Sea Change: Hope for Our Oceans and Beyond with Amanda Leland

Jan 13, 2026

Join Montel Williams for an inspiring episode of Free Thinking as we dive into one of the most remarkable environmental success stories of our time. Our guest, Amanda Leland, Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Fund and co-author of the groundbreaking book Sea Change: Unlikely Allies and a Success Story of Oceanic Proportions, takes us on a journey through the miraculous recovery of the Gulf’s red snapper population. Once on the brink of collapse, the Gulf’s red snapper fishery has rebounded thanks to innovative conservation strategies and the power of unlikely partnerships between fishermen, scientists, and policymakers. Amanda shares the deeply human stories behind this transformation, including that of Texas fisherman Buddy Guindon, who went from resisting change to championing it after witnessing the benefits firsthand. This episode explores how aligning economic incentives with conservation goals can create lasting change—not just for our oceans, but for other global challenges like climate change and deforestation. Amanda’s passion for the sea, combined with her expertise and optimism, will leave you inspired to rethink what’s possible when we work together to protect our planet. Don’t miss this hopeful and thought-provoking conversation about resilience, collaboration, and the future of our oceans.