Need a break from revising but don’t know what to do? Here’s what our staff and students have been watching, reading, and listening to.
We asked our conservation lecturers and students what they’ve been enjoying! Bob Smith is a Professor of Conservation Science, Matt Struebig is a Reader in Conservation Science, DICE‘s Communications and Events Coordinator Hannah Ost, Joshua Ollive and Ella Reilly are two of our conservation student ambassadors, and Channing Thomas and Hazel Townshend are a part of our conservation society, with Channing being the Vice President.
Bob’s Picks
- Taskmaster (TV Series) – Bob’s been loving the new season of Taskmaster (he’s watched all 17 previous seasons as well), in which 5 popular comedians compete in a series of bizarre challenges set by Greg Davies, in order to win back their forfeited possessions.
- The Penguin (TV Series) – a crime/drama tv series based on DC comics starring Colin Farrel – sequel to The Batman 2022 (Robert Pattison) and follows Oz Cobb’s rise to power in Gotham City’s criminal underworld.
- Alchemy (Book) – Bob follows Rory Sutherland‘s socials and keeps up with what he gets up to, and recommends Rory’s book Alchemy – all about human psychology, innovation, and decision-making.
Matt’s Picks
- Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear (Graphic Novel) – written by DICE PhD graduate Trang Nguyen, Matt’s been reading our ex-student’s graphic novel with his 8yr old! It follows Chang as she fights to protect her local forests and wildlife, and rewild a young sun bear, Sorya, who was captured by poachers as a cub. It was also featured as a ‘must read’ for kids in a local education magazine in Kent.
- Support Trang and read Saving Sorya!
- Find out more about Trang’s story here and here!
- Sir David Attenborough’s Asia (TV Series) – Attenborough’s new documentary is on Matt’s ‘yet-to-watch’ list and has been waiting for the winter break to binge it
Joshua’s Picks
- The Assassin’s Apprentice (Book) – a fantasy novel about an orphan who trains as an assassin in a royal court, discovering his past and destiny while battling dark forces that threaten the kingdom.
- The Reacher (TV Series) – a thriller series about an ex-military policeman who, after being wrongfully accused of murder, works to clear his name while uncovering a dangerous conspiracy.
Channing’s Picks
- Kaos (TV Series) – a modern-day retelling of Greek mythology, starring Jeff Goldblum and focusing on the chaos unfolding on Mount Olympus as Zeus descends into paranoia, and three mortals find themselves intertwined in reshaping humankind’s future.
- “I love Kaos because I love all things Greek mythology, and this show offers a new perspective on Greek myths and character dynamics that make me fall in love with these stories all over again.” – Channing
- Braiding Sweetgrass (Book) – explores Indigenous American philosophy and the interconnectedness between humans and nature, encouraging readers to appreciate and respect ecosystems through personal experiences and insights.
- “Braiding sweet grass’s depiction of the relationship between humans and the environment reminds me why I’ve chosen my career path: my goal is to protect my environment, particularly at home in The Bahamas, which in turn helps Bahamians who rely and benefit from it.” – Channing
Hazel’s Picks
- Dr Who (TV Series) – a sci-fi series about a time-traveling alien called The Doctor who explores space and time in a TARDIS, battling threats and defending Earth.
- Hazel told us that the 14th Doctor Ncuti Gatwa might even beat David Tennant as her fav Doctor so far. She also has the show on repeat constantly!
- The Crown (TV Series) – a historical drama chronicling Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, exploring politics, personal struggles, and the British monarchy’s evolution from 1947 to the early 21st century.
- The Small Hand (Book) – a chilling ghost story written by Susan Hill, that follows an antiquarian bookseller, who finds himself plagued by haunting dreams, visions, and sinister visits from the spirit.
- “It’s so creepy but I highly recommend it!!” – Hazel
Ella’s Picks
- Silent Witness (TV Series) – Available on iPlayer, each murder is two episodes and I love trying to solve the mystery before the forensic scientists do (I am rarely successful). The gripping stories always have so many layers plus there are 27 series, so there are plenty of episodes to get through and another one coming in 2025!
- How to Clone a Mammoth, Beth Shapiro (Book) – A really interesting and digestible book about the science of de-extinction. It covers the biology, the ethics, key considerations and is just a great read if you’re curious about which animals we could bring back from extinction.
- Adventures of a Young Naturalist, David Attenborough (Book) – Though it doesn’t touch on human impacts on the planet, Attenborough has such good storytelling skills. You can’t help but feel immersed in the scenes he depicts on his travels.
Hannah’s Picks
- The Good Place (TV Series) – a comedy series, written by Michael Schur (The Office, Parks & Rec, Brooklyn 99) about a woman mistakenly sent to a utopian afterlife, navigating her new environment and striving to become a better person with eccentric friends.
- The Little Book of Hygge (Book) – a guide to the Danish concept of hygge, teaching readers how to cultivate happiness through embracing coziness, comfort, and togetherness in daily life.
- Sammy Rae and the Friends (Band) – a 7-piece funk/jazz-rock band based in New York City, fronted by Samantha Bowers (performing as Sammy Rae).
- “On a grander scale, The Friends is the community of followers, artists and creatives who help us in the creation of these songs and this world. Our mixing engineer, band photographer, graphic designer, budget manager, and everyone who hangs around our shows supporting our vision.”