Rewildology

Nepal. The land of rugged mountains, rich grasslands, and unparalleled biodiversity. In March 2021, my fellow globetrotting partner, Courtney Gonzalez, and I traveled to Nepal to experience conservation firsthand in this ecologically abundant country. What we learned blew our minds. We met with multiple conservationists working tirelessly to protect both wildlife and people in a country that’s experiencing alarmingly high rates of conflict. And you’re going to meet them, too. The stories in this series are raw, unfiltered, and not for the faint of heart. They paint a realistic picture of what it’s like to live with very dangerous animals and how difficult it is to protect people from coming into conflict with wildlife, and vice versa, especially during a pandemic and unstable political situations. With that being said, you’ll also hear hope and determination from some of the most dedicated people I’ve ever met. Be sure to hit that follow button because you won’t want to miss any moment of this series. See full show notes at rewildology.com.Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: @RewildologyA 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

This week’s guest, Jesse Weiland, takes me through his rather unique path into becoming a park ranger in the Rocky Mountains, losing three ranger jobs in a row to COVID, and launching an outdoor education company called Rugged Research along with other Rocky Mountain National Park Rangers (@RuggedResearchTV). If any of you are considering entering the national park service or are currently looking for a role in the conservation field, you will not want to miss this conversation. Jesse’s story is full of hope, determination, and finding a way to monetize his environmental science master’s degree when all other options were lost. 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

Hello and welcome back to Rewildology! In this episode, I’m chatting with Kathayoon Khalil, PhD. We explore her experiences growing up in an all-white community, how she discovered her love for wildlife conservation through her many summers at the Oregon Zoo and how she gained her parent’s approval for pursuing a path in conservation. Kathayoon’s PhD research and career are as fascinating as they are important for furthering the conservation education field, and I’ve provided links to her work in the show notes at rewildology.com. She also gives great advice throughout the entire conversation for anyone considering a PhD and those of you that might be struggling with depression. Don’t forget to subscribe and review wherever you’re listening. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow and I know I couldn’t do it without every single one of you. See full show notes at rewildology.comDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

No matter how the past year turned out for you, you’re going to relate to this week’s guest, Sheridan Samano. Sheridan is the co-founder and owner of Reefs to Rockies, a boutique travel company that specializes in creating the best nature and wildlife itineraries. Her goal is to give her clients the greatest nature experiences of their life while having as little impact on the environment as possible. I know that you all are well aware that COVID completely crashed the tourism industry, and we explore what it was like for her to almost lose her business. Sheridan is the perfect example of “embracing the suck” as Brene Brown would say and created something beautiful out of her new situation. Sheridan is an avid birder and in her newfound downtime, she wrote a book called “Best Birding Hikes – Colorado Front Range“ and continued to grow her popular MeetUp group, “Birding and Beers”. Sheridan drops life bombs throughout the whole conversation and I’m sure she’ll impact you just as much as she impacted me. We met at her favorite birding spot outside of Boulder, Colorado to record this episode. So you’ll hear some lively birds chirping in the background and a few airplanes flying over head. If you’re liking the show, please be sure to subscribe so that you can be notified when a new episode drops. I’d really love to hear what you think by leaving a review on wherever you’re listening or commenting on Rewildology’s YouTube channel. I’m also very active on the socials, and you can DM me on Instagram or LinkedIn @rewildology or email at [email protected]. See full show notes at rewildology.comDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

Today, Anne and I chat in-depth about the 1994 Rwanda genocide. She discovered her passion for the topic when she joined a study abroad trip in undergrad to learn more about the event. She was hooked. It combined her curiosity in human psychology, her love of history, and how to help communities avoid similar atrocities in the future. Don’t worry, there’s a strong conservation undertone throughout the episode. We talk about how human violence affects local wildlife, especially during genocides, and how Rwanda has become a leader in conservation, famous for its local superstar, mountain gorillas. See full show notes at rewildology.com Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y6Q9nof-wsUDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

In this episode, I’m chatting with Eric Schmidt, who is the Executive Director of Wildlife Protection Solutions. WPS’s mission is to use technology to conserve endangered species and ecosystems, and boy are they good at it. Eric and I chat about how WPS came to be, the technology they’ve deployed around the world, and he even shares a few stories about catching poachers in the act. We also talk in-depth about the poaching industry and why it’s not a straightforward issue. And as in most episodes, we discuss the personal struggles he’s had to overcome and how he’s continuing to move forward in this emotional field. See full show notes at rewildology.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5NI6GNVXZKoDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

In Part 2 of my conversation with Daniella, we explore the struggles she’s encountered throughout her career and what she’s had to overcome to continue moving forward. We also chat about when she thinks she’ll finally have reached success and gives fantastic life advice that you’ll want to hear. If you’re digging the show, please follow and share wherever you’re listening. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow and I promise to continue bringing on fascinating guests and topics. See full show notes at rewildology.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FACir1YRC7UDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/ Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at [email protected].

In this week’s episodes, I’m chatting with a very interesting researcher, Daniella Chusyd, Ph.D. who is studying elephants to better understand ourselves. In Part 1, we go back in time and learn about her childhood, international experiences, and opportunities that led her to academia. We go into depth about her current research, and let me tell you, it’s fascinating. From studying elephant mental aging to working with elephant orphanages in Zambia and South Africa to understand how experiencing early life trauma relates to health, behavior, and cognition, Daniella is pioneering a whole new way to learn about us while conserving the world’s largest land animal. I’ve studied elephants a lot over the years and I learned so much from Daniella. I’m sure you will, too! In tomorrow’s episode, she and I explore her struggles throughout her career and what she’s had to overcome to get to where she is today. She also gives fantastic, applicable advice that you won’t want to miss it! If you’re liking the show so far, please subscribe and share wherever you’re listening. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow and I promise to continue bringing on fascinating guests and sharing their inspiring stories. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rhWEut3aIl8Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/ Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at [email protected].

On today’s show, we’re traveling back to the Galapagos Islands to hear Part 2 of my conservation with Josy Cardoso. We chat about a very interesting citizen science project she recently joined as a team lead called Barcode Galapagos, why the Galapagos Islands are so special and should be on every nature-lovers bucket list, and how we can all do our part to protect and restore nature. This has me thinking that maybe once the time is right, we should get a group of us from the Rewildology community to go! What do you all think? I’m dying for any excuse to go back and bringing a super fun group of you all with me sounds like a blast. I’ll let that idea sit and grow. But seriously, if that does sound fun to you, reach out on Instagram or email me at [email protected] to let me know! See full show notes at rewildology.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OgOTqEPxzSUDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

In this week’s episodes, we’re traveling to South America and the beautiful Galapagos Islands to chat with my phenomenal friend, Josy Cardoso. Josy is a naturalist guide for Galapagos National Park and is very active in her local community. In Part 1, we chat about what COVID has done to the islands and how she has been killing time while she waits for tourists return, what it’s like growing up and working in an isolated paradise, and why she decided to open a boutique hotel with her mother on Santa Cruz Island. If you’re liking the show so far, please subscribe and share wherever you’re listening. Sharing is the best way to help the show grow and I promise to continue bringing on fascinating guests and sharing their inspiring stories. See full show notes at rewildology.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3UugNcXHa9wDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyFollow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/ Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at [email protected].

Hey everyone! I’m really excited to release this special bonus episode. My last guest, Jon Rossi of the Rossifari Podcast, had me on his show and this is my interview with him. We chat about my history, how I discovered conservation travel, and why I launched Rewildology.Subscribe to the Rossifari Podcast: https://www.rossifari.com/podcastFollow Rossifari on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossifari/See full show notes at rewildology.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pFNl2b7DDxwDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at [email protected].

Welcome to Part 2 of the 2 part series with Jon Rossi of the Rossifari Podcast. In this part of the conversation, we dive deep into how Jon made the Rossifari Podcast happen including connecting with zookeepers and conservation organizations, plus all of the hoops that are involved to make them happen. And let me tell you, there’s a lot. We also chat about some personal struggles, like battling mental health issues after losing his musical career to COVID and an even bigger life event, unexpectedly becoming a father. Again, if you’re liking these two-part interview series, or not, hit me up on Instagram @rewildology or email me at [email protected] the full show notes at rewildology.com.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zlMBNmOU5KQDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology

Today is Part 1 of a 2 part series with Jon Rossi of the Rossifari Podcast. If COVID turned your life upside down like I know it has so many of us, then you’ll definitely relate to Jon’s story. Jon is a professional drummer with a very successful career touring across the US sharing his talents. But when COVID hit, all of his work – and his strongest passion – were ripped away from him. While on the road, Jon found joy visiting zoos and aquariums to escape from negative influences that were all around him. In doing so, he met lots of amazing animals and zookeepers, which became a podcast idea shortly after he was locked down at home. He found a new passion and a new title – conservation educator. If you’ve ever thought about doing something that maybe was in a different field or outside your expertise, or you need some encouragement to finally tackle that one idea you’ve had for years, then you must listen to this show. If you would like me to keep this 2-part episode format, please let me know by sending a DM on Instagram (@rewildology) or emailing me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you and if you’re digging the new style. Also, please like and subscribe to the show wherever you’re listening so that others can discover how we can rewild the planet together. See full show notes at rewildology.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8NyFYFUgGjgDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology

In this episode, I’m chatting with Judith Wanda, who is the International Relations Director and an Assistant Professor at St Augustine University of Tanzania. She has been through more than you can imagine. She was orphaned at a young age after losing both of her parents, and her and her brother found strength through education. Her surviving family members encouraged her to work as hard as she could through her studies to become more than just a village girl. And that she did. She studied internationally and lived abroad for a decade before returning to East Africa to make a greater impact in young women’s lives. She explains the importance of including local women in conservation initiatives and what tourists can do to both impact themselves and local communities. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1ebjB6rxnLUDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at [email protected].

Have you ever wondered how a species gains protection in Congress or what the process is for getting an area or species listed? I’ve asked myself these questions several times, and so I connected with my good friend Hailey Hawkins to learn more. Hailey works for the Endangered Species Coalition and works with the public and political leaders to put conservation into legal action. We dive deep into the process of listing a species and discuss next steps for reintroducing wolves into Colorado. She also opens up about her battle with mental health struggles and shares her coping strategies. We drank lots of wine and had a blast recording this one for you all. Let me know what you think of this episode by reaching out at rewildolgy.com and don’t forget to subscribe and review on your favorite streaming app. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i9zbrCglnTMSee full show notes at rewildology.comDiscover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/RewildologyAny comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at [email protected].

Holy smokes, am I excited to release this episode. Today I’m chatting with Arthur Leforestier, who is an awesome friend of mine and is absolutely crushing it in wildlife photography. We discuss his tumultuous road that led him to wildlife photography, the ethics and common misconceptions of the field, and Arthur gives some great advice for anyone considering making a big life change or feeling a little lost where you’re currently at in life. There are some big takeaways from this episode, and I’m pumped to hear what you all think. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the show. I read all comments and highly appreciate this awesome community we’re building.Sign the petition: https://linktr.ee/advocateforwildlifeVisit Arthur on social media: https://www.instagram.com/arthurlefo/See full show notes at rewildology.com. Watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/vNxhWkbNVv4 Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at [email protected].

In this episode I’m chatting with Court Whelan, PhD, who is an entomologist and ecotourism expert. We chat about his interesting path into entomology and photography guiding, why he chose a career over entrepreneurship, and the importance of tourism for wildlife conservation. This one is a goodie and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.See full show notes at rewildology.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rUe3UsyA340Subscribe, rate and review to let me know what you think of the show and for the chance to be featured on a future episode!

In this episode, I’m chatting with Jawnie Payne, who is revolutionizing the look of conservation. We explore her decision late in college to change her major and pursue zookeeping. She gives a perfect blueprint to follow for anyone contemplating entering this field. We also dive deep into what it’s like being a black zookeeper. I highly recommend that anyone who’s in charge of hiring at their conservation organization listen to what she has to say. It’s also important for everyone else, just all of you executives really keep an ear open and take some notes.See full show notes at rewildology.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9y86yggVaN0Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at [email protected].

Welcome, friends, to Episode 2 of Rewildology! Today I’m chatting with Dave Johnson who may be one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever met. We explore his personal journey to discovering what he really wanted to do in life, why he made the big career shift to starting his own non-profit, and what it was like as a gay man growing up in a conservative household. We also share his mindset while traveling abroad and how to make connections with people from different countries.See full show notes at rewildology.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0u2hXGkpcDkAny comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at [email protected].

Welcome to today’s episode of Rewildology. In this show, I’m chatting with Corrin LaCombe who is a primate conservation biologist and has been all over the world studying a wide range of species. She’s worked at some of the top conservation organizations in the US, started her own non-profit, Primate Connections, and has contributed to several on-the-ground sustainability efforts worldwide. She’s led graduate courses and has even been on a Ted stage discussing the discrepancy between conservation knowledge and action. We get deep in this episode and explore her winding path that got her to where she is today. We leave very few stones unturned. Enjoy!See full show notes at rewildology.com. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E5rZ_joVs7gAny comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at [email protected].

Welcome to Episode 1 of Rewildology! I thought it was only right to kick off this show with my first guest, Bill Given of The Wild Source. Bill is a mentor of mine and a huge reason why I am where I am today. We chat about how his company is disrupting the safari industry, how to persevere through a global pandemic that practically shuts down your business, and that it’s okay to change your career and pursue what feels right for you no matter your age or college degree. See full show notes at rewildology.com. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dvxYMUZuXjcAny comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at [email protected].

Conservation, sustainability, wildlife, funny travel stories. Host Brooke Mitchell-Norman, conservation biologist and adventure traveler, chats with friends and experts to discuss nature’s biggest questions: How do we save the planet? How can we protect endangered wildlife? Where are the best places to experience nature? What country has the best coffee? Pour yourself a glass of something tasty (coffee, tea, wine, whiskey?) and join the conversation. Together we’ll rewild the planet. See full show notes of each episode 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/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildologyTwitter: https://twitter.com/rewildologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA