Planet Tyrus | Gregory Skomal: Inside the Mind of the Great White

Host: Tyrus (Outkick)
Guest: Dr. Gregory Skomal, Senior Fisheries Biologist, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives into Tyrus’s lifelong passion for marine biology—especially sharks—joined by renowned shark scientist Dr. Gregory Skomal. The discussion blends childhood shark fascinations, the realities and dangers of shark tagging, advances in marine science, changes in public perceptions, and the mystery still lurking in the ocean’s depths. With Tyrus’s energetic wit and Skomal’s deep expertise, the episode is both enlightening and accessible, focusing not just on shark science but on the wonder that the ocean brings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Childhood Passions and Influences

• Tyrus opens up about his lifelong obsession with fish tanks, marine biology, and iconic ocean documentaries, noting a love for Attenborough and Cousteau ([00:00]).
• He proudly shares anecdotes about his shark tattoos and a formative experience cage-diving with great whites in South Africa ([03:45]).
• Skomal reveals similar roots, growing up fascinated by ocean documentaries and movies like Jaws and Mr. Limpet ([06:37]).

"I chased a childhood dream and I caught it...I'm a pretty damn lucky guy."
— Dr. Skomal ([06:37])

Becoming a Shark Scientist

• Both host and guest bond over home aquariums and the formative thrill of watching ocean documentaries.
• Skomal traces his professional journey from suburban Connecticut to leading shark research, confirming that his work is a "dream come true" ([06:37]).

The Reality of Shark Tagging and Fieldwork

• Skomal details the adaptability required in shark research—winters are booking, writing, and analysis; summers bring active, sometimes dangerous tagging ([10:29]).
• He’s tagged over 400 great whites using a "tag pole" method to minimize risk to humans and beachgoers ([18:04]).
• Tyrus draws a colorful parallel to wrestling, likening tagging great whites to "the last rodeo," underscoring the real-life danger and excitement ([18:10]).

"It's a freakin' rush, man. I've tagged, personally, over 400 individual white sharks..."
— Dr. Skomal ([18:27])

• Skomal recounts a harrowing moment when a shark leapt from murky water, jaws wide open—a close call that made them name the animal “Psycho Shark” ([20:06]).

"Suddenly [the shark] leapt out of the water, mouth wide open, right underneath me...I'll never forget that image."
— Dr. Skomal ([20:06])

Shark Social Behavior, Communication, and Populations

• Tyrus and Skomal explore whether sharks are solitary or communicate. Skomal suggests most interaction is chemical—especially when orcas are present and cause sharks to scatter ([12:07–13:47]).
• Groupings tend to be seasonally driven and based on size and maturity, with larger sharks dominating smaller ones ([16:51]).

"Size matters. That's kind of how it works in the animal world."
— Dr. Skomal ([16:51])

• Shark sighting increases on the U.S. East Coast are framed as conservation success. More seals mean more sharks, a sign of ecosystem recovery ([14:37–15:59]).

The Mysteries That Remain

• Skomal and Tyrus share the humbling reality that despite decades of study—especially with great whites—there remains much unknown, especially regarding deep-sea behaviors ([26:30], [31:00]).

"If there's any scientist...that tells you what those sharks are doing when they're out in that deep water, they're making it up, I'm guaranteed."
— Dr. Skomal ([31:43])

• Skomal describes advances from simple recapture tags to satellite-linked devices that reveal astonishing migratory journeys—such as great whites regularly traveling from the Gulf of America to Canadian waters and even to the Azores ([29:49–31:00]).
• The deep ocean's "twilight zone" is full of mysteries: “There's a massive amount of life...and many of the big sharks...spend time in the deep ocean...as the technology improves...we're going to see...revelatory [things].” ([41:06–42:05])

Pop Culture, Public Perception & Conservation

• Both discuss how movies like Jaws and Shark Week shape and sometimes distort—yet also help—the public’s relationship with sharks ([06:37], [36:17]).
• Skomal notes a dramatic shift towards conservation over his career; people now root for stranded sharks rather than calling for their killing ([34:57–35:59]).

“Not everyone loves sharks, but I'll tell you, a lot more people do than they used to.”
— Dr. Skomal ([34:57])

• Tyrus critiques the sensationalism of modern Shark Week, wishing for more focus on science and less on “cartoon character” antics ([36:17–38:43]).

"My only criticism is I'd like to see Shark Week stick to science a little more than like the cartoon character running on the water..."
— Tyrus ([37:52])

• Skomal agrees but takes a pragmatic stance as both scientist and media collaborator, arguing it’s better to be “part of the solution” promoting real science in media where possible ([39:06]).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Respecting Sharks:
  "All these sharks actually scare me a bit and I think...having a healthy fear...I think it's a respect."
  — Dr. Skomal & Tyrus ([24:02–24:16])

• On Outlandish Shark Movies:
  "Octashark I think was my favorite."
  — Tyrus ([43:43])

  Skomal admits he now enjoys watching goofy shark movies with his kids for laughs ([43:12–43:45]).

• On Scientific Flexibility:
  "Science is always changing and I think sometimes we take ourselves way too seriously...we gotta roll with it and be a little more lighthearted when it comes to this stuff."
  — Dr. Skomal ([43:43])

Books and Resources

• Chasing Shadows (2025) and The Shark Handbook 3rd Edition are recommended for readers seeking more stories and details ([44:35]).
• For ongoing research updates: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy ([45:02]).

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00] — Tyrus’s opening monologue about his ocean obsession and episode theme
• [06:37] — Gregory Skomal recounts his path to ocean science
• [10:29] — A “week in the life” of a shark biologist
• [12:07–14:37] — Shark social structure and communication
• [18:04] — The practicalities and dangers of tagging great white sharks
• [20:06] — The “Psycho Shark” close encounter story
• [26:30] — What we still don’t know about sharks and open-minded science
• [29:49] — Advances in shark tagging technology
• [31:00] — The remarkable migrations of great whites
• [34:57] — Changing public attitudes toward sharks
• [36:17] — Impact and critique of Shark Week
• [41:06–42:05] — The deep sea’s mysteries and new discoveries
• [43:12] — Enjoying cult shark movies with the family
• [44:35] — Where to find Dr. Skomal’s books and research updates

Conclusion

This episode of Planet Tyrus is an enthusiastic, knowledge-packed exploration of sharks—past, present, and mysterious future. Dr. Skomal’s hands-on stories, paired with Tyrus’s candid passion, make for an accessible yet informative journey through shark research, culture, and ocean conservation. The conversation offers both thrills and thoughtful insights for listeners fascinated by the ocean and its most legendary inhabitants.