Late Night Health Radio

This special edition of Late Night Health takes you deep beneath the surface—literally and emotionally—as we spotlight one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Host Mark Alyn is joined by Natalie Smith, a senior marine biologist and reef guide with GBR Biology, and Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland. Together, they unveil not just the reef’s jaw-dropping beauty and scale—it’s 1,400 miles long and visible from space—but also its urgent need for our help. In this powerful conversation, you’ll discover: • Why the Great Barrier Reef is considered the “beating heart of the ocean.” • The real and growing threats of climate change, overfishing, pollution, and coral disease. • How everyday travelers can actively contribute to reef conservation efforts while visiting. • Why tourism is not a threat, but a critical part of saving the reef. • An innovative grassroots campaign to give the reef a Lifetime Achievement Award—the first ever granted to a non-human entity.