Fear to Fascination: How Jaws Shaped a Scientific Movement

In this special episode honoring Shark Awareness Day on July 14th, we explore how one of Hollywood’s most iconic films, Jaws, transformed global perceptions of sharks and unexpectedly sparked a wave of scientific curiosity and conservation. Joining us are Dr. Mike Heithaus, marine ecologist and Dean at Florida International University, and Wendy Benchley, renowned ocean advocate and partner of the late Peter Benchley, author of Jaws. Together, they reflect on the film’s cultural impact, how it influenced public fear, and how it ultimately inspired a generation of scientists and ocean advocates to better understand and protect these misunderstood predators. From fear to fascination, this episode dives into the evolution of shark science, media responsibility, and why changing the narrative around sharks is more important than ever. Celebrate Shark Awareness Day early with us and learn more about shark conservation at www.SeaKeepers.org. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).