Podcast

EPISODE 11

The Sound of Nunavik: Music, Culture & Hope with Kathy Snowball Aputiarjuk

In 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.

EPISODE 10

A Polar Journey for the Planet with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco

“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 H.S.H. Prince Albert reflect on two decades of partnership between the Prince’s Foundation and Students on Ice, as well as; the story behind H.S.H Prince Albert’s Arctic and Antarctic expeditions — and how seeing climate change firsthand transformed his worldview.

EPISODE 9

How One Journey Sparked a Lifetime of Climate Action with Seabound's Alisha Fredriksson

What 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.

EPISODE 8

From Antarctica to Galaxies Far, Far, Away with Irene Shivaei

In 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.

EPISODE 7

Exploring Arctic Biodiversity with Roger Bull

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.

EPISODE 6

Pioneering Polar Architecture with Justin Sargenti

In 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 many of these scientific bases have and the importance of sustainable design. Justin shares his mission to inspire the development of more environmentally-conscious approach in polar research facilities.

EPISODE 5

Leading from the North: Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell on Youth, Mentorship, and Arctic Advocacy

In 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.

EPISODE 4

From the Arctic to the World: Abhay Singh Sachal's Advocacy Journey

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.

EPISODE 3

Bridging the North: Michael Milton's Ikaarvik Journey

Michael Milton is an Inuit youth advocate 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.

EPISODE 2

Peace, Awe, and Wonder at the Poles with Malaika Vaz

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.

EPISODE 1

"The Compass Points South" with The Explorers Club Vice-President Trevor Wallace

In our debut episode, host Geoff Green sits down with Trevor Wallace, a 2009 SOI Antarctic Expedition alumnus whose journey captures the transformative power of The Greatest Classroom on Earth. Trevor shares how his experience with SOI inspired his career as an expedition filmmaker, explorer and cultural heritage advocate, taking him to some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking places. Now Vice President of Research and Education at The Explorers Club, Trevor reflects on the lessons he learned during his Antarctic expedition and how they continue to influence his work and passion for storytelling today.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the ripple effect of experiential learning and the power of connection between people and planet.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

25 Years of Connecting People and Planet

Join Students on Ice (SOI) founder and expedition leader Geoff Green as he celebrates 25 years of expeditions in the Greatest Classroom on Earth podcast. Featuring stories from SOI alumni who have journeyed to the Arctic, Antarctic, and beyond—hear their stories about how they’ve gone on to make meaningful impacts in their communities and the world. From scientists and educators to artists and advocates, these conversations explore how experiences on SOI expeditions have shaped lives, sparked passions, and driven action for sustainability, climate justice, and Indigenous-led stewardship.

Subscribe now to hear how a classroom without walls can inspire a lifetime of change.

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