws, despite the fact that it made people terrified of sharks
31:41 the flip side of conservation – it’s not all diving all the time!
32:08 the truth behind the instagram photos
32:39 Madi’s favorite shark
34:25 advice to ignore
35:50 social media and conservation
36:47 washing dishes to learn more
37:13 most important thing we can do