Episode Details

For years, designers pushed the gospel of “more light, more health.” Then LEDs arrived—tiny, efficient, and bright enough to turn night into a permanent noon—and we discovered a plot twist: human eyes (and brains, and hormones) were never built for this much brilliance. And animals? They’re even less impressed.

In this episode, we dig into how our light‑soaked world has scrambled natural rhythms for creatures great and small, and how a new generation of designers is trying to un-muck the mess. From circadian‑friendly glow to wildlife‑aware street lighting, we explore how smarter illumination can help us all sleep better, migrate sanely, and live more in tune with the dark.

Guests:

• Fiona Venn, Director of Specialist Lighting, WSP
• Dr Kellie Pendoley, Director and Principal Scientist of Pendoley Environmental
• Dr Sheryn Pitman, Carrickalinga Dark Sky Community Project Lead