Something in the Water

NEW Podcast: Oceanography (Trailer)

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT

New from the Producers of Something in the Water

Pine Forest Media presents Oceanography, a new weekly podcast hosted by science communicator Clark Marchese. This series explores the science, activism, and global cooperation at the heart of ocean conservation.

Each episode features voices from across the marine world—scientists, Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and grassroots advocates—working to protect ocean life and understand the impact of a changing planet.

Topics include how whales use sound to communicate, bioluminescent life in the deep sea, innovations in sustainable fishing, and the politics of global marine treaties.

If you liked the balance of science and storytelling in Something in the Water, you’ll love Oceanography.

🎧 Listen to the trailer now and follow the show for new episodes starting July 29.

🌊 Subscribe to Oceanography on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

🌐 More at pineforestpods.com

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The Future of Fine Water: Aquaminerology and Experience

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 05:35:23 GMT

In the final episode of "Something in the Water," we revisit our journey through the fascinating world of drinking water. Host Elena Berg chats with Jan Bender, a small water farmer from Denmark, about the unique story behind Iskilde water and the challenges of being a steward in the water industry. We also hear from Michael Tanousis, a water sommelier, who shares expert tips on how to select the best water and explains the importance of clear labeling and regulation. Join us as we wrap up the series with practical advice for consumers and reflections on the future of fine water.

Episode Guests: Jan Bender and Michael Tanousis

More information about Iskilde here

More information about Aqua Amore here

More information about the episode and Something in the Water here.

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted by Elena Berg

Written and produced by Elena Berg and Clark Marchese

Audio Editing by Clark Marchese

Cover art by Sarah Glavan

Theme Music by Josef Salvat

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Public v. Private Debate for Water Management

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 05:24:03 GMT

In this thought-provoking episode of "Something in the Water," host Elena Berg dives into the complex debate of water privatization versus public management. Joined by Dr. Oleg Kobtzeff, Associate Professor at the American University of Paris, the discussion explores the implications of private and public water systems on consumption, conservation, and accessibility. From examining the economic motivations of privatization to the democratic values upheld by public systems, this episode dissects the pros and cons associated with each approach. With insights into the environmental politics and hydro politics, Elena and Dr. Kobtzeff uncover the realities behind the water coming out of our taps, shedding light on the power dynamics that influence water management globally. Whether you’re concerned about environmental sustainability or curious about the forces shaping water policies, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of a topic that touches all of our lives.

Episode Guest: Dr. Oleg Kobtzeff

More information about Dr. Kobtzeff here

Dr. Kobtzeff’s website here

More information about Mexico City Case Study

More information about Bolivia Case Study

More information about the episode and Something in the Water here.

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted by Elena Berg

Written and produced by Elena Berg and Clark Marchese

Audio Editing by Clark Marchese

Cover art by Sarah Glavan

Theme Music by Josef Salvat

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Distrust at the Tap: Addressing Public Water Fears

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 05:03:15 GMT

In this thought-provoking episode of "Something in the Water," host Elena Berg shifts the focus from bottled water to tap water, exploring the complex web of trust, taste, and toxicity. With the help of Dr. Jale Tosun from Heidelberg University, the discussion delves into the reasons behind public mistrust in tap water, influenced by past failures and current perceptions. The episode also contrasts American skepticism with European confidence in tap water, highlighting initiatives across Europe aimed at boosting public trust through legislative and informational campaigns. Through this exploration, Elena and Dr. Tosun unravel how social, environmental, and political factors shape our water choices and what can be done to restore confidence in public water systems.

Episode Guest: Dr. Jale Tosun

More information about Dr. Tosun here

Browse Dr. Tosun’s publications on Research Gate

More information about the episode and Something in the Water here.

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted by Elena Berg

Written and produced by Elena Berg and Clark Marchese

Audio Editing by Clark Marchese

Cover art by Sarah Glavan

Theme Music by Josef Salvat

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Austrian Oasis: Water Wealth and Wossa

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 05:33:09 GMT

In this episode of "Something in the Water," host Elena Berg interviews Denise and Rainer Hofmeister who share insights from their family-owned natural mineral water brand, Wossa. They illustrate Austria's unique relationship with water, one of the world’s most water-wealthy nations. The conversation highlights how even in Austria, there is still a need for proactive resource management and increased water education. They discuss how Wossa’s sustainability initiatives promote both a successful business model as well as devout environmental stewardship. The episode unveils how access to clean, fresh water from springs and wells contributes not only to Austria's physical health but also to its collective well-being and happiness.

Episode Guests: Denise and Rainer Hofmeister

Find more information about Wossa here.

More information about the episode and Something in the Water here.

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted by Elena Berg

Written and produced by Elena Berg and Clark Marchese

Audio Editing by Clark Marchese

Cover art by Sarah Glavan

Theme Music by Josef Salvat

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building a Water Brand in the Outback: An Australian Perspective

Fri, 31 May 2024 05:04:27 GMT

In this episode of "Something in the Water," host Elena Berg ventures to the Australian outback with musician Josef Salvat to explore the unique story of turning a natural mineral water source on his family’s farm into a premium water brand. The two delve into the challenges and ethics of bottling natural water, the complexities of water rights, and sustainability in an Australian context. The two also discuss the symbolic nature of water and its role in an epicurean landscape.

Episode Guest: Josef Salvat

Follow Josef Salvat on Instagram.

Listen to Josef Salvat’s Music

More information about the episode and Something in the Water here.

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted by Elena Berg

Written and produced by Elena Berg and Clark Marchese

Audio Editing by Clark Marchese

Cover art by Sarah Glavan

Theme Music by Josef Salvat

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Water Storytelling in South Africa: Giving Water Value

Fri, 24 May 2024 05:05:08 GMT

In this riveting episode of "Something in the Water," host Elena Berg explores the multifaceted world of water in South Africa with water sommelier Candice Jansen. Candice is an expert in water storytelling. Candice explains how bringing fine water to restaurant spaces not only gives greater value to water, but serves as an entry point for greater water awareness on a host of water issues. As they navigate the historical and current water landscape in South Africa, the conversation explores the complex interplay of geography, politics, and social justice in shaping water access and reveals how digital platforms can be used to broadcast water education.

Episode Guest: Candice Jansen

Find more information about Candice Jansen here.

Follow Candice Jansen on Instagram and TikTok.

Sample water menus here

More information about the episode and Something in the Water here.

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted by Elena Berg

Written and produced by Elena Berg and Clark Marchese

Audio Editing by Clark Marchese

Cover art by Sarah Glavan

Theme Music by Josef Salvat

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aava in India: Sustainability in Context

Fri, 17 May 2024 05:21:14 GMT

In this enlightening episode of "Something in the Water," host Elena Berg takes us on a hydrating journey from the UK to India, focusing on Avanti Mehta and her family's brand, Aava. Discover the serendipitous origins of Aava, whose water can be traced back to India's oldest mountain range, offering naturally alkaline water. Elena and Avanti delve into the complexities of water sustainability, the impact of packaging, and the crucial role of trust in bottled water. They explore how Aava balances tradition, wellness, and environmental responsibility, reflecting the podcast's theme of local solutions to global water challenges.

Episode Guest: Avanti Mehta

Find more information about Avanti Mehta here.

More information about Aava here.

More information about the episode and Something in the Water here.

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted by Elena Berg

Written and produced by Elena Berg and Clark Marchese

Audio Editing by Clark Marchese

Cover art by Sarah Glavan

Theme Music by Josef Salvat

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premium Water from a Pub: Crag Spring Water

Fri, 10 May 2024 05:00:49 GMT

In this intriguing episode of "Something in the Water," host Elena Berg interviews Doran Binder, the unexpected water entrepreneur behind Crag, a fine mineral water company in the UK. We delve into Doran's journey from purchasing a failing pub to discovering a precious water source beneath it, leading to the creation of Crag. Focused on sustainability, Crag commits to environmentally friendly practices, using reusable glass bottles and local distribution. Elena and Doran discuss the importance of hydration, the environmental impact of bottled water, and the personal fulfillment of contributing positively to the planet and local community. Join us to uncover the unexpected paths life can take and the profound role water plays in our health and environment.

Episode Guest: Doran Binder

Find more information about Doran Binder here

Follow Doran on Instagram and TikTok

More information about Crag here

More information about the episode and Something in the Water here.

Episode transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted by Elena Berg

Written and produced by Elena Berg and Clark Marchese

Audio Editing by Clark Marchese

Cover art by Sarah Glavan

Theme Music by Josef Salvat

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plastic: the Elephant in the Room

Fri, 03 May 2024 05:00:26 GMT

In this episode of "Something in the Water," host Elena Berg tackles the pressing issue of plastic pollution, focusing on the bottled water industry's environmental footprint. Featuring insights from anti-plastic activist Malia Elder and plastics researcher Dr. Sherri Mason. Dr. Mason reveals her research finding plastic in our drinking water. Malia explains the social justice implications of plastic production and waste, and how these issues intersect with water consumption. The episode serves as a wake-up call that the bottled water industry is only one of many industries contributing to the plastic problems at hand and stresses the need for wide scale systemic change.

Episode Guests: Dr. Sherri Mason and Malia Elder

Find more information about Dr. Mason here and browse her publications on Research Gate.

More information about the episode and Something in the Water here.

Episode transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted by Elena Berg

Written and produced by Elena Berg and Clark Marchese

Audio Editing by Clark Marchese

Cover art by Sarah Glavan

Theme Music by Josef Salvat

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bringing Water to the Table

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 05:00:52 GMT

In the first episode of Something in the Water, host Elena Berg interviews Michael Mascha, a founder of the Fine Water Society. Together, they introduce the concept of a water sommelier and the epicurean experiences that water has to offer. They discuss Michael’s journey in creating the Fine Water Society and the growth of the organization, the role that water sommeliers have to play in sustainability, and explain why water is not just water.

Episode Guest: Michael Mascha

Find more information about Michael Mascha and the Fine Water Society here.

Water menu comedy sketch here

More information about the episode and Something in the Water here.

Episode transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted by Elena Berg

Written and produced by Elena Berg and Clark Marchese

Audio Editing by Clark Marchese

Cover art by Sarah Glavan

Theme Music by Josef Salvat

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something in the Water Trailer

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:39:21 GMT

Hosted by water sommelier and environmental scientist, Elena Berg, Something in the Water is a 10-part mini-series that introduces the fine water industry, investigates the drinking water landscapes in countries around the world and unpacks the complex relationship between bottled water and sustainability. Something in the Water is a Pine Forest Media production and more information can be found on the Pine Forest Media website or on Instagram @pineforestmedia.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.