Ep 065: Giant Protists with Professor Andrew Gooday
January 2nd, 2026
Giant testate protists, the coolest things you have probably never heard of. Did you know there are giant cells on the deep seabed that can reach 20 cm or more? They build elaborate shells in lots of different shapes, and despite having known about them for hundreds of years, there’s still loads about them we don't understand.
Thom and Alan discuss Christmas from opposite ends of the planet, where Alan gets ‘proper’ Christmas in Scotland with snow and everything. At the opposite end, Thom insists on using his new BBQ, despite a rainstorm turning the air to liquid.
The exhibit that Thom was curating, Breathe | Mauri Ora at Te Papa, is an examination of science into art by Marshmallow Lazer Feast. It is open now if you find yourself in Wellington, New Zealand.
This month we are talking giant testate protists, the coolest things you have probably never heard of. Giant cells on the deep seabed that can reach 20 cm or more. They build elaborate shells, and despite having known about them for hundreds of years, there are still loads about them we don't understand.
Our guest this month is Professor Andrew Gooday from the National Oceanography Centre in the UK, who has spent decades studying giant testate protists; foraminifera, xenophyophores and gromiids. Growing up to 20cm long, with shells built from a variety of materials, these single celled organisms are often overlooked and yet are a crucial part of the deep-sea community.
The Deep-Sea Pets Channel continues to give back with excellent photos of our fav friends
Our Holiday party was a total success with many episodes of Octonauts watched and ‘enjoyed’ by all
We assessed some of the ‘animal saving’ videos, as discussed by Tyler on the Mythbusting Ai episode.
Excellent Dragon based book recommendations.
We all wished we could visits Thom’s New show opening at Te Papa.
Thom shared a beautiful video about Antarctica from his Falkor Too trip last year.
Planning a Time Machine to scuba dive ancient seas, study the squid therein, and then hop on a boat trip with Darwin.
Squid versus the Toilet brush of science
Compared holiday baking recipes
Photos and observations shared from SOA divestream viewing
And, as always, vicarious travel to aquariums around the world!
We hear from the Unseen Ocean Collective again this month, with Meghan Jones, giving an update about what the collective is getting ready for the gallery visitors in Juneau Alaska and Spokane Washington.
Watch a video of the rare 7 arm octopus
We want to say a huge thank you to those patrons who have already pledged to support us.
Thanks again for tuning in, we’ll deep-see you next time!
Twitter: Alan - @Hadalbloke | Thom - @ThomLinley
Instagram: Thom - @thom.linley
Bluesky: Alan - @Hadalbloke | Thom - @deepseapod.com
Unknown species of squid spotted burying itself upside down, pretending to be a plant
Rarely-Seen Seven-Arm 'Blob' Octopus Filmed by Underwater Camera | PetaPixel
Former submarine pilot's art highlights the deep sea | Hawai'i Public Radio
Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) | Kerby Illustrations
Zombie worms are missing and scientists are alarmed | ScienceDaily
Whale tag will help decode communication in the deep ocean - Earth.com
Unseen Ocean Collective (@unseenoceancollective) • Instagram photos and videos
https://bsky.app/profile/unseenocean.bsky.social
Inside Breathe: Mauri Ora at Te Papa | RNZ
Crossing the Divide | Climate Connections at the Ice-Sea Interface
Theme: Hadal Zone Express by Märvel
Logo image: Photo credit to
Phone answering machine from Sound Effects Factory
Song of the month:
Tagged: #Podcast #scicomm #Science #MarineBiology #DeepSea #DeepOcean #AlanJamieson #ThomLinley #deepseacreatures #deepseaspecies