Up Close and Personal with Elena Kazamia, Hoverflies, and "The Most Unlikely Migration"

Podcast Episode ∙ Mental Health ∙ 2025 ∙ 39 minutes, 40 seconds

Summary:

In this fascinating episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal speaks with Elena Kazamia, a scientist, writer, and passionate advocate for blending science and storytelling. Elena shares her unique journey from studying algae to exploring the impact of insect migration, particularly focusing on the marmalade hoverfly, a tiny but powerful pollinator. She highlights the importance of insects in maintaining healthy ecosystems, the role of citizen science in conservation, and how engaging with nature can inspire both action and creativity. Throughout the conversation, Elena delves into the resilience of nature, the interconnectedness of species, and the significance of art in making science more accessible. She also shares her aspirations to write a book about the hidden world of algae and the essential role these organisms play in our planet’s health.

Takeaways:

• Science and storytelling can bridge gaps and inspire action.
• Insect migration is one of the most overlooked natural phenomena.
• The marmalade hoverfly is an essential pollinator and plays a crucial role in ecosystem balance.
• Citizen science empowers individuals to contribute to environmental conservation.
• Algae are foundational to life, influencing ecosystems in profound ways.
• Nature’s resilience offers hope in the face of environmental challenges.
• Everyone’s data matters—citizen science projects help inform global conservation efforts.
• Art and science are deeply connected and can drive positive environmental change.
• Engaging with nature fosters a sense of responsibility and a deeper appreciation for biodiversity.
• Elena is working on a book to bring attention to the fascinating world of algae.

Sound Bites:

• "I found thinking about algae something to be quite romantic."
• "Insect migration is the biggest animal migration on Earth."
• "Insects are very small, but they play an enormous role in ecosystems."
• "Every one of those pieces of data matters."
• "People care, they want to be part of the solution."
• "We are not living in a vacuum—everything is connected."
• "I want to fight for it. I want us all to fight for it."

Resources:

• Website: Elena Kazamiya - ekazamia.com
• Article: The Most Unlikely Migration - https://nautil.us/the-most-unlikely-migration-681777/
• Instagram: @dr_kazzie - instagram.com/dr_kazzie/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elena-kazamia-82580031/

Connect With Us

Share your thoughts with your host Jessica Morgenthal: jessica@winwinwinmindset.com