Paramount Importance
Welcome to Paramount Importance — where science meets curiosity.
Hosted by marine scientist Kurt Krispyn, this podcast dives into the weird, wonderful, and wildly important questions about our world. Through open, honest, laid-back conversations with scientists, explorers, and big thinkers, we unpack the mysteries of nature, discovery, and human innovation.
If you're into the unknown, the unexplained, and the unbelievable, you're in the right place.
Paramount Importance
2025 Ep 8 Cats with Emeritus Professor Mike Calver and Dr. Heather Crawford
Cuddly companions or cunning killers? Kurt dives deep into the wild, weird, and dangerous world of cats in Australia. With special guests Emeritus Professor Mike Calver and Dr. Heather Crawford from Murdoch University, this episode unpacks the evolution, impact, and mysterious lives of domestic, stray, and feral cats. From ancient Egyptian grain stores to outback ecosystems, discover how cats went from pest control heroes to ecological threats. Hear wild stories—like a toothless feral cat still killing lizards—and learn why Australia's 2.7+ million feral cats are much more than misunderstood fluffballs.
If you’ve ever wondered what your cat really gets up to when it wanders the streets, this is the episode for you.
This episode was recorded in 2019 but released in 2025