Episode 17

Identity, Mitochondrial Gene Transfer & Science with Mike Berridge - The Shape of Dialogue Podcast No 17

Professor Mike Berridge completed a doctoral degree in cell biology at the University of Auckland in 1971 exploring the mechanism of action of plant growth hormones. Following postdoctoral research in developmental molecular biology at Purdue University, USA, and experience as a staff scientist at National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, UK, he returned to Wellington in 1976 as the second Malaghan Research Fellow where he established the Cancer Cell & Molecular Biology Research Group and was a founding scientist of the Wellington Cancer & Medical Research Institute, later renamed the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in recognition of major personal support by Len and Anne Malaghan.

Prof Berridge received a James Cook Fellowship in the health sciences in 2003 and was awarded the Health Research Council Liley Medal for outstanding research on cellular metabolism in 2016. In the same year he was a semi-finalist in the KiwiBank New Zealander of the Year Awards.

Prof Berridge’s current research interests include cancer cell energy metabolism and mitochondrial gene transfer between cells in human disease. As a science communicator, he recently published “The Edge of Life” (2015), and “Sugar, Rum and Tobacco: Taxes and Public Health in New Zealand” with Lisa Marriott in 2017.

In 2023 Mike received a Doctor of Science from Victoria University of Wellington for his lifetime achievements in science.

https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/news/2022/09/professor-michael-berridge

https://www.malaghan.org.nz/our-expertise/our-people/science-leadership/professor-mike-berridge/

https://www.malaghan.org.nz/news-and-reports/news/professor-mike-berridge-a-journey-through-the-frontiers-of-the-biological-sciences/

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About your host

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Michael Goldwater

Michael Goldwater is a New Zealand podcaster and host of The Shape of Dialogue, a podcast exploring the foundational principles underpinning well-functioning societies.

Michael's prominent international and New Zealand guests discuss important issues of the day, illuminating what societies require to function effectively and cohesively.

In 2023, Richard Dawkins (the world's most famous scientist) personally asked Michael to host and interview him for his New Zealand speaking tour.

Michael has also interviewed other significant world-renowned thinkers, including Steven Pinker (twice), James Flynn, Lawrence Krauss (twice), Jerry Coyne, Jonathan Rauch, Helen Joyce, Peter Boghossian, Toby Young, Sall Grover, James Lindsay and numerous international and New Zealand scientists and thought leaders.

Michael's interviews are characterised by civil discourse and a genuine curiosity about a diverse range of topics. His podcasts serve as forums for thoughtful explorations of complex societal issues, aiming to inspire listeners to engage in meaningful conversations, consider more than one viewpoint to bridge ideological divides and take a fresh look at subjects that sometimes are not seeing the light of day in other media.

Michael's esteemed guests have discussed a wide range of engaging topics, including science, Indigenous knowledge, education, human rights, women's rights, philosophy, the classics, liberty, free speech, communism, epistemology, trans-ideology, censorship, language and rhetoric. 

Michael is also a musician, educator, businessman and an accomplished photographer. His art photography can be viewed at www.michaelgoldwater.photography

In 2015, Michael founded and led Stop Stealing Our Harbour, an environmental advocacy group dedicated to protecting Auckland's beautiful Waitematā Harbour from continued industrial reclamation. He has been a prominent voice in the national conversation around this issue and has successfully campaigned to stop thousands of tons of concrete from being poured into Auckland's famous harbour.