Rewildology

Today we’re sitting down with Fernando Trujillo, PhD, river dolphin expert and founder of the Omacha Foundation in Colombia. Fernando and I discuss how dolphins arrived in the Amazon and the special adaptations they’ve evolved during their 2 million years in the rainforest, many of the discoveries Fernando has made throughout his 35-year career, the very real threats the Amazon is currently experiencing, and tips that all of us can do no matter where we are in the world to protect this vitally important ecosystem. Today is National Dolphin Day, so share this episode with friends and on your social media accounts to celebrate! See full show notes at rewildology.com. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo-studioDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildologypodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today, we’re sitting down with Aaron Bott, a wildlife biologist and wolf expert. In the 1800s, Aaron’s family moved west to make a new life in the wild Rocky Mountains. When his ancestors first arrived in the area, wolves were thriving and represented a very real threat to the new settlers. Over the following century, wolves were removed to make room for more and more pioneer families. Fast forward to today, and Aaron’s family still resides in the Rockies with a mixed view of wolves. Aaron grew up exploring his family’s mountain home and fell in love with the area’s wildlife. Once it was time to choose his future path, he decided to pursue a career as a wildlife biologist studying human-wolf conflict and how to mitigate it. With extensive research experience and rich family history, very few people understand society-wolf dynamics better than Aaron and I’m more than excited to share our conversation with you. Get ready to finally have a firm grasp on the science and politics behind all of the headlines you’ve seen in the past couple of years. See full show notes at rewildology.com. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo-studioDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildologyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Join Rewildology host, Brooke Mitchell-Norman, through a deep dive into what rewilding is, what it isn’t, and successful programs that are using rewilding the correct way. See full show notes at rewildology.com. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo-studioDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildologypodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Daniela Alarcón, marine biologist and whale expert in the Galapagos Islands. Daniela grew up in the Ecuadorian highlands and spent her childhood camping and exploring her wild home. The first time she went to the sea and started to learn more about cetaceans (whales), she knew that she wanted to become a marine biologist and study this incredible group of animals. Daniela’s years of hard work and dedication paid off, as she was a part of the first group of researchers to tag a blue whale in the Galapagos Islands. Dani gives the Blue Whales 101, how she and her team tagged the first blue whales in the Galapagos, the most significant conservation issues whales are battling, and what we all can do to help this magnificent species. See full show notes at rewildology.com. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo-studioDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildologyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Colby Brokvist, a professional adventure guide and author. Colby spent most of his childhood exploring the outdoors, and he knew that he wanted to pursue a degree in environmental sciences in college. However, when his career wasn’t following the trajectory he envisioned, he packed his bags and hiked the entire Appalachian Trail – a journey that took him over five months to complete. While on the trail, he and his hiking companion became the local resource for the dos and don’ts of the trail, which inspired him to pursue guiding. Fast forward to present day, and now Colby leads conservation travel trips all around the world. Since the adventure travel sector is growing at a significant rate, Colby recently published a book called THE PROFESSIONAL GUIDE’S HANDBOOK: How to Lead Adventure Travel Trips and Expeditions. If you’ve wondered what it takes to become a world-class guide, are considering becoming a guide, or wonder where adventure guiding fits in the conservation realm, then you’re in for a treat. See full show notes at rewildology.com. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo-studioDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildologyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today we’re sitting down with Laura Marsh, founder of Nova Conservation and host of the Nova Conversations Podcast. Throughout her career, Laura experienced exploitation, overwork, and little pay, and as a solution, she founded Nova Conservation to create special eco-tours that benefited on-the-ground conservation projects through the most ethical means possible. She also started the Nova Conversations Podcast, a platform to openly talk about conservation’s herd of elephants in the room including exploitation, lack of diversity and inclusion, privilege, and predatory business practices that prey upon people just starting out in their careers. See full show notes at rewildology.com. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo-studioDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildologyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Sarika Khanwilkar, founder of the non-profit Wild Tiger, a PhD student at Columbia University, and a tiger expert. Sarika discovered her passion for tigers during an internship studying human-tiger conflict in central India through TRACT, a well-known tiger conservation organization led by her aunt and uncle. She returned to the US a changed woman and decided to dedicate her life to tiger conservation. In keeping with that theme, Sarika recently published a paper examining the US’ role in the illegal trade of tiger parts, and oh my, is it interesting. Sarika teaches us all about the illegal tiger trade in the US, the conservation of wild tigers in India, and the actions we can take to protect this phenomenal cat. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo-studioDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildologyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today I have a special episode for you. At the end of January, Rewildology celebrated its first birthday and in that time over 50 conservationists from multiple countries, fields, and backgrounds appeared on the show. While every person had their own unique story and life experiences, I started to notice a few themes across interviews. I’ve compiled a list of them here and wanted to share with all of you a set of tips about how to move forward in your conservation journey. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo-studioDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildologyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Jenny Wong, a high-arctic adventure wildlife photographer. Jenny’s story is one of strength and challenge. She comes from a line of brave refugees that escaped from China to Vietnam and then eventually settled in Canada, where Jenny was born and raised. In school, Jenny found her passion in chemistry and biology, back when her camera was only used as a paperweight. But she soon discovered the power of storytelling through visual media and using science to explain the phenomena that she was capturing. Her career was launched and now she’s a highly-respected, wildlife photographer. We dive deep into several topics like how she, a BIPOC woman, entered a white-male-dominated field, the conservation issues currently unfolding in arctic ecosystems, ethical wildlife photography, wild stories from her time in the north, and tips for anyone wanting to follow a similar path. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildologyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today we’re sitting down with Alex Robillard, who’s an expert on using AI for wildlife conservation through machine learning. Don’t worry – if you have no idea how machine learning or artificial intelligence actually work, Alex breaks it all down and gives the 101-level explanation. Alex shares his story of growing up in a troubled home which forced him to spend a lot of time out in nature while playing Pokemon on his Gameboy. His early experiences fostered his passion for tech and the outdoors, and he knew from a young age that he wanted a career that connected the two. Although he barely graduated from high school, Alex will soon be Dr. Robillard, Ph.D. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildologyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today’s guest you’ve heard of but probably don’t know her full story. Remember the viral video from a few years back of a group of researchers pulling a straw out of a sea turtle's nose? Well, the woman behind the camera was Christine Figgener, Ph.D., and for this week’s episode, Brooke had the opportunity to sit down with her and explore her work from the past 15 years. Chris is a marine biologist and has spent her career on the beaches of Costa Rica researching and saving Leatherback and Hawksbill sea turtles. Chris is an open book and doesn’t hold anything back. Because of her openness, Brooke and Christine were able to talk about several taboo topics that need to be addressed if things are to change for the better. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com. Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology Join the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologists Follow Rewildology Instagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

If you’ve listened to the show for any length of time, then you’re well aware that Brooke loves traveling the globe and meeting the people that are dedicating their lives to saving Earth’s biodiversity. Today’s guest, Frank Garita, is one of those special people. For several days this past November, Frank guided Brooke through Costa Rica’s wild places, and they had lots of time to chat about his favorite group of animals: cetaceans (whales). For Part 4 of the Costa: Life, Lava & Forests series, Brooke couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sit back down with Frank and share his knowledge with all of you. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com. Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology Join the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologists Follow Rewildology Instagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today’s episode is Part 3 of the Costa Rica: Life, Lava & Forests series, and our guest, Brad Nahill, is the Co-Founder and President of SEE Turtles. Brad and Brooke have a fantastic conversation about all of SEE Turtles’ initiatives, plus his story about how he found his calling by sort of falling into sea turtle work. He also openly discusses the highlights and challenges of his career. As we all know from our own life experiences, no one’s journey is all unicorns and rainbows, and Brad has had his fair share of difficult moments. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildologyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today’s guest, Adriana Aguilar Borbon, is an Educator & Volunteer Manager at Proyecto Asis. Adriana is an integral part of the project’s mission to educate the public about the darker side of wildlife tourism and human-wildlife conflict. All the animals at their facility were either confiscated by the Ministry or injured due to coming into contact with humans. She views every interaction as an opportunity to educate people on how to properly live with wildlife and why animals are better in their natural habitat and not in our homes. Because of her hard work and dedication, Adriana is also a member of the Anteater, Sloth & Armadillo Specialist Group for the IUCN. This episode is Part 2 of the Costa Rica: Life, Lava & Forests series! If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com. Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology Join the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologists Follow Rewildology Instagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today’s guest, Juan Carlos Cruz, has spent the past twelve years studying the beautiful and elusive jaguar. We chat all things jaguars, such as their relation to the more famous jaguar populations in South America, jaguars versus pumas (or mountain lions) and the difference between their ecological roles, the relationship between jaguars and sea turtles, and how Juan is working diligently to converse these cats by co-founding Nama Conservation, a non-profit dedicated to protecting jaguar habitat by working with local communities.This episode is also Part 1 of the Costa Rica: Life, Lava & Forests series! If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In today’s episode, you’re going to hear four amazing former guests talk about 2021 and their goals for 2022. First, you’ll hear Kayla Fratt, conservation dog handler extraordinaire. Next is Josy Cardoso, badass Naturalist Guide and hotel owner in the Galapagos. Following is Judith Wanda, the inspirational professor in Tanzania working diligently to change the conservation narrative in East Africa. Fourth is Charles van Rees, Ph.D., freshwater conservation guru. And lastly, you’ll from me and my reflections on my first year as a podcast host, and what I hope to accomplish in 2022. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Episode 28 guest, Kayla Fratt, interviewed Brooke for an episode of the K9 Conservationists Podcast. They chat about the power of conservation travel, as well as using unconventional communication methods to ignite change. Enjoy this bonus conversation! Be sure to check out K9 Conservationists whenever you are done listening! https://k9conservationists.org/ If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Sasha Francis, environmental educator at Galveston Bay Foundation in Texas and former marine mammal trainer. Sasha was born in Rhode Island and knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career with wildlife. After an internship working with marine mammals, she knew what she wanted to do. She strived to enter the marine mammal world and worked with many incredible species for over a decade. After years of personal struggles and sacrifices, however, she switched her career to use her personality to educate the public on the plastic crisis. She also participated an incredible all-women’s sailing expedition from Panama to the Galapagos collecting microplastics data. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In this episode, I’m chatting with Tom (TA) Opre, award-winning filmmaker and producer. At a fateful event in 2016, a Zambian man approached Tom and asked him to record an incredible story unfolding in his country. A chieftainess, whose people were dying from starvation, approached the man, Roland Norton, asking him to please bring opportunity to their community. For the next three years, Tom recorded the community’s recovery, including all the triumphs, struggles, and conspiracies. He named the film Killing the Shepherd, which just completed the film festival circuit and was released online a couple of weeks ago. Killing the Shepherd is currently available to watch at https://www.shepherdsofwildlife.org/ until January 15th, 2022, and will be viewable through streaming platforms afterward. I’ll be sure to update you all on which platforms once they’re locked in. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today, I’m chatting with Kara Finkelstein, co-founder of Lekker Coffee & Watering Hole. Kara was raised in California on 20 acres with farm animals galore. Growing up, she thought she’d become a veterinarian until she realized how many sick and dying animals she’d have to deal with on a daily basis. She shifted her studies, but never lost her passion for wildlife. At the end of a backpacking trip through Europe, she decided to intern at Care For Wild, the largest rhino orphanage in the world. Her life was forever changed. She came back to the US incredibly inspired and decided a coffee shop was the way she wanted to give back. She co-founded Lekker with her mother in October 2020 and hasn’t looked back. I hope you all are ready to be super inspired and get the push you need to start your big idea. No excuses after you hear this episode. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today we’re chatting with two inspirational Malagasy lemur experts, Onja Razafindratsima, PhD, and Veronarindra Ramananjato. Both wonderful ladies grew up in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and found their passion for lemurs while exploring the forests of Ranomafana National Park on a trip for their school’s environmental club. They met researchers from all over the globe and their future path was set in motion. Now, Onja is Vero’s mentor and a professor at the University of California – Berkeley, and Vero very recently moved to the US to begin her PhD under Onja’s guidance. Get ready to learn a ton about lemur’s ecological role and what’s actually occurring in conversation on the island. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In this episode, Brooke sits with Dillon Jones, a graduate student at San Diego State University who is studying the evolutionary history of herpetofauna in Middle America. (Quick definition: herpetofauna are reptiles and amphibians found in a particular region or time period, which you’ll soon learn more about). Dillon also uses social media as a powerful science communication tool and has reached Instagram Influencer status. A few highlight topics include the huge potential of his herp evolutionary study for advising conservation priorities, the why and how of him becoming an Instagram Influencer with many tips and tricks, and a huge rant session between Brooke and Dillon about the broken wheel of academia. Today is also American Frog Day! If you dig the conversation, add this episode to your Instagram story and tag Rewildology and @DillontheBiologist with #AmericanFrogDay. Follow Dillon at @DillontheBiologist! If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Episode 37 guest, Charles van Rees, Ph.D., interviewed Brooke for an episode of the Nature Guys Podcast. They chat about big cats near and far. Enjoy this bonus conversation! Be sure to check out Nature Guys whenever you are done listening! https://natureguys.org/ If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In this episode, I’m chatting with Stotra Chakrabarti, PhD, Assistant Professor at Macalester College in Minnesota, USA. Stotra grew up in the Indian foothills of the Himalayas and spent his days watching elephants and leopards, and bringing home any injured animal he found, much to his mother’s dismay. His interest in wildlife ecology and conservation biology was cemented during a very immersive and rigorous master’s training at the Wildlife Institute of India, which he continued onto a PhD by studying the behavior of one of the rarest lions of the world – Asiatic lions. Stotra shares everything with us: Asian lions’ history, their rebound from 50 individuals to an estimated 700, the current political stalemate the lions are in, and the big cat that might potentially claim the lions’ new protected area. And no, it’s not the tiger. If set in motion, this cat would come from many, many miles away. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In this episode, Rewildology host, Brooke Mitchell-Norman, discusses an exciting and growing topic in the conservation world: Nature Based Solutions (NBS). She explores what NBS are and what they are not, looks at a couple of case studies that showcase the power of NBS, and shares how we can use our voices to bring NBS to our communities. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In this episode, I’m chatting with Sam Trull, the Co-founder of The Sloth Institute in Manual Antonia, Costa Rica, and author of Sloth Love. Sam first fell in love with lemurs as a young girl, but after working at the Duke Lemur Center for 12 years and experiencing some life turmoil, she realized that working with animals in captivity was no longer fulfilling. She began traveling and worked in primate conservation around the world. After teaching a primate course and taking a job as a vet tech in Costa Rica, she discovered her absolute love of sloths and knew she needed to find a way to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sloths. Her pursuit led to the founding of The Sloth Institute. Sam and I had a passionate conversation about all of the threats sloths are facing, plus how all of us in the world can help these highly adaptive, super cute critters. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today I’m chatting with Tiare Boyes. Tiare is a commercial fisherman, professional diver, underwater filmmaker, and artist. Tiare grew up on the coast of Vancouver, British Colombia in a fishing family, and I promise you that few people outside of her field understand ethical fishing better than she does. She’s been on the water pretty much since the day she was born. We dive deep (no pun intended) into her story, her love of underwater filmmaking and photography, gender gaps in the fishing industry, how she uses art to spread ocean conservation awareness, and what we all can do to help our seas. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow RewildologyInstagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

Today I’m speaking with Drew Hamilton, professional bear guide and wildlife photographer. Drew has led bear tours in the Alaskan wilderness for two decades. Trust me, if experiencing an on-foot bear expedition is on your bucket list, you want to go with this man. Few people understand grizzlies’ – and other potentially dangerous wildlife – behavior better than Drew. And so when the proposed Pebble Mine at the headwaters of Bristol Bay was fast-tracked, Drew jumped into action and became a leading voice against the project. Bristol Bay hosts one of the largest salmon runs left on the planet and destroying these salmon stocks would cause complete ecological and economic collapse. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology Instagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

In this episode, Brooke has a chat with Bridgette San Marco, Co-Founder of Save the Giants. Bridgette is a zookeeper and absolutely fell in love with giant otters early in her career. She wanted to do more for wild otters and went on a search to find an organization working diligently to conserve the species. When she didn’t find one, she connected with other otter lovers and co-founded Save the Giants with fellow conservationist, Christina Ward. Now, they’re working with indigenous communities in Guyana to conserve not only the giant otter but other South American icons as well, like jaguars and giant anteaters. Their approach to conservation is different than many wildlife nonprofits, and hopefully more organizations adopt Save the Giants’ practices! This week’s question:How do you feel we can increase collaboration in conservation or the sciences in general? Send your thoughts on Instagram, Rewildologists Community Facebook, email, or anywhere else you’d like to chat! If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

In this episode, I’m chatting with Kayla Cranston, PhD, Director of Conservation Psychology Strategy and Integration at Antioch University, New England. Kayla is a master at creating long-term conservation engagement using psychology. She shares many of her discoveries, the tools she uses when developing conservation strategies in communities, and so much more. If you’re working on your Masters, PhD, or are at a conservation organization, you cannot miss this episode. Kayla might give you a nugget that could completely change the trajectory of your work. This week’s question:Which of Kayla’s 5 Factors of Sustained Engagement surprised you the most? Can you think of ways to apply Conservation Psychology to your work? Send me your thoughts on Instagram, Rewildologists Community Facebook, email, or anywhere else you’d like to chat! If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

In this episode, I’m chatting with Michael McFadden, reintroduction biologist and head of the Herpetofauna department at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. For years, Michael has been rescuing, propagating, and reintroducing endangered amphibian and reptile species back into the Australian bush. His work is as rewarding as it is difficult, and he shares his many years of experience with us – all the highs, lows, and surprises. This week’s question:What are the biggest threats to nature in your area? What rewilding projects are proposed or underway to reverse habitat loss and ecosystem degradation? Send me your thoughts on Instagram, Rewildologists Community Facebook, email, or anywhere else you’d like to chat! If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

In this episode, we meet Devin Jaffe. Devin is a bird conservationist, the Founder of Nature’s Educators, a world-class raptor breeder, Master Falconer, and a musician. I have no idea how she successfully wears so many hats, but let me tell you what, she’s absolutely crushing them all. I learned so much from Devin and I hope you all will, too. This week’s question:For bird life in your area, what is the biggest issue they are facing? What work is being done to conserve them? Do any species of raptors live near you, and if so, how do you feel about it? Send me your thoughts on Instagram, Rewildologists Community Facebook, email, or anywhere else you’d like to chat! If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

Michael grew up in the mountains of Colorado and while on a trip to Laos after college, saw elephant treatment that he couldn’t bear. He had previously been on several trips abroad working on various conservation programs and he wanted to start his own impactful project. So, he and his close friend partnered with locals Laotians to found Mandalao, a no-riding, sustainable elephant tourism experience. They immediately grew in popularity, but his road has been anything but easy.This week’s question: Have you participated in elephant tourism anywhere in the world? If so, what were your thoughts about the experience? Did Michael’s stories clarify the conundrum of captive elephants in Asian countries?Send me your thoughts on Instagram, Rewildologists Community Facebook, email, or anywhere else you’d like to chat! If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

Rinzin grew up in Humla, a remote and isolated mountain village in Western Nepal. He spent his childhood playing in nature with friends and skipping class as much as possible. When the Royal Massacre of 2001 sparked the Nepalese civil war, Rinzin’s parents decided to pack up and leave their tribal home for the capital city, Kathmandu. It was Rinzin’s first time in a city and he had a lot to learn. But, he dedicated himself to his studies, and with a lot of twists and turns, found his passion for wildlife biology and dedicated his career to conserving the elusive snow leopard. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

In this episode, I’m speaking with Charles van Rees, PhD. Charles and I chat in-depth about the current water crisis and its effect on wildlife. We also talk about a huge paper he’s currently working on that might change the way we view and handle freshwater ecosystems. In his free-ish time, Charles is also a regular host on The Nature Guys Podcast, a super fun show all about getting outdoors and exploring our backyards, which I highly recommend you all check out after listening to this show. We recorded today’s episode in my living room in Denver, Colorado as Charles was road-tripping from Montana to Georgia to start his new and exciting career at the University of Georgia. We had so much fun recording this conversation for you all and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.Note: @ timestamp 17:45, Charles is discussing the martial art, Jeet Kune Do. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

Born in Nigeria, Iroro grew up watching nature documentaries from all around the world, planting the seeds for her future love of biology. Her big breakthrough happened when she signed up for a research course in Uganda which was led by a UK organization. After years of searching, she finally found what she was looking for – hands-on biological research with bats. After her Master’s in the UK, Iroro returned to Nigeria to study the status of bats for her Ph.D. During what seemed like a normal field day, Iroro made the discovery of a lifetime. She successfully trapped a short-tailed roundleaf bat, a species that hadn’t been seen in the country for 45 years. However, her elation was soon squandered. Later that same evening, they could tell something was wrong. In the distance, they saw a fire heading their way and they had to leave the forest…fast. Since that moment, Iroro has been working diligently learning everything she can about this rare bat, and collaborate with local communities to keep them alive. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

Content Warning: Some stories are graphic and may be difficult to listen to. In this episode, I’m chatting with Andre Robberts, the founder of Enviro Crime Solutions. Formally an IT corporate 9 to 5’er, Andre found his passion for wildlife crime forensics while volunteering at Kruger National Park during his summer holiday. Instead of washing cars and pushing papers, he was asked to carry a rifle and bring in the South African police force to process outstanding rhino poaching cases. It was exhausting work, but he finished the cases and his life was born. Andre transitioned out of his corporate career and became an expert wildlife forensic investigator. He is one of the best in the world at what he does, and it’s all for his love of alive and thriving rhinos. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! Check out the new Rewildology merch shop! https://rewildology.com/shop/ See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

Today I’m bringing you a special episode. This Thursday, July 29th, is International Tiger Day, a holiday dedicated to raising awareness about tiger conservation. To celebrate and contribute in the best way I know how, I want to share with you all a large chunk of what I’ve learned about tigers throughout my years of studying conservation biology, as well as my experiences traveling internationally to see these big cats in the wild. I share the science that’s being conducted to save tigers from extinction and empowering the people that live with them. As you’ll soon hear, living with dangerous predators isn’t easy, but we can find ways to coexist. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Tehri Parker, Ph.D., Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Wild. Tehri grew up in the small town of Hygiene, Colorado, and was influenced by the 70s environmental movement and political artists like John Denver. When Tehri graduated from high school, she left her tiny town as quickly as possible and moved to California to study TV and broadcasting. She soon realized that radio and TV weren’t her thing. After some soul searching and research, she found her passion in Environmental Education and went on to receive her Masters and Ph.D. in the field. After her studies, she led a renewable energy nonprofit in Wisconsin for 20 years before moving back to Colorado to become the Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Wild where she has been working since the early 2010s. We chat in-depth about what it takes to lead a nonprofit organization, the work Rocky Mountain Wild is doing to protect and restore biodiversity in Colorado, and the growing socially-conscious business movement. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

Today’s guest, Carolina Powell, is the perfect combination of perseverance and determination. Being a first-generation Colombian-American, Carolina was raised by a single mother who immigrated to Miami, Florida, in the hopes of offering her daughter a better life. Like many of us in this field, Carolina first thought she was going to be a veterinarian until she worked with a vet whose values (or lack thereof) didn’t align with her own. After interning in the Bronx Zoo’s development department, she was introduced to the zoo conservation field and spent the next year doing everything she could to finally land a full-time zookeeping job. Her perseverance paid off and she’s now a primate keeper at the prestigious Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Carolina is also a member of the leadership team for the newly-formed AMZAP organization, whose mission is “to build a sense of community amongst minorities currently working in the zoo field and to promote animal care and conservation careers as viable options for interested minorities.”If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

In this episode, we meet Pedro Fruet, PhD. Surfing off of the coast of Casino Beach in Southern Brazil, Pedro encountered bottlenose dolphins for the first time and fell in love with the species. Casino Beach has a culture focused on ocean conservation, and every summer that his family visited the area, his love for the ocean grew. He later received his Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography, and with the help of his colleagues, he determined that the bottlenose dolphins he swam with as a kid was their own subspecies, the Lahille’s Bottlenose Dolphin. Through his studies, Pedro discovered that only 600 individuals currently exist in the population. Now, he’s focusing his attention on the local community to reduce bycatch, the species’ number one threat. Pedro is a 2021 Whitley Award recipient, which is how I met him. The Whitley Fund for Nature provides support and training to grassroots conservation projects around the world. THE Sir David Attenborough is a WFN trustee, which just shows you how prestigious this organization is. If you have a grassroots conservation project that needs funding, I highly recommend checking out whitleyaward.org and apply for one of their grants. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyJoin the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologistsFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

In this episode, I give you my top tips for planning a sustainable wedding and offer the lessons I learned while hosting my own conservation-minded wedding. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

In this episode, I’m chatting with Jack Gradidge who is a Director for Dogs 4 Wildlife (@Dogs4Wildlife). Jack is a passionate rhino conservationist currently working with a breeding group of black rhinos in Wales, UK. His love for the natural world, and dedication to protect it, led him to form Dogs4Wildlife. This organization is awesome. They train anti-poaching dogs in the UK before deploying them to reserves across Africa. Their experienced team provides everything that reserves need in order to utilize these amazing dogs effectively. This includes advice on kennel design, handler training, toys, handling equipment, care advice, and continued support once the dogs are deployed. Pretty cool, right? A lot goes into selecting, training, and deploying an anti-poaching pooch, which Jack explains in detail. He also shares what it’s like to start a not-for-profit organization from the ground up and everything that entails. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

In this episode, I’m speaking with Kayla Fratt (@collies.without.borders), professional dog trainer, podcast host, blogger, entrepreneur, and founder of K9 Conservationists. In other words, she’s a total badass, independent woman making her way through this crazy field. Kayla does a fantastic job taking me through her journey that led her today, the different types of conservation dog jobs that are currently out there, why she decided to go into conservation detection dog work, and all of the ups and downs she’s experienced along the way. If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

In this episode of Rewildology, I’m chatting with Jeff Trollip (@jeffsjungle). Jeff was born in Scotland, raised in southern Africa, studied in the UK, and has spent his 20-year career guiding safaris all across Africa. Since he has traveled and met with so many people, he’s become very entrenched in the conservation scene and has some incredible stories about what he’s seen and done to restore national parks in Mozambique, Tanzania, and more. He recently launched his own conservation-focused safari company and built an insanely cool adventure-style safari camp. Just wait until you hear everything he’s put into this experience. I could barely sit still in my chair, I wanted to hop on a plane so badly! Jeff currently is in need of a name for this new camp and would love ideas from you. If you think of a creative, conservation-minded name, reach out to me on Instagram (@rewildology) or email me at [email protected], and I’ll be sure it’s shared with Jeff! If you’re liking the show, please hit the follow button and share with someone you think would enjoy this episode. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow! See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

Welcome to the finale of the Nepal: Coexisting with Giants series! On this episode, Beeju Poudyal from Nepal joins us to talk about conservation and human-elephant conflict in Nepal. Beeju gives some excellent insight into what the issues of human-elephant conflict in Nepal and what has been attempted to rectify it, as well as how the media often portrays elephants in an unfair light. Beeju also talks about what it’s like to be a woman in wildlife conservation and explains some of the challenges she faces and overcomes as a woman to continue doing her fantastic work. Don’t forget to follow the show wherever you’re listening. If you’re really liking this travel series format, please let me know by messaging on Instagram or emailing me at [email protected] See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology A special thanks to Katie Adamson Conservation Fund for their support in this series. You can learn more about KACF by checking out Episode 2 with Dave Johnson. Ep. 2 Show Notes | Finding Your Path with Dave Johnson

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with two awesome Nepali conservationists that are experts in Himalayan wildlife. First, you’ll hear from Sonam Lama who is the Program Coordinator for the Red Panda Network. We recorded his episode shortly after I returned from Nepal, as we weren’t able to connect in-country. Hopefully, I’ve done a good enough job editing the jet lag out of my voice. Afterward, you’ll hear from Bhupendra Yadav, a Himalayan black bear expert. Courtney and I met with Bhupendra at our lovely hotel in Kathamandu shortly before departing from Nepal. We discuss how human-bear conflict has increased over the years and his work to start one of the most comprehensive Himalayan black bear research studies. Don’t forget to follow the show wherever you’re listening. If you’re really liking this travel series format, please let me know by messaging on Instagram or emailing me at [email protected] See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology A special thanks to Katie Adamson Conservation Fund for their support in this series. You can learn more about KACF by checking out Episode 2 with Dave Johnson. Ep. 2 Show Notes | Finding Your Path with Dave Johnson

In today’s episode, I’m taking you with me to a very special place: Chitwan National Park in southeast Nepal. This area is world-renowned for its immense Asian Greater-One Horned Rhino population, in addition to a vast diversity of birds, mammals, reptiles, and endangered species like tigers and the gharial crocodile. As I’m sure you can imagine, living with such charismatic wildlife can both a blessing and a curse. While tourists love to visit the area and spend millions of rupees each year experiencing everything nature has to offer, the local community has to manage all of the issues that arise when animals leave the jungle and enter their village. Luckily for nature and wildlife, they have conservationists on their side. Many people in the area love Chiwan’s wildlife and have dedicated their lives to saving both the park and their fellow community members. Today, you are going to meet some of these incredible people. Guests:Part 1: Basu BidariPart 2: Dr. Babu Ram and Dr. Amir SadaulaPart 3: Jit Tamang and Bishnu RimalPart 4: Bishnu ThapaPart 5: Ritu Waiba and Bishnu Rimal Don’t forget to follow the show wherever you’re listening. If you’re really liking this travel series format, please let me know by messaging on Instagram or emailing me at [email protected] See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology A special thanks to Katie Adamson Conservation Fund for their support in this series. You can learn more about KACF by checking out Episode 2 with Dave Johnson. Ep. 2 Show Notes | Finding Your Path with Dave Johnson

Welcome, friends, to Part Two of the ‘Nepal: Coexisting with Giants’ series. Today’s guest, Jack Kinross, and I met in Bardia National Park, a land known for its remote locale and infamous tiger population. Located in the terai, this area is characterized by grasslands, sal forests, and marshes. Picture Disney’s Jungle Book and BBC’s Planet Earth II Grasslands Episode, and you’ll have a good idea of what the environment is like. Hailing from New Zealand, Jack is a conservationist and leopard expert working to combat the illegal wildlife trade. He first came to Nepal 20 years ago to tackle the out-of-control leopard poaching crisis happening throughout Asia and subsequently fell in love with the country. Don’t forget to follow the show wherever you’re listening. If you’re really liking this travel series format, please let me know by messaging on Instagram or emailing me at [email protected] See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology A special thanks to Katie Adamson Conservation Fund for their support in this series. You can learn more about KACF by checking out Episode 2 with Dave Johnson. Ep. 2 Show Notes | Finding Your Path with Dave Johnson

Welcome, everyone, to the first episode in the Nepal: Coexisting with Giants series. In this episode, I’m chatting with Sam Helle who is a Ph.D. student and has been studying human-wildlife conflict in Nepal for multiple years. She sets the foundation for my understanding of conflict in the area and how amazingly dedicated the local communities are to protecting their wildlife, even when it causes mortality and hardship amongst their towns and villages. I’m so grateful Sam and I chatted before my plane took off for Nepal, and I highly recommend listening to the full episode to really set you up for the rest of the series. Sam is a fun, vibrant person and we had so much recording this for you all. It was a true happy hour chat with lots of fun drinks and honest conversation. Don’t forget to follow the show wherever you’re listening. If you’re really liking this travel series format, please let me know by messaging on Instagram or emailing me at [email protected] See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology A special thanks to Katie Adamson Conservation Fund for their support in this series. You can learn more about KACF by checking out Episode 2 with Dave Johnson. Ep. 2 Show Notes | Finding Your Path with Dave Johnson