Podcast
Greatest Classroom on Earth - A Students on Ice Podcast
Hosted by Students on Ice Foundation · EN
Students on Ice founder and expedition leader Geoff Green in conversation with SOI alumni about how their polar youth expeditions inspired their lives and careers.
10episodes
Episodes
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The Sound of Nunavik: Music, Culture & Hope with Kathy Snowball Aputiarjuk
Nov 1700:46:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Greatest Classroom on Earth, host Geoff Green sits down with Kathy Snowball Aputiarjuk, an Inuk singer-songwriter, educator, and communications director from Kangiqsualujjuaq (George River), Nunavik. Kathy’s journey—from a young girl learning guitar at home, to a student on the 2019 Students on Ice Arctic Expedition, to returning as an educator and rising musical talent—is a powerful story of culture, resilience, and community leadership.Kathy opens up about her childhood in a close-knit Arctic community, also the birthplace of Canadian Governor General Mary Simon, the spark that ignited her love for music, and how throat singing, language, and land shape her creative voice. She shares memories from her first expedition to Greenland as a student, and the full-circle moment of returning as an educator on this year’s SOI expedition.We also dive into her growing music career—festivals, collaborations, and her debut EP—as well as her important work with Anguvigaq, protecting Inuit harvesting rights and supporting beluga research rooted in Inuit Knowledge.Kathy’s reflections on hope, change, youth leadership, and the power of community are moving and unforgettable. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear her original song, Nakursaniq Pijunnaniq, a soulful track about gratitude, resilience, and finding your way through the metaphorical forest.
Transcribe →Episode 10: A Polar Journey for the Planet with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco
Oct 2000:18:37Tap to summarize"Long live Students on Ice!"- His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco In this episode, host and Students on Ice expedition leader Geoff Green sits down with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco — polar explorer, Olympian, and one of the world’s most dedicated champions for the environment. His Serene Highness shares his incredible journeys to both the North and South Poles, making him the first and only Head of State to stand at both ends of the Earth. These experiences deepened his lifelong commitment to protecting our planet’s most fragile ecosystems and inspired the creation of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Together, Geoff and His Serene Highness Prince Albert reflect on two decades of partnership between the Prince's Foundation and Students on Ice, as well as; the story behind His Serene Highness Prince Albert’s Arctic and Antarctic expeditions — and how seeing climate change firsthand transformed his worldview. How his great-great-grandfather Prince Albert I inspired his passion for science and exploration. The founding vision of the Prince Albert II Foundation and its focus on polar regions, the Mediterranean, and global sustainability. Why connecting youth with nature through education and experience is vital for the planet’s future. Insights on the Blue Economy, ocean conservation, and the power of private sector collaboration. Reflections on the late Jane Goodall’s legacy, hope for the next generation, and the belief that one person truly can make a difference.Students on Ice (SOI) is an award-winning organization connecting youth to the world’s polar regions through transformative educational expeditions. Celebrating 25 years, SOI has empowered more than 3,000 young people from over 57 countries to become ambassadors for sustainability, science, and hope. To learn more go to studentsonice.com and for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation visit https://www.fpa2.org
Transcribe →Episode 9: Bursting the Bubble - How One Journey Sparked a Lifetime of Climate Action with Seabound's Alisha Fredriksson
Sep 1500:35:40Tap to summarize“The only thing we can really do is try. We don’t know if and how all of our actions will amount to some sort of global solution, but we certainly need to try.” – Alisha Fredriksson, SeaboundWhat happens when a teenager ventures to the remotest continent on the planet and into one of Earth’s most fragile ecosystems? For Alisha Fredriksson, a life-changing expedition to Antarctica with Students on Ice didn’t just open her eyes to the beauty and vulnerability of our planet — it set her on a path to reimagine the future of one of the world’s most polluting industries.In this episode, host and Students on Ice Founder Geoff Green sits down with Alisha, now the co-founder and CEO of Seabound, a London-based climate tech company developing cutting-edge onboard carbon capture systems for ships.Alisha reflects on how the untouched landscapes of Antarctica and the mentorship she received on the expedition shattered her teenage “bubble” and sparked a sense of purpose. That experience fueled her drive to tackle global problems, eventually leading to the creation of Seaound, which is on a mission to decarbonize the shipping industry — responsible for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, equivalent to the entire country of Germany.Together, Geoff and Alisha trace the journey from seasick first days in the Drake Passage, to the awe of standing in an untouched frozen wilderness, to the welding floors of Seabound’s London workshop, where a new generation of carbon capture solutions is being built. This episode is a testament to how experiential education and early moments of inspiration can ripple outward to create lasting, global impact.Alisha Fredriksson is the co-founder and CEO of Seabound, a climate tech startup committed to reducing global shipping emissions through onboard carbon capture technology. Her work focuses on developing modular systems that trap CO₂ directly from a ship’s exhaust, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.From Vancouver, Canada, before founding Seabound, Alisha launched a climate program at Generation, a nonprofit founded by McKinsey & Company. She has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree (2023) and an MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 for her pioneering contributions to energy and sustainability.
Transcribe →Episode 8: From Antarctica to Galaxies Far, Far, Away with Irene Shivaei
Aug 1800:39:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Geoff Green, founder and expedition leader of Students on Ice, interviews Irene Shivaei, one of the world's leading astrophysicists. She took part in the SOI 2007 Antarctic Expedition as an eighteen-year-old student. Irene recounts her journey from growing up in Tehran with a passion for astronomy to becoming a leading researcher on the formation and evolution of distant galaxies. As they discuss the 2007 Antarctic expedition, Irene shares a pivotal moment: her first encounter with icebergs, which profoundly deepened her love for Earth. Irene describes the magical experience of seeing the icebergs up close and the inspiration she drew from that moment and how her joy also inspired musician Ian Tamblyn to write a song about it, Thrill To My Heart. Geoff and Irene also reflect on the spirit of exploration, the impact of the Students on Ice program, and the importance of youth connecting across borders. They discuss Irene's subsequent academic and professional achievements, including her work with the NASA James Webb Space Telescope and her current project, Distant Dust. Irene emphasizes the educational value of science, her hopes for future generations, and her enduring connection to her Iranian roots.You can see the official SOI video of that 2007 Antarctic expedition, including Irene's first encounter with icebergs and Ian Tamblyn's song here. And here are Ian's lyrics to Thrill To My Heart - Irene's Song. Thrill to My HeartThrill to my heart when I hear your laughterThrill to my heart when I see you smileAnd it moves man to see your raptureAnd it moves me – right to my soul.Thrill to my heart to see you dancingThrill to my heart to see you spinning aroundYou could call this a dance, call this a chapterIt moves me man –right to my soul.Thrill to my heart – your eye wide openTakin’ it in – breath deep and be boldCuz it moves me man to see your passionOver the moon to my soul.Ian Tamblyn - Sea Lynx Music SOCAN. -Jan. 2008.Many thanks to Ian, a regular musician in residence on SOI expeditions, for sharing the song for this podcast.Our theme song is Lancaster Sound by Juno award-winning musician and SOI Alum, Sarah Harmer.Greatest Classroom on Earth is produced by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca00:00 Introduction to Irene Shiva and Her Love for Earth00:46 Meet Irene Shiva: From Tehran to the Stars01:43 The Birth of Students on Ice03:59 Irene's Journey: From Tehran to Astronomy07:23 The Antarctic Expedition Experience10:38 Irene encounters Icebergs20:57 Irene's Career in Astrophysics33:08 Hope for the Future and Final Thoughts
Transcribe →Episode 7: Exploring Arctic Biodiversity with Roger Bull
Jul 2900:30:34Tap to summarize"We're really in the trenches every day understanding that we're in a biodiversity crisis." - Roger Bull, Canadian Museum of Nature.In our latest episode of the Greatest Classroom on Earth podcast, Geoff Green interviews Roger Bull, Head of Operations for the National Biodiversity Cryobank of Canada and the Laboratory of Molecular Biodiversity at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Recorded on board the Polar Prince as it headed up towards Northern Labrador on the Innu Nation Uinipekᵁ expedition. Roger shares his background, growing up in Halifax and Southern Alberta as the son of a Parks Canada superintendent, to his two decades as a biologist and Arctic researcher at the Canadian Museum of Nature. They delve into his extensive involvement with Students on Ice expeditions, on-board ships going back to 2014, his work with the Cryobank, the importance of biodiversity, and the challenges and hopes for conservation. The conversation highlights the significance of experiential education and engaging with Indigenous communities in Arctic research.
Transcribe →Episode 6: Pioneering Polar Architecture with Justin Sargenti
Jun 16, 202500:25:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode of 'The Greatest Classroom on Earth,' host Geoff Green, founder of Students on Ice, talks with Justin Sargenti, an alum of the 2015 Arctic Expedition and a PhD student in architecture, with a focus on polar and extreme environments. Geoff and Justin talk about that SOI journey to Greenland and the Northwest Passage and how it inspired Justin to focus his architecture studies on developing eco-friendly buildings in hostile environments. Their discussion covers how Justin earned a spot on that 2015 expedition after winning a photo contest in Monaco sponsored by Prince Albert II, and his subsequent expeditions to study several international research stations in the Antarctic. They highlight the negative environmental impacts that many of these scientific bases have and the importance of sustainable design. Justin shares his mission to inspire the development of a more environmentally-conscious approach in polar research facilities.Our theme song is Lancaster Sound by Juno award-winning musician and SOI Alum, Sarah Harmer.Greatest Classroom on Earth is produced by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca00:00 Introduction: The Generation of Today00:42 Meet Justin Sargenti: From SOI Alumni to PhD Student01:20 The Birth of Students on Ice02:03 Reflecting on 25 Years of SOI Expeditions02:52 Justin's Journey: From Contest Winner to Arctic Explorer06:53 The Impact of SOI: Personal and Professional Growth10:22 Current Challenges and Future Aspirations11:50 Innovations in Polar Architecture14:28 The Environmental Impact of Antarctic Stations19:37 The Role of Youth in Global Environmental Leadership22:07 Conclusion: A Message of Hope and Action
Transcribe →Episode 5: Leading from the North - Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell on Youth, Mentorship, and Arctic Advocacy
May 18, 202501:10:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Greatest Classroom on Earth, Students on Ice founder Geoff Green sits down with Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell, a trailblazing Inuit leader and former Member of Parliament. Senator Karetak-Lindell reflects on her journey from Arviat, Nunavut to the Senate of Canada, sharing insights on community leadership, Indigenous representation, the challenges and hopes for Inuit youth, and her participation in the 2017 Students on Ice Arctic expedition.Together, they explore her childhood growing up on the shores of Hudson's Bay, the impact of residential schools, views on the power of mentorship, and the role of traditional knowledge in shaping Inuit lives and policy. Senator Karetak-Lindell speaks candidly about the value of Inuit being heard in political spaces and the strength of cultural identity. Along with our theme song by Sarah Harmer, this episode also features music recorded on the 2017 SOI Arctic Expedition by Juno award winner Ian Tamblyn, and accompanied by two more SOI alumni, James Raffan and Andrew Bresnahan.Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell is an Inuk leader from Arviat, Nunavut. In 1997, she became the first female Member of Parliament for the Eastern Arctic, serving until 2008. She later led the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada and has held many leadership roles advocating for Inuit rights. Appointed to the Senate in 2024, she continues to champion issues such as housing, language, and northern equity. She is also a recipient of the Order of Canada.
Transcribe →Episode 4: From the Arctic to the World - Abhay Singh Sachal's Advocacy Journey
Apr 18, 202500:44:27Tap to summarize"I still remember the pin drop silence and hearing the ice melting; millions of drops of the purest water on the planet going into the freshest body of water that exists."In this fourth episode of Greatest Classroom on Earth, host Geoff Green sits down with Abhay Singh Sachal, who took part in the 2016 Students On Ice Arctic expedition. Now a climate activist and co-founder of Break the Divide, Abhay speaks about his journey from a student in Surrey, BC, to an award-winning environmental leader who fosters international dialogue about climate change and mental health. He emphasizes the importance of connection, emotional resilience, and intergenerational cooperation in tackling climate challenges and building sustainable communities. The episode underscores the transformative impact of Students on Ice expeditions and the ongoing efforts of its alumni to promote climate justice and community building. Abhay Singh Sachal is the co-founder of Break the Divide, a nonprofit organization that bridges gaps between youth in different communities, particularly Indigenous and non-Indigenous. His work resides at the intersection of climate change, eco-anxiety, mental health, and spirituality. He has been recognized as one of the top 25 under 25 environmentalists in Canada. Abhay is also one of ten Youth Council Advisors at Environment and Climate Change Canada. He is completing a master's degree in Educational Psychology at the University of Regina.Music featured in this episode includes our opening theme, "Lancaster Sound" by Sarah Harmer, "Spirits" by Tim Harper, and "Breathe In" by Ian Tamblyn and Shawna Dicker. The last two songs were composed and recorded on the 2016 SOI Arctic expedition.00:00 Introduction 00:47 Meet Abhay Singh Sachel03:01 Abhay's Early Life and Influences06:19 Journey to the Arctic08:45 Experiences and Reflections in the Arctic15:55 Impact of the Expedition20:52 Abhay's Continued Advocacy21:37 The Birth of Break the Divide24:34 Expanding Connections Globally26:40 Academic Pursuits and Research28:31 Addressing Eco Anxiety31:26 Building Resilient Communities35:41 Reflections and Future Goals40:53 Final Thoughts
Transcribe →Episode 3: Bridging the North - Michael Milton's Ikaarvik Journey
Mar 18, 202500:51:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Greatest Classroom on Earth podcast, host Geoff Green speaks with Michael Milton, an Inuit youth advocate and who took part as a 16 year old on the Students on Ice Arctic expedition in 2012. Recorded in January of this year, Michael shares his experiences growing up in Pond Inlet, Nunavut, the impact of the Students on Ice expedition on his life, and his current work with Ikaarvik, a nonprofit focused on Inuit-led research. The conversation highlights the importance of community, perseverance, and the need for ethical research practices that respect Inuit knowledge and priorities. In this conversation, Michael Milton discusses the integration of traditional Inuit knowledge with scientific research. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships in research, particularly with Inuit communities. Michael shares insights on the cultural significance of ice, the challenges faced by Inuit youth in a rapidly changing world, and the impact of climate change on their way of life. He expresses his hope for the future, including mentoring the next generation and continuing to advocate for Inuit voices in research.This podcast is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Productions.Our theme music is by award-winning musician Sarah Harmer, inspired by her journey on the 2015 Students on Ice Arctic expedition.Thank you to another great musician and SOI veteran, Ian Tamblyn, for sharing his field recordings of inspiring sounds from our polar regions used in our introduction.To learn more about Students on Ice and how to get involved, go to studentsonice.com and give us a follow on social media.About the show: In 1999, an idea was born. Imagine if we could bring youth, at the beginning of their lives, on educational expeditions to the Polar regions? Two cornerstones of the global ecosystem and windows to the world. And how that inspiring experience might shape their perspectives and even their futures.In December of 2000, we made our maiden ship voyage, bringing a group of youth on a journey to Antarctica! An incredible voyage in what we would later call "the Greatest Classroom on Earth." It’s hard to believe, but Students on Ice is now in its twenty-fifth year. Since that first expedition, we’ve taken more than four thousand students to both the Antarctic and the Arctic, together with teams of educators, elders, artists, researchers and leaders from over 55 countries! Our mission to connect youth to nature, culture, environmental leadership, and even to themselves has remained steady in this changing world. We now have a global network of incredible alumni doing incredible things.This podcast is part of a year-long celebration of Students on Ice. A chance to reflect on the experiences, connections, and impacts, through conversations with the people who were there getting their stories, in their own words.
Transcribe →Episode 2: Peace, Awe, and Wonder at the Poles with Malaika Vaz
Feb 17, 202500:43:17Tap to summarizeNational Geographic Explorer Malaika Vaz is Geoff Green’s guest on our second episode. Malaika took part in Antarctic and Arctic expeditions with Students on Ice as a teenager, back in 2011 and 2012. She has since gone on to do amazing things. From Goa, India, Malaika, along with being a National Geographic Explorer, is a TV presenter, and wildlife filmmaker. She is the CEO and co-founder of “Untamed Planet,” an award-winning production house focused on wildlife and environmental films. Since co-founding Untamed Planet in 2017, she and her team have been producing films and series that have reached millions of people with media networks like National Geographic, Al Jazeera, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Sky and the BBC. Her recent films have documented climate change, illegal wildlife trade, endangered species conservation, industry, migration, and the human-wildlife interface. As we recorded this episode, Malaika just found out that she had made the Forbes Magazine “Top 30 under 30” North America list of young Entrepreneurs And Innovators Who Are Making An Impact Globally. This podcast is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Productions. Our theme music is by award-winning musician Sarah Harmer, inspired by her journey on the 2015 Students on Ice Arctic expedition. Thank you to another great musician and SOI veteran, Ian Tamblyn, for sharing his field recordings of inspiring sounds from our polar regions used in our introduction. To learn more about Students on Ice and how to get involved, go to studentsonice.com and give us a follow on social media. About the show: In 1999, an idea was born. Imagine if we could bring youth, at the beginning of their lives, on educational expeditions to the Polar regions? Two cornerstones of the global ecosystem and windows to the world. And how that inspiring experience might shape their perspectives and even their futures. In December of 2000, we made our maiden ship voyage, bringing a group of youth on a journey to Antarctica! An incredible voyage in what we would later call "the Greatest Classroom on Earth." It’s hard to believe, but Students on Ice is now in its twenty-fifth year. Since that first expedition, we’ve taken more than four thousand students to both the Antarctic and the Arctic, together with teams of educators, elders, artists, researchers and leaders from over 55 countries! Our mission to connect youth to nature, culture, environmental leadership, and even to themselves has remained steady in this changing world. We now have a global network of incredible alumni doing incredible things. This podcast is part of a year-long celebration of Students on Ice. A chance to reflect on the experiences, connections, and impacts, through conversations with the people who were there getting their stories, in their own words.
Transcribe →