The Enchanted Earth Podcast with Maureen Calamia

Can Algae Teach Us How to Live? A Conversation with Chris Bellamy | Enchanted Earth Podcast

Maureen Calamia

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:43 Meet Chris Bellamy: Bio Designer and Engineer

01:55 Chris's Journey: From Engineering to Biodesign

02:52 Challenges in Sustainable Engineering

04:27 Discovering Biodesign and Living Systems

06:10 Fascination with Bioprospecting

08:57 Personal Connection with Bioluminescent Algae

16:36 Ethical Considerations and Decolonization

18:47 Symbiosis and Rights of Nature

34:37 Exploring New Materials and Designs

37:35 Final Thoughts and Reflections

46:08 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

About Chris Bellamy

Chris started his career in engineering at Jaguar Land Rover, where he helped develop the Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle, before moving into the footwear industry to create customisable, recyclable shoes aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the 20+ billion pairs produced annually. Realising incremental improvements in plastics and metals wouldn't meet climate targets, he pivoted to biodesign.
 
 His research focused on using living materials in everyday life, blending traditional knowledge with modern science. His most recent research project, Lucid Life | Marama Ora, explored corals' symbiotic relationships by creating a living material encapsulating bioluminescent micro-algae that glows when touched. Collaborating with Polynesian artisans, he co-created artifacts that combine science and tradition to reconnect us to nature.
 
 Chris has received multiple awards and works full-time as a biodesigner, collaborating with prestigious clients like Somerset House and other reknowned international designers to further his research on living materials.

His latest project Yanaa, is developing new foods and packaging materials for sports nutrition which is notoriously ultra-processed and high in sugar. After discovering the prevalence of diabetes, dental problems, and digestive issues in athletes, Chris is using biological processes and natural materials, to make real foods outperform existing synthetic sports nutritions with the goal of improving the health, happiness AND performance of athletes.

https://biocrafted.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bio.crafted/

 

About Maureen Calamia
Maureen Calamia has been a seeker all her life, tapping into the magic of nature, dreams, and consciousness to unearth truths of our ancient connection to heaven and earth. A teacher, author, and podcaster, she shares stories of greater meaning, purpose, and resonance with all of nature’s beings. Founded the Luminous Spaces School with online courses in feng shui, earth energy healing, biophilic design, and nature spirituality. Maureen offers private mentoring to those seeking self-discovery support. Her newest book, The Enchanted Earth: Embracing the Power of Nature to Discover the Wild in You (Mango, 2024), is available wherever online books are sold.

COURSE OFFERINGS AND CONSULTATIONS: https://www.luminous-spaces.com/

BOOK - The Enchanted Earth: Embracing the Power of Nature to Discover the Wild in You: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-enchanted-earth-maureen-calamia/21477870?ean=9781684816859

SPEAKING: https://www.luminous-spaces.com/feng-shui-speaker/

SUBSTACK: https://substack.com/@maureencalamia