Rewildology

#217 | The Great Plains Comeback: Inside America's Largest Rewilding Project with Daniel Kinka, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

When Lewis and Clark traveled the Missouri River in the early 1800s, they encountered bison herds stretching to the horizon, grizzly bears roaming the plains, and wildlife in numbers that seemed endless—but just 100 years later, it was nearly all gone. In this episode, Brooke sits down with Dr. Danny Kinka, Director of Rewilding at American Prairie, to explore the science behind the largest landscape rewilding project in the continental United States. American Prairie is working to restore 5,000 square miles of Montana's Great Plains by restoring keystone species like bison and creating the conditions for wildlife like beaver, prairie dogs, and eventually large carnivores to naturally return and thrive. They discuss why bison grazing is essential to grassland diversity, how prairie dogs are the unsung heroes of the plains, why American Prairie isn't ready for wolves yet but grizzly bears are a different story, the complexities of conservation in working ranch landscapes, community relations, and what you can do to support wildlife restoration wherever you live in the world. This is the science of rewilding, Montana's Great Plains comeback, and the tangible hope happening on the ground right now.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 The Return of Wildness in Central Montana
00:22 Introduction to Rewildology and today’s guest
01:51 Meet Dr. Daniel Kinka: From Psychology to Rewilding
03:17 The Historical Transformation of the Great Plains
07:27 The Ecological Impact of Wildlife Loss
12:12 American Prairie: Mission and Goals
16:53 Rewilding Strategies and Challenges
26:57 The Role of Large Carnivores in Rewilding
33:15 Current Status and Future of American Prairie
35:57 Functional Recovery of the Ecosystem
36:08 Rewilding Progress and Challenges
37:37 Wildlife Restoration and Management
38:07 Community and Economic Impact
40:40 Public Support and Skepticism
50:54 Global Significance of Rewilding
57:08 Personal Reflections and Hope
01:00:38 How to Support Rewilding Efforts
01:07:28 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

SUPPORT AMERICAN PRAIRIE
https://americanprairie.org/

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 7, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
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Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
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Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2

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#216 | Nature Happy Hour #4: Goodbye 2025, Sea Turtles, Wetlands & Ocean Protection

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Join Brooke and Charles for their end-of-year Nature Coffee Hour as they reflect on 2025's biggest conservation moments! They swap their usual evening beers for morning caffeine and dive into the stories that shaped this year: green sea turtles downlisted from endangered to least concern, Florida's record-breaking leatherback nesting season, the troubling rollback of U.S. wetland protections, Ecuadorian fishing communities protecting mangroves from industrial shrimp farms, and the historic High Seas Treaty protecting two-thirds of our oceans. They also share personal updates—Rewildology's Project Patagonia series becoming a Jackson Wild finalist, Charles's health recovery and new PhD students, and some unexpected philosophical realizations about humanity and our shared planet. This conversation covers the conservation wins, losses, and everything in between as we close out 2025 and look ahead to what's next.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
01:34 Morning Beverage Chat
06:49 Project Patagonia Success
20:05 Charles' Health and Lab Updates
30:43 Top Headlines of 2025
40:49 State Policies and Their Impact on Wildlife
41:40 Ecological Consequences of Removing Protections
43:21 Private Land and Wetland Conservation
43:54 The Importance of Wetlands and Potential Risks
44:33 State-Level Actions and Public Responsibility
46:57 Positive News: Green Sea Turtles' Recovery
47:48 Sea Turtle Conservation Success Stories
55:10 Community-Led Conservation in Ecuador
01:02:42 Global Conservation Efforts and Personal Reflections
01:12:55 High Seas Treaty and Ocean Conservation
01:21:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 7, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2

CONTACTS
Brooke Mitchell, hello@rewildolgy.com

SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Send your ideas to Brooke at hello@rewildolgy.com

#215 | Life Overlooked: Protecting California’s Mojave Desert with Natalie Cibel & Coral Carson

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In this inbetweenersode, Brooke sits down with Natalie Cibel and Coral Carson from Planet People Podcast to explore the Mojave Desert—part of California's overlooked "desert heart". Discover the surprising Raven-Tortoise-Human conflict threatening desert wildlife, the complex relationship between renewable energy development and habitat conservation, and innovative solutions like laser technology and captive breeding programs saving desert tortoises. Learn about pressing challenges including off-roading impacts, solar farm expansion, and illegal poaching, plus inspiring conservation wins like the Chuckwalla National Monument, Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, and the "Kill Your Lawn" rewilding movement. This episode reveals why the Mojave Desert is a critical conservation hotspot and how small actions—like closing dumpster lids—create cascading positive effects for desert ecosystems.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Introduction and Special Episode Announcement
01:03 Meet the Hosts: Natalie and Coral
04:11 Exploring the Mojave Desert
06:02 Desert Biodiversity and Conservation
09:05 Challenges Facing the Mojave Desert
11:37 Raven and Desert Tortoise Conflict
14:29 Human Impact and Conservation Efforts
21:06 Renewable Energy and Land Use
26:24 Balancing Renewable Energy and Recreation
28:01 Off-Roading and Its Impact on the Mojave
31:21 Kill Your Lawn Movement
34:30 Conservation Success Stories
38:19 The Joshua Tree Conservation Act
41:43 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 7, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

#214 | Illuminating Coexistence: The Blink+A Story with Nicolás Lagos and Javiera de la Fuente

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Join host Brooke Mitchell as she speaks with puma researcher Nicolas Lagos and conservation technologist Javiera de la Fuente about revolutionizing human-wildlife coexistence with Blink+A, an innovative deterrent device combining flashing lights, sounds, and IoT connectivity to protect livestock and carnivores. From selling a wildlife photography book to fund their idea to testing weatherproof devices across ranches from the US to Saudi Arabia, this unlikely collaboration between a Patagonian field biologist and Santiago digital designer shows how conservation technology can address predator-livestock conflict. Named after a one-eyed puma from Torres del Paine, Blink+A demonstrates open-source innovation in wildlife management, promoting peaceful coexistence between ranching communities and endangered carnivores like pumas, jaguars, and bears.

Support the $25,000 fundraiser to expand Blink+A testing globally at givebutter.com/projectpatagonia.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction & Project Overview
1:45 Meet Nico & Javi
2:25 Nico's Background - From Santiago to Patagonia Pumas
4:40 Javi's Story - From Nintendo to Conservation Tech
7:35 The Problem: Century-Old Human-Wildlife Conflict
12:45 Designing Blink+A: Deterrent 2.0
16:25 15 Prototypes and Counting
19:30 Learning to Prototype on a Budget
22:55 Funding Through Puma Photography Book
26:15 Why This Device Works: Predator Biology
30:50 The Human Element: Working with Ranchers
36:35 Rancher Feedback: Virtual Fences Concept
38:25 Technical Details: Lights, Sounds & Sensors
42:10 PIR Sensors & Customizable Components
45:10 Current Status & Next Phase
47:50 What Success Means to Each of Them
51:30 How Blink+A Got Its Name
53:25 The One-Eyed Puma: Blinka's Story
54:35 Final Thoughts & Advice
57:10 Call to Action & Fundraiser
58:25 Outro & Expedition Information

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
September/October Book - Crossings by Ben Goldfarb https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

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Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
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Send your ideas to Brooke at hello@rewildolgy.com

#213 | How Indigenous Wisdom and Modern Science Are Revolutionizing Amazon Rainforest Conservation with Rosa Espinoza, PhD (Inbetweenersode #2)

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Join host Brooke Mitchell for an incredible conversation with Dr. Rosa Espinoza, PhD scientist and author of "The Spirit of the Rainforest: How Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Curiosity Reconnects Us to the Natural World." Rosa shares her groundbreaking Amazon rainforest research, including her discovery of stingless bees as Earth's oldest pollinators (80 million years old) and their medicinal honey properties used in COVID-19 treatment by indigenous communities. Learn how traditional indigenous knowledge bridges with modern conservation science, from animal self-medication research inspired by ayahuasca experiences to new Peruvian legislation protecting native bee species. Rosa explains why everyone on Earth is connected to the Amazon ecosystem through weather patterns, food systems, and natural medicines, while exploring zoopharmacognosy (animal self-medication), ethnobotany, and the beautiful indigenous concept of "living beautifully" as environmental stewardship. This episode reveals how traditional ecological knowledge from Amazonian communities guides cutting-edge scientific discoveries in biodiversity conservation, pollinator research, and sustainable environmental practices. Perfect for listeners interested in conservation biology, indigenous rights, traditional medicine, Amazon biodiversity, climate science, and innovative approaches to environmental research and cultural preservation.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome
00:55 Rosa's Unique Upbringing in the Amazon
03:27 Journey to Pursuing Science
06:33 Cultural Shock and Adaptation
10:22 The Spirit of the Rainforest: Book Discussion
14:22 Global Connection to the Amazon
19:27 Indigenous Wisdom and Modern Science
27:26 The Importance of Preserving Indigenous Knowledge
42:24 Cultural Pride and Social Media Influence
43:40 Indigenous Voices in Science
46:17 Introduction to Stingless Bees
48:08 The Medicinal Power of Stingless Bee Honey
54:55 Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts
01:00:21 Writing and Storytelling Process
01:05:21 Reconnecting with Nature and Self
01:18:57 Book Release and Final Thoughts

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
July / August Book - The Spirit of the Rainforest by Dr. Rosa Espinoza https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Send your ideas to Brooke at hello@rewildolgy.com

#212 | Patagonia Update: Helicopter Discoveries and Conservation Breakthroughs with Cristian Saucedo (Inbetweenersode #1)

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Join me, Brooke Mitchell, for an exciting conservation update from Chile's Route of Parks of Patagonia with Rewilding Chile's Wildlife Director Cristian Saucedo. Discover the dramatic helicopter discovery of 10 endangered huemul deer at Cape Froward, southern river otter (huillín) sightings in coastal areas, the first international Darwin's rhea translocation between Argentina and Chile, Andean condor rehabilitation successes, and groundbreaking puma coexistence research. This Inbetweenersode provides exclusive access to conservation breakthroughs across 1,700 miles of protected Patagonian wilderness, showcasing cutting-edge rewilding efforts, endangered species recovery, and sustainable wildlife tourism initiatives. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and anyone passionate about wildlife conservation success stories from one of the world's most ambitious conservation projects.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Welcome to Rewildology: Exciting Updates from Patagonia
00:44 Conservation Stories from Patagonia's Route of Parks
01:11 Meet Cristian Saucedo: Wildlife Director for Rewilding Chile
02:48 The Journey of Rewilding Chile
08:54 Breakthrough Discoveries in Cape Forward
28:40 The Importance of Baseline Data for Conservation
34:43 Translocation Success: Moving Darwin's Rhea from Argentina to Chile
37:08 Monitoring and Releasing Darwin's Rhea in Patagonia
38:23 Challenges and Successes in Rhea Conservation
42:29 Andean Condor Rehabilitation and Release Program
50:18 Puma Conservation Efforts in Patagonia
57:56 Wildlife Conservation in Pumalin National Park
01:04:02 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
July / August Book - The Spirit of the Rainforest by Dr. Rosa Espinoza
https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

CONTACTS
Brooke Mitchell, hello@rewildolgy.com

SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Send your ideas to Brooke at hello@rewildolgy.com

Where Hope Flourishes: The Promise of Patagonia's Route of Parks

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this powerful finale, I reveal the five revolutionary conservation principles that make Chile's Route of Parks a global blueprint for planetary healing. From tracking pumas with scientist Nicolás Lagos in Torres del Paine to discovering endangered huemul deer in a Patagonian snowstorm, this 1,700-mile conservation corridor spanning 17 national parks is transforming wildlife conservation and climate action. Learn why temperate rainforests store three times more carbon than the Amazon, explore groundbreaking puma coexistence research, and discover Darwin's rhea restoration programs across 28 million acres of protected wilderness. I announce Project Patagonia's three pillars: Listen (this podcast), Protect (supporting $20,000 for puma research), and Experience (my exclusive April 2026 Torres del Paine expedition). From ancient Alerce trees to innovative wetland protection, discover how corridor connectivity, indigenous co-management, and ecosystem restoration offer hope for addressing climate change and biodiversity loss worldwide. This conservation revolution proves that landscape-scale thinking, community partnerships, and sustainable tourism can heal damaged ecosystems while supporting local livelihoods. What conservation lesson resonated most with you? Drop me a note in the comments! Thanks for listening!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

EPISODE TITLE
Episode 8: Where Hope Flourishes: The Promise of Patagonia's Route of Parks

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 A Snowy Encounter in Patagonia
01:21 Introduction to the Journey
02:02 Close Encounters with Pumas
03:48 Darwin's Rhea Breeding Program
05:08 The Melting Glaciers
07:05 Interconnected Ecosystems
08:19 Conservation in Working Landscapes
09:05 A Blueprint for Planetary Healing
12:26 The Five Pillars of Conservation
16:21 Project Patagonia: How You Can Help
19:19 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS

Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2

CONTACTS
Brooke Mitchell, hello@rewildolgy.com

SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPs
Send your ideas to Brooke at hello@rewildolgy.com

Where Ice Meets Sky: Patagonia's Vanishing Glaciers

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Experience the stunning yet sobering reality of Patagonia's vanishing glaciers as I soar over Chile's massive ice fields and uncover groundbreaking climate research with Chilean glaciologist Dr. Ines Dussaillant. In this urgent episode, I explore the Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields - covering over 16,500 square kilometers and representing the largest temperate ice masses in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover the alarming reality that five of the last six years have broken records for glacial mass loss, with some Patagonian glaciers retreating over 15 kilometers in just one century. Learn why these ancient ice formations serve as "sentinels of climate change," functioning as crucial water towers that sustain river systems across Chile and Argentina while storing massive amounts of fresh water. I was amazed to discover that Patagonia contains both the world's fastest-retreating glacier and fastest-growing glacier within the same ice field. From understanding why glacial ice appears that stunning blue color to exploring how satellite technology tracks ice loss across decades, this episode reveals the critical role glaciers play in global sea level rise and local water security. Dr. Dussaillant's recent Nature publication documents the accelerating pace of glacial retreat, while offering hope through Chile's emerging glacier protection laws and the Route of Parks conservation corridor. What spoke to you the most? Drop me a note in the comments! Thanks for listening!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

EPISODE TITLE
Episode 7: Where Ice Meets Sky: Patagonia's Vanishing Glaciers

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Awe-Inspiring Aerial Views of Patagonia
01:49 Introduction to Patagonia's Glaciers
02:54 Meeting Dr. Ines Dussaillant: A Glaciologist's Journey
05:59 Understanding Glaciers: Formation and Function
09:13 The Crucial Roles of Glaciers
11:18 Fieldwork and Satellite Observations
13:07 The Unique Glaciers of Patagonia
19:31 The Impact of Climate Change on Glaciers
23:08 Hope and Conservation Efforts
29:54 Join Project Patagonia

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2

CONTACTS
Brooke Mitchell, hello@rewildolgy.com

SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Send your ideas to Brooke at hello@rewildolgy.com

Where Ranches Rewild: From Estancia to Patagonia National Park

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 27 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Venture into Chile's Patagonia National Park, where I witnessed one of conservation's most inspiring comeback stories—the Darwin's rhea (Rhea pennata) rescued from the brink of local extinction. In this captivating episode, I explore the remote Aysén region and meet Alejandra Saavedra, who has dedicated eight years to bringing these remarkable flightless birds back from just 22 individuals to over 70 and counting. Journey with me through the ethereal marble caves of General Carrera Lake, across the dramatic spires of Cerro Castillo National Park, and into the golden grasslands of this 640,000-acre conservation success story that was once degraded ranch land. Discover how this revolutionary rewilding project began with an unexpected discovery by border police in 2014, leading to an innovative breeding program that has released 130 rheas into the wild. Learn about the critical ecological role these "nature's gardeners" play in the Patagonian steppe ecosystem, dispersing seeds and maintaining grassland health while serving as prey for apex predators like pumas. From the challenges of genetic diversity management to community engagement and ecosystem-wide restoration, this episode reveals the complex science behind modern conservation work. Witness how the transformation of Estancia Valle Chacabuco represents one of Earth's most ambitious habitat restoration projects, proving that with patience, dedication, and scientific rigor, we can repair damage to wild ecosystems one bird, one guanaco, one removed fence at a time. What did you think of this episode? Drop me a note in the comments! Thanks for listening!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 An Encounter with Birds Brought Back from the Brink
01:37 Welcome to Aysén: The Wild Heart of Patagonia
03:15 A Homestay at Cerro Castillo National Park
04:38 The Marvel of Marble Caves
06:01 Arrival at Patagonia National Park
07:22 How Patagonia National Park Came to be
09:56 The Darwin's Rhea: A Conservation Success Story
19:44 Challenges and Triumphs in Rhea Conservation
22:59 Reflections and Looking Ahead
24:26 A Call to Action: Join Project Patagonia

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2

CONTACTS
Brooke Mitchell, hello@rewildolgy.com

SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Send your ideas to Brooke at hello@rewildolgy.com

Where Ancient Trees Stand: The Forests of Pumalín

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 20 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Journey with me deep into Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, the ecological crown jewel of Chile's Route of Parks, where I stood in awe before ancient Alerce trees (Fitzroya cupressoides) that have thrived for over 3,000 years. In this immersive episode, I explore one of Earth's most pristine temperate rainforests, spanning nearly one million acres and storing an estimated 229.3 million metric tonnes of carbon. Witness the remarkable conservation legacy of Douglas Tompkins, founder of The North Face, who transformed controversial land purchases into a revolutionary approach to ecosystem preservation. I was stunned to discover how this biodiversity hotspot receives a staggering 6,000mm of annual rainfall, creating one of the planet's wettest temperate forests where coastal fog-swept valleys meet Andean peaks. Learn why these forests store three times more carbon per hectare than the Amazon and how they protect 25% of the world's remaining Alerce trees - cousins to California's giant sequoias. From the eruption-scarred town of Chaitén to breathtaking "Jurassic Park" landscapes, this episode reveals how Pumalín represents the future of conservation: not just protecting wilderness, but creating corridors that maintain ecological connections across an entire region. What spoke to you the most? Drop me a note! Thanks for listening!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Ancient Giants of Patagonia
01:48 Welcome to Puma Douglas Tompkins National Park
02:48 Journey to the Heart of the Park
05:58 Chaiten Volcano Eruption
07:18 The Visionary Behind the Park
10:09 Pumalin’s Unique Geography
11:27 Patagonian Jurassic Park
17:08 Exploring the Alerce Trail
24:04 Reflecting on Conservation and Legacy
26:02 Join the Conservation Adventure

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2

CONTACTS
Brooke Mitchell, hello@rewildolgy.com

SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Send your ideas to Brooke at hello@rewildolgy.com

Where Waters Gather: The Hidden Wetlands of Northern Patagonia

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 13 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Rewildology, I explore the overlooked wetlands and sunken forests that form the northern gateway to Chile's Route of Parks in the rainy Maullín River Basin. Alongside Fernando, Andres, and David from Fundación Legado Chile, I track the elusive southern river otter (huillín) - an endangered species with only 15 individuals remaining in the entire 85-kilometer watershed. Through camera traps and conservation strategies, we discover how invasive American mink threaten this fragile ecosystem by competing for the same food sources. The Valdivian temperate rainforest here represents one of Earth's rarest forest types, with biodiversity found at similar latitudes only in New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Learn how Legado Chile's holistic conservation approach combines wildlife monitoring, environmental education, community engagement, and waste management to protect these vital wetlands. Despite challenges from rapid population growth and agricultural runoff, their work shows how protecting overlooked ecosystems is just as crucial as preserving Patagonia's famous landscapes. What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Thanks for listening!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Patagonia's Hidden Wetlands: Gateway to Chile's Route of Parks
01:55 - Fundación Legado Chile: Heroes Saving Endangered Ecosystems
04:00 - Endangered Huillín Otter: Conservation in Chilean Wetlands
06:25 - Invasive Mink Crisis: Threats to Native Patagonian Wildlife
10:20 - Valdivian Rainforest: Chile's Last Remaining Sunken Forest
14:10 - Maullín River: Vital Corridor from Andes to Pacific Ocean
16:15 - Environmental Threats: Development & Climate Change Impacts
19:05 - Integrated Conservation: Protecting Biodiversity in Chile
22:00 - Environmental Education: Community Wetland Conservation
24:15 - Ecological Restoration: Planning for Future Generations
25:05 - Route of Parks: Connecting Puerto Varas to Tierra del Fuego
27:25 - Project Patagonia: Supporting South American Conservation

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

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Where Two Oceans Meet: The Birth of Cape Froward National Park

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 06 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Rewildology, journey to the southernmost point of continental America, where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans collide at Cape Froward. I explore Chile's newest national park-in-the-making, where Gabriela Garrido of Rewilding Chile shares how this groundbreaking conservation project protects the crucial intersection between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. From zodiac adventures with playful dolphins to discussions about indigenous co-management with Kawésqar communities, discover how Cape Froward represents a revolutionary approach to conservation that bridges land and sea. Learn how Rewilding Chile recently acquired an additional 34,000 hectares of wilderness at the time of this recording, expanding their vision for a protected corridor that benefits both wildlife and local communities. The creation of this park demonstrates a fundamental shift in conservation thinking, extending protection from mountaintop to seafloor in one continuous system. What do you think about this integrated approach to conservation? Share your thoughts in the comments on YouTube, Spotify, or on Instagram!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

EPISODE TITLE
Episode 3: Where Two Oceans Meet: The Birth of Cape Froward National Park

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction - A Wild Dolphin Encounter
01:39 Welcome to Episode 3 of Where the Wild Calls
02:08 Early Morning to Punta Arenas
02:17 Meet Gabriela Garrido, Marine Biologist and Project Coordinator for Rewilding Chile
07:10 How Cape Froward came to be
08:16 Cape Forward's relationship with indigenous communities
11:22 Beach walk
13:57 Challenges of creating a national park
22:49 Exploring the park’s lighthouse and viewing museum art about the whaling era
24:17 Chile’s dedication to marine conservation
28:08 Cape Froward - A new way to establish national parks
29:37 Invitation to next episode - Wetlands of northern Patagonia
30:28 Join the Adventure: Project Patagonia

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2

CONTACTS
Brooke Mitchell, hello@rewildolgy.com

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Send your ideas to Brooke at hello@rewildolgy.com

Where Pumas Roam: The Keepers of Torres del Paine

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Rewildology, I take you into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, where I had my breathtaking first encounter with Rupestre, a "queen of the Andes." Join me as I explore how these magnificent apex predators have become a conservation success story in Chilean Patagonia, thriving where they're often persecuted elsewhere. I sit down with Nicolás Lagos from Panthera to uncover groundbreaking discoveries about puma social behavior that challenge everything we thought we knew about these "solitary" cats. Then I visit Estancia Cerro Guido, where innovative solutions like livestock guardian dogs are transforming traditional ranching practices and proving that conservation and human livelihoods can flourish together. This episode reveals how Torres del Paine is pioneering the coexistence model that could reshape predator conservation worldwide. Discover how you can support Project Patagonia and be part of our conservation efforts in this remarkable landscape. What was your main takeaway from the episode? Let me know on YouTube or through Rewildology’s social channels! Thanks for listening!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction: A Puma Encounter
02:09 Welcome to Episode 2 of Where the Wild Calls
02:26 Exploring Torres del Paine National Park
06:31 Interview with Nicolas Lagos from Panthera
09:07 Revolutionary Puma Behavior Discoveries
13:55 Puma-rancher conflict
15:29 Panthera’s Puma Coexistence Program
18:43 Fostering pride for pumas
21:26 Visit to Cerro Guido
29:00 Conclusion: The Future of Puma Coexistence in Patagonia
30:46 Join the Adventure: Project Patagonia

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

CONTACTS
Brooke Mitchell, hello@rewildolgy.com

SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Send your ideas to Brooke at hello@rewildolgy.com

Where Dreams Connect Wildernesses: Chile's Route of Parks of Patagonia

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

I'm Brooke Mitchell, and this marks the beginning of Rewildology's new series exploring Chilean Patagonia's magnificent Route of Parks: an epic conservation corridor spanning 1,700 miles, protecting 28 million acres across 17 (soon to be 18) national parks from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn. In this episode, I set the stage for our journey by diving into the region's fascinating natural and human history, from indigenous stewardship spanning 12,000 years to the groundbreaking Tompkins Conservation project that transformed private lands into public parks. Join me as we explore towering granite peaks, ancient Alerce forests, windswept pampas, and vital wetlands—discovering how this visionary conservation model is reshaping our understanding of what's possible when we give nature room to heal. I can't wait to hear what spoke to you most, so drop me a note in the comments! Thanks for listening!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction: A Breathtaking Morning in Patagonia
02:07 The Journey Begins: Exploring Chile's Route of Parks
03:16 Understanding Patagonia's Unique Geography
04:40 The Ancient Forces Shaping Patagonia
07:38 Indigenous Stewardship and European Impact
10:48 The Birth of Chile's National Parks
14:38 The Visionary Tompkins and Their Legacy
18:27 The Global Significance of Patagonia's Conservation
20:26 Conclusion: The Future of Conservation in Patagonia
22:16 Join the Adventure: Project Patagonia

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
March / April - The Wolverine Way by Douglas Chadwick: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

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X: https://x.com/rewildology

TRAILER: Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Journey through Chile's Route of Parks of Patagonia with me, conservation biologist Brooke Mitchell, in this immersive podcast exploring South America's most ambitious rewilding project. From tracking elusive pumas in Torres del Paine National Park to standing beneath 3,000-year-old Alerce trees in Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, from searching for endangered huillín otters in the Maullín River to witnessing the recovery of Darwin's rheas across the Patagonian steppe — I'll take you along every step of this remarkable 1,700-mile conservation corridor. Together, we'll discover how the visionary work of Douglas and Kristine Tompkins transformed private lands into protected wilderness, creating a revolutionary model for ecological restoration that benefits both biodiversity and local communities. Beyond the jaw-dropping landscapes lies a profound transformation in how we protect and restore our planet's wild spaces, a story I can’t wait to share with you.

Episode 1 drops on Earth Day, April 22, 2025!

Watch the trailer on Rewildology's YouTube Channel — https://youtu.be/UwaT_2PnQEk

Trailer Credits:

Editor & Co-Producer — Michelle McConville @batchcapturewild

Writer & Co-Producer — Brooke Mitchell @brookerewild

Donate to Rewildology

Join the Rewildology Book Club

Visit the website to read the full show notes

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

#202 | Lost & Found: Species Rediscoveries & Rewildology’s Next Chapter (Nature Happy Hour #3)

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Rewildology turns four! In this special Nature Happy Hour episode, Brooke and Dr. Charles van Rees, PhD, raise a glass to four years of the show, reflecting on its biggest moments—the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. They also unveil exciting updates for the future before diving into this episode’s theme: New Horizons. From newly discovered species to astonishing rediscoveries of those thought lost to time, Brooke and Charles explore the thrill of nature’s greatest surprises. Grab your favorite drink and join the celebration!

Join the new Rewildology Book Club!

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show.

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to Rewildology's 4th Birthday Celebration!
00:59 Reflecting on Four Years of Rewildology
01:10 Exciting Updates and New Horizons
02:30 Nature Happy Hour with Dr. Charles Van Rees
04:16 Challenges and Triumphs of Podcasting
11:35 Rose, Bud, and Thorn: Reflecting on the Journey
18:33 Future Plans: Themed Seasons and More
22:35 Rewildology Book Club Announcement
32:05 Charles' New Role and Research at UGA
45:35 Rediscovering Species: A Scientist's Perspective
47:04 Integrative Conservation and New Species Discovery
48:18 Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge
49:16 The Joy and Reality of New Species
51:03 Molecular Tools and Cryptic Species
53:34 Rediscovery Missions and Lazarus Species
56:18 The Clouded Tiger Cat Discovery
01:02:05 Vampire Hedgehog and Other Unique Finds
01:08:01 Seamount Expedition and Marine Discoveries
01:13:57 Water Mouse and Pandanus Frogs
01:23:41 Conservation Challenges and New Horizons

#201 | Advancing Marine & Sea Turtle Conservation: Updates from the Field with Brad Nahill

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Join Brooke as she reconnects with Brad Nahill, Co-Founder and President of SEE Turtles, to explore the latest developments in sea turtle and marine conservation. In this episode, Brad shares new challenges and successes from the field, updates on groundbreaking projects like Billion Baby Sea Turtles, and how conservation strategies differ across regions like Central America, Asia, and Africa. They also discuss the role of technology, including AI, in protecting marine biodiversity, the evolution of nonprofit funding models, and Brad’s vision for the future of SEE Turtles and global conservation. If you’re passionate about protecting our oceans and the incredible creatures that call them home, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Support
00:07 The Ancient Sea Turtles and Modern Threats
00:46 Meet Brad Nahill of SEE Turtles
01:12 Updates in Marine Conservation
01:43 SEE Turtles' Mission and Sponsorship
02:40 Reflecting on Past Conversations
03:47 Challenges and Wins in Sea Turtle Conservation
05:35 Global Efforts and Local Success Stories
11:26 Innovative Conservation Strategies
19:15 Billion Baby Sea Turtles Initiative
26:40 Expanding Conservation Efforts
27:57 Exciting Travel Plans for the Year
28:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Cuba
29:39 Popular Trips to Oaxaca
31:12 Record-Breaking Year and Future Plans
35:48 Innovative AI Solutions for Conservation
47:41 The Impact of Technology on Wildlife Conservation
51:41 Future Goals and Vision for SEE Turtles
56:15 Honoring a Legacy and Final Thoughts

#200 | Saving Monarch Butterflies: Conservation, Culture, and Hope with Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñón, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Monarch butterflies are one of the most awe-inspiring species on the planet, undertaking a migration that spans thousands of miles across North America. However, their populations are rapidly declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and agricultural practices. In this episode of Rewildology, we sit down with Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñón, Program Director of Climate Resilient Habitats at the National Wildlife Federation, to explore the challenges and opportunities in monarch conservation. Rebeca shares insights into the cultural significance of monarchs in Mexico, the collaborative efforts between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and the potential impact of listing monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act. We also dive into community-based programs, habitat restoration projects, and actionable steps anyone can take to help pollinators and biodiversity thrive. Don’t miss this engaging conversation about saving one of nature’s most iconic species.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show.

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction and Podcast Support
00:08 The Monarch Butterfly Migration
00:47 Meet Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñon
03:48 Rebeca's Journey into Conservation
10:00 Monarch Butterfly Biology and Migration
18:14 Tracking Monarch Populations
27:33 Challenges Facing Monarch Butterflies
39:34 Collaborative Conservation Efforts
42:04 Community-Based Projects in Mexico
46:00 Cultural Significance of Monarchs in Mexico
56:12 The ESA Proposal and Its Implications
01:05:44 Future Conservation Strategies
01:08:44 Individual Actions for Monarch Conservation
01:15:08 Resources and Final Thoughts

#199 | Sea Otters & Kelp Forests: Rewilding Oregon’s Coast with Chanel Hason

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Rewildology, Brooke sits down with Chanel Hason, Director of Outreach and Community Relations at Elakha Alliance, to explore the ambitious effort to reintroduce sea otters to Oregon’s coastline. Chanel shares her incredible journey from marine biologist to conservation advocate and how Elakha Alliance is working with tribes, scientists, and local communities to restore balance to marine ecosystems. We dive into the vital role sea otters play in controlling sea urchin populations, protecting kelp forests, and fostering resilience along the coast. You’ll learn how grassroots conservation efforts are making waves and why restoring sea otters could be key to Oregon’s coastal future.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:07 The Absence of Sea Otters on the Oregon Coast
00:46 Meet Chanel Hason: From Marine Biologist to Community Leader
03:28 Chanel's Journey: From SeaWorld to Miss Scuba
10:13 The Historical Context of Sea Otters in the U.S.
14:09 The Founding of the Elakha Alliance
16:11 The Impact of Missing Predators on Oregon's Marine Ecosystems
22:31 Efforts to Reintroduce Sea Otters to Oregon
28:12 Socioeconomic Considerations and Future Prospects
31:03 Conservation Tourism and Sea Otters
32:11 Indigenous Communities and Sea Otters
35:22 The Importance of Sea Otters in Ecosystems
40:07 Challenges and Strategies for Kelp Forest Restoration
43:13 Future Goals and Political Advocacy
49:07 Personal Journey and Career Advice
53:42 Supporting Alaka and Sea Otter Conservation
55:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#198 | Saving the Yucatán's Endangered Sea Turtles with Melania López-Castro, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Join Brooke for a conversation with marine biologist Melania López-Castro as she shares her journey protecting endangered sea turtles in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. From tracking mysterious hatchling movements to implementing innovative conservation strategies, Melania discusses her work with Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan to save critically endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. Learn how local communities, scientists, and tourism operators are working together to protect these ancient mariners, and discover how you can support sea turtle conservation in one of their most important nesting grounds worldwide.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Yucatan Peninsula and Sea Turtle Conservation

00:54 Meet Melania Lopez Castro: From Academia to Conservation

05:20 The Journey of Sea Turtles: From Birth to Maturity

10:35 Challenges and Innovations in Sea Turtle Conservation

12:43 The Role of Pronatura in Sea Turtle Conservation

22:48 Tourism and Conservation: Balancing Act in the Yucatan

29:45 Switching from Fishing to Tourism

30:46 Collaborations for Conservation

31:57 Threats from Feral Dogs and Raccoons

37:00 Challenges of Coastal Development

38:40 Environmental Policy in Mexico

45:09 Efforts in Sea Turtle Conservation

51:25 How You Can Help

56:14 Connecting with Nature

#197 | Top Hits 2024: Rewilding Grauer’s Gorillas: The GRACE Story with Laurie Cummins

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

The journey through 2024’s best continues! Here’s the fourth episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—another incredible highlight from the year.

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[Repost] In this episode of Rewildology, host Brooke sits down with Laurie Cummins, the Acting Deputy and Education Director at GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Laurie shares her incredible journey from Michigan to GRACE, where she now plays a crucial role in helping the team on the ground rescue, rehabilitate, and protect the critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas. The conversation explores GRACE's innovative three-pillar approach to conservation, which includes rewilding gorillas, protecting forest habitats, and engaging local communities. Laurie also discusses the organization's groundbreaking work amidst the challenges posed by the civil unrest in the region and highlights the importance of community-driven conservation efforts. Tune in to learn about the remarkable progress being made to save these majestic great apes and how GRACE is setting new standards for conservation worldwide.

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#196 | Top Hits 2024: In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal Part 1 & 2

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

We’re keeping the momentum going! Here’s the third episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—celebrating another standout conversation from the year.

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[Repost] Welcome to the latest 4-part expedition series on Rewildology: “In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal.” In the upcoming four episodes, accompany Brooke on her adventure into the heart of the magnificent Pantanal in Brazil. Delve into the region’s expansive grasslands, winding waterways, and pockets of lush jungle that form distinct habitats within this biodiversity hotspot. Meet local biologists and conservationists diligently working within the Pantanal, and discover the on-the-ground efforts aimed at safeguarding the future of this critical landscape – and the majestic cats that reign over it. In Part 1, join Brooke as she explores São Paulo and unravels the answer to a simple yet crucial question: What exactly is the Pantanal?

[Repost] Welcome to Part 2 of the newest expedition series on Rewildology: “In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal.” In this episode, accompany Brooke and her group as they navigate for hundreds of kilometers along the Paraguay River Basin, encountering incredible wildlife throughout the journey. Listen to insights from Fred Crema, the Expedition Leader, and engage with local communities that reside in the Pantanal. Gain knowledge about the key challenges endangering the Pantanal.

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#195 | Top Hits 2024: Rewilding Chilean Patagonia with Carolina Morgado

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

The countdown continues! Here’s the second episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—another listener favorite you won’t want to miss.

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[Repost] Today is World Rewilding Day and we’re celebrating by releasing this very special episode with Carolina Morgado, the Executive Director of Rewilding Chile! In this conversation, Carolina and Brooke explore so many topics including her serendipitous meeting with Doug Tompkins and her early career with Tompkins Conservation, the evolution of conservation and activism in Chile, the current state of Patagonia, how Rewilding Chile and the Route of the Parks came to be, and the top projects they are working on today.

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#194 | Top Hits 2024: Rewilding Australia on a Continental Scale with John Kanowski, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

The numbers are in for the year! Kick off the countdown with the first episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series.

------------------------------

[Repost] G’day, mates! Today, we're traveling to Australia to learn about rewilding on a continental scale with John Kanowski, PhD, Chief Science Officer at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). In this episode, John and Brooke explore the top conservation issues plaguing the island, notably invasive predators and inferno fires, how AWC is protecting and reintroducing Australia’s endangered mammals, the methods AWC is using to remove introduced predators, collaborating with indigenous communities and land owners to create ideal habitats for wildlife, the tech they’re using to monitor wildlife, the challenges and successes of his career, and so much more.

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#193 | Restoring the American West: Wild Horses, Public Lands, and Rewilding with Manda Kalimian and Ross MacPhee, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this Thanksgiving Special, Brooke sits down with Manda Kalimian and Dr. Ross McPhee from Rewilding America Now to explore their bold mission of restoring the American West by reintroducing wild horses to public lands. Together, they discuss the evolutionary history of horses, their role as keystone species in grassland ecosystems, and the systemic challenges facing conservation on public lands. The conversation also delves into the controversial topics of lithium mining, electric cars, and the broader implications of balancing green initiatives with land restoration. Packed with hope, science, and groundbreaking ideas, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about rewilding and reimagining the future of our landscapes.

00:00 Introduction to the American West 02:15 Conversation with Manda and Ross 02:48 Manda's Journey to Rewilding 05:41 Ross's Academic Perspective 10:14 The Ecological Role of Horses 10:53 Historical Context of Wild Horses 15:10 Rewilding America Now: Vision and Challenges 26:28 The Importance of Grasslands 32:39 Cows vs. Horses: Ecological Impact 39:15 Public Rangelands and Management 40:35 Public Land Management and the Bureau of Land Management 41:28 The American Wild Horse and Burro Act 42:24 Multi-Use of Public Lands 43:57 The Impact of Industrial Lobbying 45:36 Changes in Cattle and Land Use 47:12 Challenges Faced by Small Ranchers 51:09 The Process of Acquiring Grazing Permits 01:00:09 Environmental Impact of Mining 01:10:41 Rewilding America's Rangelands 01:18:31 Future Goals and Community Involvement

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#192 | Rewilding the Planet: Restoring Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Hope with Alister Scott, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brooke sits down with Alister Scott, PhD, Director of Communications for the Global Rewilding Alliance, to uncover the powerful global movement aiming to restore ecosystems and ignite hope. Alister takes us through his inspiring journey from a passionate young environmentalist safeguarding Antarctica to a key leader in the Global Rewilding Alliance, where he's helped expand the network to over 200 partners worldwide. Together, we explore the Alliance’s four guiding pillars, discussing how rewilding is more than ecological restoration—it’s about reuniting people with nature, empowering communities, and envisioning a sustainable future. Through Alister’s story and the Alliance’s impactful work, we’re reminded that even in a world facing environmental crisis, there’s immense power in resilience and collaboration.

00:00 Introduction and Early Life 05:01 Epiphany and Early Activism 07:31 Campaigning and Achievements 09:13 Academic Pursuits and PhD Journey 11:12 Founding the Knowledge Bridge 14:01 Personal Challenges and Coaching 15:53 The One Leadership Project 18:27 Joining the Global Rewilding Alliance 40:47 Rewilding Chile: Building Trust with Local Communities 42:03 Policy and Advocacy in Rewilding 46:12 The Four Pillars of the Global Rewilding Alliance 46:26 The Science of Rewilding: Reanimating the Carbon Cycle 54:47 Joining the Global Rewilding Alliance 01:03:14 The Future of Rewilding: Goals and Hopes 01:09:06 How to Get Involved with Rewilding

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#191 | Island Revival: The Art of Rebuilding Caribbean Ecosystems with Shanna Challenger

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

The Caribbean's offshore islands are treasures of biodiversity, but centuries of human impact and invasive species have pushed many of these delicate ecosystems to the brink. In this episode, Brooke sits down with Shanna Challenger, Offshore Islands Conservation Programme Coordinator of the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) in Antigua and Barbuda, to explore the complex challenges of rewilding islands. From combating invasive species to securing the future of the Antiguan racer snake, Shanna details the dramatic transformations of the islands and the dedication required to revive these delicate ecosystems. Join us as we uncover the successes, challenges, and inspiring stories behind island restoration in the Caribbean.

00:00 Introduction to Caribbean Island Biodiversity 00:36 Meet Shanna Challenger: Island Restoration Expert 01:02 Challenges and Successes in Island Rewilding 02:30 Personal Journey: From Childhood to Conservation 09:21 The Redonda Restoration Project Begins 11:37 Conservation Challenges in the Caribbean 33:01 The Unique Wildlife of Redonda 37:47 Goat Relocation Efforts 43:28 Rat Eradication on Redonda 53:14 Seabirds and Clever Rats 56:08 Rat Eradication Strategy 01:03:34 Impact on Redonda's Ecosystem 01:10:37 Conservation Efforts and Challenges 01:26:54 Future Plans and Community Involvement 01:33:16 How You Can Help 01:45:38 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#190 | Rewilding Grauer’s Gorillas: The GRACE Story with Laurie Cummins

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Rewildology, host Brooke sits down with Laurie Cummins, the Acting Deputy and Education Director at GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Laurie shares her incredible journey from Michigan to GRACE, where she now plays a crucial role in helping the team on the ground rescue, rehabilitate, and protect the critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas. The conversation explores GRACE's innovative three-pillar approach to conservation, which includes rewilding gorillas, protecting forest habitats, and engaging local communities. Laurie also discusses the organization's groundbreaking work amidst the challenges posed by the civil unrest in the region and highlights the importance of community-driven conservation efforts. Tune in to learn about the remarkable progress being made to save these majestic great apes and how GRACE is setting new standards for conservation worldwide.

00:00 Introduction to Grauer's Gorillas 00:41 Meet Laurie Cummins from GRACE 02:41 Laurie's Journey into Conservation 09:53 Understanding Grauer's Gorillas 13:55 Community-Based Conservation at GRACE 22:06 Challenges and Success Stories 43:52 Rewilding Gorillas: From Trauma to Triumph 45:28 Lulingu's Heartwarming Journey 46:16 Integrating Rescued Gorillas into Groups 48:03 The Goal of Rewilding Grauer's Gorillas 48:55 Hands-Off Care and Gorilla Health 51:19 The Community-Driven Corridor Project 01:01:10 Navigating Civil Unrest and Conservation 01:07:53 Future Goals and Personal Motivation 01:13:04 Advice and How to Help

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#189 | Saving Snow Leopards: From Conflict to Coexistence with Tshiring Lama

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Join Brooke for a journey to Nepal's remote Dolpo region, where conservationist Tshiring Lhamu Lama is revolutionizing snow leopard conservation. From witnessing cubs being harmed during her research to founding the women-led Snow Leopard Journey, Tshiring shares her inspiring story of transforming human-wildlife conflict into sustainable coexistence. Discover how she's empowering local communities through innovative tourism, training youth as wildlife guides, and proving that protecting these ethereal cats can create opportunities rather than obstacles. This episode offers a powerful glimpse into the future of conservation, where ancient traditions meet modern solutions, and where saving a species means uplifting the communities who share its home.

00:00 Introduction 00:40 Meet Tshiring Lama: A Conservation Pioneer 02:43 From Childhood to Conservationist 08:31 The Impact of Caterpillar Fungus Harvesting 15:25 Challenges and Solutions in Snow Leopard Conservation 21:31 Innovative Approaches to Coexistence 27:49 Starting Snow Leopard Treks 28:19 Convincing the Community 29:00 Learning from Ladakh 30:19 Training Local Youth 32:51 Challenges and Strategies 34:47 Snow Leopard Tourism Impact 36:36 Upcoming Film: Snow Leopard Sisters 39:16 Personal Struggles and Triumphs 42:22 Balancing Motherhood and Conservation 47:26 Final Thoughts and Message

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#188 | Rewilding Islands to Benefit the Sea: Removing the Land-Ocean Barrier with Coral Wolf [Repost]

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Join us in a compelling exploration of island conservation efforts. Featuring insights from Coral Wolf, Conservation Science Program Manager at Island Conservation, we delve into the critical work of removing invasive species to restore island and marine ecosystems. Discover personal stories from field biologists, the impact of seabird recolonization, and the holistic benefits of projects like the Island Ocean Connection Challenge Campaign. Uncover how these initiatives enhance biodiversity, connect terrestrial and marine environments, and engage local communities. Tune in for an exhilarating snorkel adventure in the Galapagos, and learn how you can support global conservation efforts. [Originally aired February, 2023]

00:00 Introduction and Episode Update 00:47 Women in Conservation Science Series 01:16 Meet Coral Wolf: Journey to Island Conservation 02:23 The Impact of Invasive Species on Islands 05:04 Island Restoration Success Stories 13:20 The Island-Marine Connection 18:43 Harnessing Island-Ocean Connections 30:35 Future of Island and Marine Restoration 33:41 Stakeholders and Their Roles 35:56 Island Restoration Efforts in Palau 37:30 Challenges and Opportunities in Island Conservation 42:30 Personal Insights and Experiences 47:29 Balancing Parenthood and Fieldwork 52:59 Advice for Aspiring Conservationists 54:10 Galapagos Islands: A Magical Experience 58:28 Conclusion and Ways to Support

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#187 | The Battle for Johnson Tract: Mining, Conservation, and Native Rights in Alaska's Wilderness with Jen Woolworth

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this compelling episode of Rewildology, host Brooke Mitchell delves into the controversial Johnson Tract issue with guest Jen Woolworth, Alaska Program Manager at the National Parks Conservation Association. The discussion unravels the complex web of interests surrounding a proposed mining project within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. You will gain insight into the unique history that placed valuable minerals on native-owned land within park boundaries, setting the stage for a clash between conservation efforts, indigenous rights, and resource extraction. Woolworth exposes the marketing tactics employed by mining companies, explains the unconventional review process that has sparked concern, and outlines the potential long-term impacts on wildlife and Alaska's tourism industry. This episode offers a balanced exploration of the economic, environmental, and cultural stakes, ultimately challenging listeners to consider the true value of preserving America's last wild places.

00:00 Introduction to Alaska's Wilderness Battle 00:40 Spotlight on Lake Clark National Park 00:48 Meet Jen Woolworth: Conservation Advocate 03:02 Jen's Journey to Alaska 05:16 Challenges in Federal Job Market 10:24 Transition to Nonprofit Sector 14:16 The Johnson Tract Mine Controversy 17:18 Legal and Environmental Implications 26:57 Mining Interests and Native Corporations 31:58 Funding and Development of Lucky Shot and Johnson Track Mine 32:48 Unique Mining Methods at Johnson Track 34:36 Environmental Concerns and Permitting Issues 37:50 Community Engagement and Public Comment Periods 44:09 Tribal Consultation and Potential Alternatives 51:18 Current Status and Future Actions 56:16 How You Can Help and Final Thoughts

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#186 | Bison's Return: Rewilding Romania's Carpathian Mountains with Gabriele Retez

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Rewildology, host Brooke delves into the groundbreaking European bison reintroduction project in Romania's Carpathian Mountains. Joined by Gabriele Retez, Wildlife Ecologist for WWF-Romania's LIFE with Bison Project, the conversation explores the journey of bringing these majestic creatures back from the brink of extinction. Gabriele shares insights into the project's inception, its ecological impact, and the surprising discoveries about the bison's role in carbon sequestration. The discussion also touches on the delicate balance between conservation efforts and local community adaptation, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the challenges and triumphs of rewilding in the modern world. This episode not only highlights the remarkable resilience of European bison but also showcases how their return is reshaping ecosystems and potentially influencing climate change mitigation strategies, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative approaches to conservation and ecological restoration.

00:00 Introduction to European Bison Reintroduction 00:42 Meet Our Expert: Gabrielle Retez 01:55 Gabrielle's Journey to Studying Bison 04:51 The Bison Reintroduction Program in Romania 07:57 Challenges and Strategies in Bison Management 09:13 Scientific Insights and Findings 22:21 Bison's Role in Carbon Sequestration 33:45 Challenges of Species Reintroduction 34:30 Conflicts with Local Communities 36:10 Learning from Past Rewilding Efforts 41:07 Human-Wildlife Coexistence 49:51 Future of Bison Reintroduction 56:28 Defining Success in Rewilding 01:02:30 Personal Reflections and Future Directions

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#185 | Revolutionizing Mountain Gorilla Conservation: The One Health Approach with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0000

In this special World Gorilla Day episode of Rewildology, host Brooke Mitchell sits down with renowned conservationist and author, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. As Uganda's first wildlife veterinarian and founder of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), Dr. Gladys shares her groundbreaking 'One Health' approach to gorilla conservation. The conversation spans her journey from studying gorilla parasites in 1994 to founding CTPH, which addresses both human and wildlife health to conserve mountain gorillas. Learn about her innovative projects that benefit local communities through alternative livelihoods like Gorilla Conservation Coffee, and her reflections on engaging women in conservation. This episode offers a deeper understanding of the ties between human health and wildlife conservation and provides actionable insights on how you can make a difference.

00:00 Introduction to Gorilla Conservation 00:35 Meet Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka 02:30 Dr. Gladys' First Encounter with Gorillas 05:58 Challenges in Gorilla Conservation 08:46 Becoming Uganda's First Wildlife Veterinarian 13:00 The Scabies Outbreak 20:50 Founding Conservation Through Public Health 37:27 Launching the Volunteer Program 37:56 Family Planning and Community Involvement 40:15 Gorilla Conservation Coffee Initiative 47:12 Expanding Conservation Efforts 55:08 Writing the Book and Personal Reflections 01:03:48 Advice and Final Thoughts

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#184 | The Magical & Mysterious Lives of Octopuses with David Scheel, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Dive into the mesmerizing world of octopuses with conservation biologist Brooke Mitchell and Dr. David Scheel, a renowned marine biologist and author of 'Many Things Under a Rock, The Mysteries of Octopuses'! In this episode, David shares his 25 years of experience studying these fascinating cephalopods. Discover octopuses' unique behaviors, their intelligence, social interactions, and cultural importance, especially among Alaskan indigenous communities. Learn about their conservation status and what makes these creatures so captivating. David also discusses the challenges and future directions of octopus research and conservation. Don't miss this intriguing conversation and remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow ocean lovers!

00:00 Introduction to the Mystical World of Octopuses 00:35 Meet the Expert: David Scheel, PhD 02:21 Diving into Octopus Behavior and Intelligence 10:07 Octopus Biology 101 13:21 Social Lives of Octopuses 21:31 Understanding Octopus Intelligence 31:37 Octopus Camouflage Techniques 34:33 Octopus Vision and Color Perception 37:41 Cultural Significance of Octopuses 46:12 Challenges in Octopus Conservation 56:23 Future of Octopus Research 59:49 Resources and Further Reading

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#183 | Bringing Rhinos Back to Hwange Part 2 with Mark ‘Butch’ Butcher

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this special update episode of Rewildology, host Brooke Mitchell sits down with Mark 'Butch' Butcher to discuss the groundbreaking developments in the white rhino reintroduction efforts in the Hwange ecosystem, Zimbabwe. Revisiting their initial conversation from World Rhino Day 2022, Butch shares the latest successes and upcoming plans of Imvelo and its NGO partner, CRCI, including the establishment of a second rhino sanctuary driven by community involvement. They explore the socio-economic benefits of conservation, the role of local communities, the complexities of reintroduction, and the innovative approach of integrating computer-literate women into the conservation efforts. Tune in to hear the inspiring and hope-giving conversation that highlights the potential for conservation to transform local communities while protecting endangered species.

00:00 Introduction to Rewildology 00:35 Exciting Update from Imvelo 01:52 Conversation with Butch 02:26 Community Rhino Conservation Initiative 03:47 Challenges and Successes 04:34 Future Plans and Community Involvement 06:54 Sanctuary Development and Protection 13:05 Tourism and Socioeconomic Benefits 16:35 Volunteerism and Education Initiatives 19:07 Affordable Safari Options 19:30 Balancing Luxury and Conservation 23:03 Community Involvement in Rhino Conservation 23:39 Challenges and Solutions in Wildlife and Cattle Coexistence 26:41 Scaling the Rhino Reintroduction Project 28:29 Government and NGO Support 31:35 Empowering Women in Conservation 35:32 Upcoming Rhino Relocation

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#182 | Bushmasters of the Mountain: Conserving the Wolverine Way of Life with Douglas Chadwick

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Rewildology, we dive into the fascinating world of wolverines with renowned author and wildlife biologist Douglas Chadwick. Drawing from his book "The Wolverine Way" and recent scientific research, we explore the current status of these elusive and hardy creatures across their vast range in North America, Europe, and Asia. Chadwick shares insights into the unique adaptations and behaviors that make wolverines the true "bushmasters of the mountains." We discuss the complex challenges facing wolverine populations, including climate change, habitat fragmentation, and human disturbance, while also examining conservation efforts and success stories from around the globe. From the snowy peaks of the Rockies to the boreal forests of Scandinavia, this episode offers listeners an in-depth look at one of nature's toughest survivors and the critical efforts to preserve their way of life in our rapidly changing world.

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Focusrite.

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#181 | Tigers Return: Rewilding Satkosia with Aditya Panda

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, host Brooke delves into the ambitious tiger reintroduction efforts at Satkosia Tiger Reserve with conservationist Aditya Panda. The conversation traces the history of tiger conservation in India, focusing on the challenges faced in the East-Central landscape. Panda shares insights from the unsuccessful 2018 tiger translocation attempt and details the comprehensive preparations underway for a new reintroduction. These efforts include voluntary relocation of communities, strengthening anti-poaching measures, and restoring the prey base. The episode highlights the complexities of wildlife conservation, balancing ecological needs with community welfare, and the innovative strategies being employed to ensure the tigers' successful return to Satkosia.

Visit the website to read the full show notes. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

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#180 | From Howls to Headphones: Amplifying Wolf Conservation with John Calfa III and Stephen Rivera

Brooke Mitchell — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this special crossover episode, Rewildology teams up with the hosts of the Wolf Connection Podcast to explore the intersection of wildlife conservation and digital media. Join Brooke as she speaks with John Calfa and Stephen Rivera about their work at Wolf Connection, a unique sanctuary where rescued wolves become teachers. Discover how their podcast is amplifying wolf conservation efforts, learn about the transformative power of Wolf Therapy®, and delve into the ways storytelling and technology are reshaping our connection to wildlife.

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#179 | Carnivores, Conservation, and Camera Lights: The Inspiring Path of Rae Wynn-Grant, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brooke sits with Rae Wynn-Grant, PhD, a trailblazing ecologist and the newest co-host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Dr. Wynn-Grant takes us on a journey from her childhood aspirations to her groundbreaking work in carnivore research, offering a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of being a Black woman in wildlife ecology. She shares insights on the changing landscape of diversity in conservation, her shift towards a human-focused approach in her work, and the thrill of reaching her ultimate dream as a Wild Kingdom host. With her unique perspective on science communication and overcoming personal and professional obstacles, Rae provides invaluable advice for aspiring conservationists and anyone passionate about making a difference in the natural world. This episode is a masterclass in perseverance, innovation, and the power of representation in shaping the future of conservation science.

Read full show notes at the website. Recording gear provided by Focusrite.

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#178 | From Wilderness to Living Rooms: Exploring Wild Kingdom’s Legacy with Peter Gros

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Today we are going on an extraordinary journey through the world of wildlife television and conservation with Peter Gros, the legendary host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. In this episode, Peter shares behind-the-scenes stories from his decades-long career, from meeting his hero Jim Fowler to witnessing the evolution of public perception towards misunderstood species. We explore the rich history of Wild Kingdom, discuss significant conservation victories, and get Peter's insights on the growing rewilding movement.

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#177 | Framing the Future: Photography's Power in Conservation Storytelling with Mark Bernards

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Rewildology, host Brooke explores the powerful intersection of science, art, and conservation through the lens of wildlife photographer Mark Bernards. Winner of Rewildology's 2024 Earth Day Photo contest, Mark shares his inspiring journey from childhood nature enthusiast to accomplished conservation storyteller. You will gain valuable insights into wildlife photography techniques, the art of visual storytelling for conservation, and how parenthood has reshaped Mark's perspective on his work and the future of our planet. Whether you're an aspiring photographer, seasoned conservationist, or simply curious about the natural world, this episode offers a unique blend of practical advice, personal reflection, and a deep dive into the transformative power of wildlife imagery in conservation efforts.

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#176 | Banded for Life: Unexpected Stories from the Frontlines of Armadillo Conservation with Mariella Superina, DVM, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this exciting installment of Rewildology's "Conservation Chronicles: Stories from the field" series, host Brooke sits down with Mariella Superina, DVM, PhD, a renowned armadillo researcher, to explore her most memorable experiences in wildlife conservation. The episode promises a thrilling journey through Mariella's unexpected adventures, including confrontations with poachers in remote deserts, late-night animal rescues, and heartwarming interactions with local communities. You can expect to hear about Mariella's unconventional experiences, such as raising an armadillo colony in her backyard and witnessing an unlikely bond between her dog and a rescued armadillo. The conversation also touches on updates to Mariella's work since her last appearance on the show, providing a mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights into the world of armadillo research and conservation.

Read full show notes at the website. Recording gear provided by Focusrite.

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#175 | Lions, Wild Dogs, Vultures and Communities: Conserving Botswana's Iconic Wildlife with Glyn Maude, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Join Brooke for a captivating journey into Botswana's incredible wilderness! Today’s guest is Glyn Maude, PhD, the Director of Kalahari Research and Conservation, who has spent decades protecting some of Africa's most iconic species. In this episode, Glyn takes us deep into the world of wild dog and lion conservation. We'll explore the intricate predator-prey dynamics, the vital role of local communities, and the latest groundbreaking research conducted by KRC. From tracking elusive painted wolf packs to monitoring powerful lion prides, Glyn shares insights, personal stories, and the biggest threats facing Botswana's majestic wildlife. You'll also learn about KRC's work to safeguard vulnerable vulture populations. Get ready for an adventure through the stunning Kalahari region and beyond!

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

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#174 | From Hatchlings to High Seas: Chatting Sea Turtle Conservation with Brad Nahill and Christine Figgener, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Join Rewildology host, Brooke, for a special sea turtle episode in celebration of World Sea Turtle Day! We revisit insightful conversations with Brad Nahill from SEE Turtles and Dr. Christine Figgener from COASTS. Brad shares his knowledge about the different sea turtle species, their conservation statuses, and the major threats they face. Christine, known for her viral video of removing a straw from a sea turtle's nose, discusses the ocean plastic crisis and what we can do to help protect these ancient mariners. Dive into this engaging episode to learn from two passionate conservationists dedicated to safeguarding sea turtles for future generations.

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#173 | Wildcats and Wildfires: Protecting Lynx in a Changing Cascades Landscape with Carmen Vanbianchi

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Today, Brooke is joined by Carmen Vanbianchi, Co-founder and Reserach Director of Home Range, a nonprofit dedicated to conserving the lynx and its habitat in Washington's Cascade Mountains. Carmen shares her inspiring journey from studying this elusive cat as a graduate student to starting her own organization to protect it. They dive deep into the unique ecology of the Cascades, learning about the lynx's amazing adaptations and the threats it faces from habitat loss, climate change, and increased recreation. Carmen offers insights into Home Range's multifaceted efforts - from field research to community outreach initiatives fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife. You'll also gain a greater appreciation for the recent surge in catastrophic wildfires ravaging the West and how these events impact not just lynx but bears and other species. Brimming with passion and commitment, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in conservation, wildlife biology, or simply being inspired by those working to protect our natural world.

The Home Range Wildlife Research Lynx and Wildfire Project is made possible with funding support from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and through a partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). All capture and collaring activities are performed under USFWS permit #PER2937435.

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#172 | Shark Tales: Stories from the Life of a Shark Biologist with Frida Lara, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 30 May 2024 14:05:28 +0000

In this captivating episode, shark biologist Frida Lara, PhD takes us into the depths of her incredible career working with sharks. From awe-inspiring moments to hair-raising encounters, Frida regales with a collection of unforgettable tales etched into her memory. She relives the fear of coming face-to-face with an agitated tiger shark, shares thrilling updates on her research studying silky shark, and describes the amazing experience of being joined by famous film crews documenting her work. Buckle up for a riveting ride through the life of this daring scientist committed to better understanding and safeguarding our oceanic ecosystems.

Listen to Frida's first episode on Rewildology: #116 Show Notes | Saving Sharks through Science & Community-Based Tourism with Frida Lara, PhD

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#171 | Rediscovering Lost Species through Expeditions & Tech Innovations with Scott Trageser

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 23 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this fascinating episode, host Brooke Mitchell talks to Scott Trageser, the Executive Director of The Biodiversity Group, about his groundbreaking work in conserving and rediscovering lost species around the world. Scott shares his incredible journey leading (Re)Discovery Expeditions to find new or thought-to-be-extinct species and protect vital habitats. He discusses developing revolutionary 3D scanning technology to study live animals without removing them from the wild. Despite facing immense challenges like arrest warrants and betrayals, Scott persevered, raising funds for numerous NGOs. The conversation dives into the measurable impact of The Biodiversity Group's efforts as well as Scott's own trials, triumphs, and innovative approaches to shining a light on overlooked species. It's an inspiring look at the dedication required to make a real difference in global conservation.

Read full show notes at the website. Recording gear provided by Focusrite.

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#170 | Endangered Species Day Special! Blue Whales of the Galapagos Islands with Daniela Alarcón

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Celebrate Endangered Species Day by diving into the fascinating world of blue whales, the largest species to ever exist on Earth. In this special episode, host Brooke is joined by Daniela Alarcón, a cetacean researcher who was part of the first team to successfully tag a blue whale in the Galapagos Islands. Daniela shares her extensive knowledge, covering the challenges of studying these elusive creatures, their incredible size and behavior, migration patterns, and the crucial conservation efforts underway to protect this endangered species. Her enthusiasm and expertise provide an in-depth, captivating look at blue whales and the important work being done to ensure their survival.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

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#169 | Conservation Psychology in Action: Insights from South Africa with Stephanie Klarmann, PhD and Karabo Magakane

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 09 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Rewildology, we explore the power of conservation psychology and photography to drive behavior change and protect South Africa's iconic wildlife. Host Brooke Mitchell sits down with Stephanie Klarmann, PhD, a pioneering researcher in the emerging field of conservation psychology, and Karabo Magakane, a Wild Shots Outreach leader using her photography skills to reconnect communities to nature. Stephanie and Karabo provide an unflinching look at the complex cultural and socioeconomic dynamics underlying most conservation issues in the country They also share inspiring examples of how shifting human attitudes through approaches like conservation psychology and photography can help ensure South Africa's unparalleled biodiversity survives for future generations. It's a candid discussion filled with hope about the role everyday citizens can play in protecting and rewilding their environments.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

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#168 | Koalas 101: Debunking Myths and Revealing Truths with Danielle Clode, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 02 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this special minisode, get ready to dive deep into the world of koalas with host Brooke and renowned koala expert, Danielle Clode, PhD, author of "Koala: A Natural History and an Uncertain Future." Celebrating Wild Koala Day on May 3rd, Brooke and Danielle unpack the mysteries surrounding these iconic marsupials, from their unique dietary habits to the secrets of their microbiome. Together, they debunk common myths and shed light on fascinating truths about koalas, including their enigmatic behavior on the ground and their leisurely lifestyle in the treetops. If you're captivated by koalas or curious about their conservation, this episode is a must-listen. And don't forget to explore more about koalas in Episode 129, where Danielle delves into the pressing conservation challenges facing these beloved creatures. Plus, be sure to grab a copy of Danielle's insightful book for an even deeper dive into the world of koalas. So sit back, relax, and join Brooke and Danielle for a koala-filled adventure!

Listen to the full episode: #129 Show Notes | Koalas: Conserving Australia’s Most Iconic Species with Danielle Clode, PhD

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#167 | Rewilding at Home: The Garden For Wildlife Story with Shubber Ali

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Get your shovels and garden gloves ready for this week’s episode! Today we are going against the grain and flipping our relationship with our backyards. In this episode, Brooke sits down with Shubber Ali, CEO of Garden for Wildlife - an organization that is transforming residential landscapes into thriving habitats for local wildlife species.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#166 | Rediscovering the Short-Tailed Roundleaf Bat in Nigeria with Iroro Tanshi

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +0000

April 17th is Bat Appreciation Day, and to celebrate, we’re releasing this special minisode to share with you Iroro Tanshi’s incredible story about rediscovering the short-tailed roundleaf bat in her home country of Nigeria. We rarely have the opportunity to find a lost species, and sometimes, magical moments like this one come to us.

Listen to the full episode: #36 Show Notes | Rescuing An Endangered Bat From the Edge of Extinction with Iroro Tanshi Submit your photo in our 2024 Earth Day Photo Contest: Earth Day 2024 Photo Contest

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#165 | Into the Deep: Unveiling the Risks and Opportunities of Underwater Storytelling with Andrew Budziak

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the third episode in the super fun mini-series "Conservation Chronicles: Tales from the Field”! The next storyteller in this series is Andrew Budziak, published conservation photographer and filmmaker. In this conversation, Andrew shares scary mishaps while diving and what he learned to avoid dangerous situations in the future. He also gives us a sneak peek into the new and very exciting documentary he’s working on, which also involves diving in some of the most extreme conditions.

Join Rewildology's 2024 Earth Day Contest: https://wp.me/Pc0Wt6-2bD Listen to Andrew's previous episode on Rewildology: https://wp.me/pc0Wt6-1UM

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#164 | In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal Part 4: The Land of Ocelots

Brooke Mitchell — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 14:00:53 +0000

Welcome to the final episode of the newest expedition series on Rewildology: "In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal." In this episode, Brooke shares her adventures through the southern Pantanal at Fazenda San Francisco, introduces you to resident ocelot researcher Henrique Villas Boas Concone, and provides her final thoughts from her explorations in this critically important habitat.

This expedition was documented in August 2023 during The Wild Source’s Realm of the Jaguar group trip. For additional information about this expedition, visit: https://thewildsource.com/realm-of-the-jaguar-brazils-pantanal/

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#163 | Special Episode! Rewilding Chilean Patagonia with Carolina Morgado

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:41:52 +0000

Today is World Rewilding Day and we’re celebrating by releasing this very special episode with Carolina Morgado, the Executive Director of Rewilding Chile! In this conversation, Carolina and Brooke explore so many topics including her serendipitous meeting with Doug Tompkins and her early career with Tompkins Conservation, the evolution of conservation and activism in Chile, the current state of Patagonia, how Rewilding Chile and the Route of the Parks came to be, and the top projects they are working on today.

Read full show notes at the website. Recording gear provided by Focusrite.

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#162 | In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal Part 3: Pantanal's Jaguars

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 11:58:25 +0000

Welcome to Part 3 of the newest expedition series on Rewildology: 'In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal.' In this episode, Brooke sits down with Abbie Martin, the Founder of the Jaguar Identification Project, to delve into everything there is to know about the jaguars of the Pantanal. Brooke also shares clips from her own jaguar sightings in the area.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#161 | In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal Part 2: Exploring the Paraguay River

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 13:35:09 +0000

Welcome to Part 2 of the newest expedition series on Rewildology: "In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal." In this episode, accompany Brooke and her group as they navigate for hundreds of kilometers along the Paraguay River Basin, encountering incredible wildlife throughout the journey. Listen to insights from Fred Crema, the Expedition Leader, and engage with local communities that reside in the Pantanal. Gain knowledge about the key challenges endangering the Pantanal.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#160 | In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal Part 1: What is the Pantanal?

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 13:23:36 +0000

Welcome to the latest 4-part expedition series on Rewildology: "In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal.” In the upcoming four episodes, accompany Brooke on her adventure into the heart of the magnificent Pantanal in Brazil. Delve into the region's expansive grasslands, winding waterways, and pockets of lush jungle that form distinct habitats within this biodiversity hotspot. Meet local biologists and conservationists diligently working within the Pantanal, and discover the on-the-ground efforts aimed at safeguarding the future of this critical landscape – and the majestic cats that reign over it. In Part 1, join Brooke as she explores São Paulo and unravels the answer to a simple yet crucial question: What exactly is the Pantanal?

This expedition was documented in August 2023 during The Wild Source's Realm of the Jaguar group trip. For additional information about this expedition, visit: https://thewildsource.com/realm-of-the-jaguar-brazils-pantanal/

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#159 | Sharkapalooza! Science, Facts, and Conservation of Central America’s Sharks with Frida Lara, PhD & Camila Arnés

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this 30-minute, information-packed episode, you’ll hear from two badass women shark biologists who have starred on the show: Frida Lara, PhD, shark researcher, tour guide, and Co-Founder of Orgcas in Mexico; and Camila Arnés, hammerhead and thresher shark researcher in the Galapagos Islands. Both discuss the insightful studies they conducted to understand shark behavior and movement patterns in their study region and share lots of facts about sharks, some of which may surprise you.

Open Volunteer Positions at Rewildology (Deadline to apply: February 19th, 2024): https://rewildology.com/volunteer-opportunities/

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

Follow Rewildology Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologists Instagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/

#158 | Nature Happy Hour #2: The Saga of Jaguars in the US, A New Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area, & Cicada Explosions with Brooke + Charles

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:40:36 +0000

Today’s episode is the second conversation in the Nature Happy Hour mini-series where I sit down with my good friend and fellow conservation scientist, Charles van Rees, PhD. In true happy hour fashion, Charles and I begin the conversation by catching up on everything that’s happened since we last sat down in October, including Rewildology’s 3rd birthday, volunteer opportunities with the show, and news from Charles’ work in nature-based solutions. Following, we dive into three conservation headlines: the saga of jaguars in the US, the first Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area in America, and the upcoming cicada population explosion.

If you’d like to skip our opening banter and head straight to the top headlines, fast forward to around the 30-minute mark. Don’t worry. We won’t be offended if you do.

Open Volunteer Positions at Rewildology (Deadline to apply: February 19th, 2024): https://rewildology.com/volunteer-opportunities/

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#157 | Rewilding Australia on a Continental Scale with John Kanowski, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 05:00:00 +0000

G’day, mates! Today, we're traveling to Australia to learn about rewilding on a continental scale with John Kanowski, PhD, Chief Science Officer at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). In this episode, John and Brooke explore the top conservation issues plaguing the island, notably invasive predators and inferno fires, how AWC is protecting and reintroducing Australia’s endangered mammals, the methods AWC is using to remove introduced predators, collaborating with indigenous communities and land owners to create ideal habitats for wildlife, the tech they’re using to monitor wildlife, the challenges and successes of his career, and so much more.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#156 | Remote Evacs & Close Wildlife Encounters: Adventures in Conservation Travel with Court Whelan, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Today’s conversation is the second episode in the super fun mini-series called "Conservation Chronicles: Tales from the Field” where I sit down with a former guest to explore the most unforgettable tales etched in their memory. The next storyteller in this series is Court Whelan, PhD, Chief Sustainability Officer at Natural Habitat Adventures. Prepare yourself for remote medical evacuations, lost travelers, an intimidating silverback, and so much more.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#155 | Educating for the Wild: A Quest to Save Painted Dogs with Wilton Nsimango

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 12:55:10 +0000

Today we are traveling to Zimbabwe to meet an inspiring man, Wilton Nsimango, who is changing the future for wild dogs and children. After teaching in the country’s education sector for 17 years, Wilton felt called to work in wildlife conservation and joined Painted Dog Conservation in 2004. He leads PDC's robust education program that includes a Children's Bush Camp, a Visitors Centre at the entrance to Hwange National Park, collaborative art projects, conservation clubs, and community gardens. Whether you’re a conservation educator, carnivore specialist, or wildlife enthusiast, get ready for a dynamic intersection of conservation, education, and community upliftment in this inspiring episode with Wilton Nsimango.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#154 | Nature Happy Hour #1: Colors in Nature with Brooke and Charles

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the debut episode of the show’s newest series 'Nature Happy Hour'! Joining Brooke for these conversations is her great friend and brilliant conservation scientist, Dr. Charles van Rees, PhD. In this color-inspired episode, Brooke and Charles go back and forth sharing a few of their favorite sightings - with lots of stories in-between. Charles also goes into the science behind why animals like birds and insects are far more colorful than their mammalian counterparts.

Share your favorite colorful encounters in nature, send in your burning questions, and let us know what topics you'd love us to cover in future episodes. You can connect with the show on all of the social media platforms @Rewildology.

Bird calls in the episode were used with permission by the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab. Download the Merlin App for yourself! https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#153 | In Focus: Conservation Storytelling Through Ethical Photography with the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 06:00:36 +0000

Today’s roundtable episode is a deep dive into the realm of conservation photography and how ethical photographers spotlight pressing issues through impactful visual storytelling. Joining Brooke are four talented photographers from the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective: Josh DeLeenheer, Chelsie Xavier-Blower, Ray Maichin, and Donna Feledichuk, PhD. Together they discuss ethical photography practices, how to convey complex concepts through images, the power of giving a voice to overlooked species, AI in conservation media, leveraging photography’s power for policy change, and the CCPC’s most recent campaign, Crossing Paths. Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/ Subscribe to the Show YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Rewildology Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=6857dd2795144949 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewildology/id1549581778 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rewildology-1588980 PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/j4552-193b7c/Rewildology-Podcast Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/Rewildology-id5300079?country=us Amazon/Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Rewildology/dp/B08JJT8D4F iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rewildology-77329541/ Follow Rewildology Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologists Instagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/

#152 | Safeguarding Sumatra’s Endangered Ecosystems with Jane Dunlop

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 13:24:34 +0000

In this episode of Rewildology, we embark on an inspiring journey through the heart of Sumatra with Jane Dunlop, co-founder of EcosystemImpact, āluān, and Mahi-Mahi Surf Resort. From the pivotal moment that ignited her passion to the challenges and triumphs of safeguarding Sumatra's endangered ecosystems, Jane's tale is a testament to the power of purpose. We delve into the conservation issues plaguing the island and how her three organizations address each issue in an impactful way, while exploring the powerful connection between for-profit and non-profit collaboration. Join Brooke for a captivating conversation that touches on family, the challenges of Jane's journey, her future goals, and how you can be a part of the movement to preserve Sumatra's natural wonders.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#151 | Antarctic Whiteouts and Peruvian Parasites: Close Calls in the Field with Allison Cusick

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

This episode marks the launch of Rewildology’s newest mini-series called "Conservation Chronicles: Tales from the Field"! Join us for a pulse-pounding adventure as we dive into the thrilling world of conservation with Allison Cusick, a polar guide and researcher. Allison shares captivating tales from the field, including heart-stopping encounters with Antarctica’s ever-changing weather and incredible wildlife, and close calls with nasty Amazonian parasites. Through her stories, we unravel the dedication and resilience required for conservation work in some of the planet's most extreme environments.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#150 | Let’s Get Sloth-ucated! with Sam Trull & Diorene Smith, DVM

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

This week's episode of Rewildology celebrates International Sloth Day by getting us "sloth-ucated" on the fascinating world of sloths. With insights from Sam Trull, Co-founder and Executive Director of The Sloth Institute, and Diorene Smith, DVM, the world's leading pygmy sloth researcher, the episode delves into sloth's natural history, dispels myths about their slow movements, and explores the unique features of pygmy sloths. Settle in for a relaxed, informative journey through the fascinating world of these beloved and peculiar creatures.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#149 | Reviving the Wild: Exploring Portugal's Rewilding Revolution with Pedro Prata

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

In this captivating episode of Rewildology, we are joined by Pedro Prata, the Team Leader of Rewilding Portugal, whose life's journey from a childhood spent in the wild landscapes of Portugal to becoming a conservation and restoration leader is nothing short of inspiring. Pedro shares his early inspirations, the invaluable takeaways from his international conservation experiences, and his heartfelt return to Portugal. He sheds light on the ambitious Rewilding Portugal project, with its central focus on the Coa Valley, addressing the top threats to Portugal's wildlands and the strategies employed for restoration. From carnivore reintroduction to water conservation, Pedro offers a glimpse into the intricacies of rewilding and its importance, while also highlighting the integration of nature tourism for long-term conservation success. This episode takes you on a compelling journey through Pedro's dedication to preserving Portugal's natural wonders and the resilience of nature itself.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#148 | August’s Sample Collection: Tennessee Elk, Wildlife Drones, Conservation Fine Art, & Brazilian Dolphins

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 15:23:46 +0000

August 2023 is here and gone! If you missed one of August's wide-ranging episodes and would like to hear a little snippet before diving into the full thing, listen to these highlights and then go back to the episode that piques your interest the most.

Episode Recaps: #144 | Restoring Elk in the Tennessee Mountains with Lisa Muller, PhD #145 | Revolutionizing Wildlife Tracking Technology with Debbie Saunders, PhD #146 | Raising Conservation Awareness through Fine Art with Ramón Casares #147 | Persistence: The Key to Saving Brazil’s Lahille’s Bottlenose Dolphin with Pedro Fruet. PhD (Repost)

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#147 | Persistence: The Key to Saving Brazil’s Lahille’s Bottlenose Dolphin with Pedro Fruet. PhD (Repost)

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Brooke is currently traveling to Brazil! To celebrate, please enjoy this conversation with Pedro Fruet, PhD, world-leading Lahille's bottlenose dolphin researcher in Brazil. This episode originally aired in July 2021.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#146 | Raising Conservation Awareness through Fine Art with Ramón Casares

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Ramón Casares is the creator of the Ex Situ Rescued Wildlife Fine Art Photography Gallery. He has traveled all over the world taking stunning photographs of rescued animals and sharing their story with the high-end art community. Ramón and I have a deep discussion about his childhood and how his mother and father influenced the work he pursues today, why he got into photography, how the idea for the Ex-Situ Gallery came to him, how he picks his subjects and the logistics behind his photography, his pursuit into the art world and why he decided to make high-end art consumers his target demographic, what he sees as the road forward for positive change, and his hopes for the future of Ex-Situ and conservation as a whole.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#145 | Revolutionizing Wildlife Tracking Technology with Debbie Saunders, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 10:54:08 +0000

To teach us about advancing radio-telemetry tracking technology, in this episode, I’m sitting down with Debbie Saunders, PhD, founder of Wildlife Drones in Australia. Debbie and I have a lovely time chatting about her story and how she found herself studying swift parrots, how she switched from studying wildlife ecology to building a tech startup, how Wildlife Drones’ radio-telemetry system works, her favorite stories from the field, and how the company is innovating for the future.

Read full show notes at the website. Recording gear provided by Focusrite.

Support the Show Donate Rewildology Swag Store

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#144 | Restoring Elk in the Tennessee Mountains with Lisa Muller, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

To teach us about elk restoration in the Appalachians, in this episode, I’m sitting down with Lisa Muller, PhD, Professor and Assistant Director in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Tennessee. Lisa and I have a fantastic time exploring her story and how she became the lead of the elk restoration project in Tennessee, the history of elk in the Appalachians, the day elk returned to Tennessee’s mountains, the innovative conservation tech she and her team is using to monitor the herd, her struggles along the way, and her hopes for the future.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#143 | Into the Headlines: The End of Greenwashing? And More

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +0000

A lot has happened since the last time I did an Into the Headlines episode and I’ve been holding onto a few topics that I wanted to discuss with you: first, the possible end of greenwashing (carbon credits), second, updates from CITES on African carnivores, and some other fun updates that I’ve been collecting from the past few months.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/ Subscribe to the Show YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Rewildology Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=6857dd2795144949 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewildology/id1549581778 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rewildology-1588980 PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/j4552-193b7c/Rewildology-Podcast Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/Rewildology-id5300079?country=us Amazon/Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Rewildology/dp/B08JJT8D4F iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rewildology-77329541/

#142 | Protecting & Conserving Antarctica’s Marine Mammals with Ari Friedlaender, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +0000

To learn about Antarctica’s cetaceans, today I sat down with Ari Friedlaeder, PhD, professor of Ocean Sciences and Marine Sciences at UC Santa Cruz, and the principal investigator at the Friedlaeder Bio-Telemetry & Behavioral Ecology Lab. Ari and I explore the foundational years of his life, including how his sports background helped him become a better marine biologist, when and how whales entered his life, the magical opportunity that began his career in Antarctica, all things Antarctic cetaceans, the discoveries he’s made about whales through the use of innovative tech, how he started his relationship with the tourism industry, the costs and benefits of tourism in Antarctica, if the region’s fisheries should be shut down or modified, lots of stories in the field, and how he’s now shifting his focus to mentoring students and spending time at home with his wife and young children.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#141 | Filming the Lives of Canada’s Urban Wildlife with Andrew Budziak

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Andrew Budziak is a Canadian wildlife photographer and filmmaker, and specializes in urban wildlife. His recently-released 6-part docuseries visits multiple urban centers across Canada, showcasing both the pleasures of visiting cultural hubs, and the wildlife that call them home. I sat down with Andrew to discuss how wildlife photography and filmmaking entered his life after receiving training in journalism, how he decides which projects to take on, when he became obsessed with urban wildlife, how the idea for Edge of Frame came to be, how he balances his workload with being a father and husband, and what he hopes to see in the future to protect the wildlife that has learned to live with us.

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one

Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/

#140 | Pioneering Sustainable Tourism in Patagonia with Liliana Kusanovic

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +0000

To virtually explore Patagonia, I invited Liliana Kusanovic onto the show. Liliana and I discuss so much including why her father decided to go into hospitality when he had no experience in the field, how her family’s land went from being a failing cattle business to a thriving sustainable tourism destination called Las Torres Reserve, the methods they used to increase wildlife biodiversity on their land, how conservation and tourism in Patagonia have changed over the years, the sustainable practices they’ve adopted, and her hopes for the future.

Vote for Las Torres Reserve for the 2023 World Travel Awards! https://lastorres.com/en/news/las-torres-is-nominated-for-the-world-travel-awards-2023-in-south-american-responsible-tourism/

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one Support the Show Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F78QPCYDUBDGC Rewildology Swag Store: https://rewildology.com/shop/ Subscribe to the Show YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Rewildology Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=6857dd2795144949 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewildology/id1549581778 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rewildology-1588980 PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/j4552-193b7c/Rewildology-Podcast Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/Rewildology-id5300079?country=us Amazon/Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Rewildology/dp/B08JJT8D4F iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rewildology-77329541/ Follow Rewildology Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologists Instagram: https://instagram.com/rewildology/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/

#139 | Rewildology’s Wildest Hits Series Recap

Brooke Mitchell — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +0000

The show’s Wildest Hits series has officially concluded! The episodes ranged across the show’s two and half year life span with diverse topics and guests. In case you missed an episode and would like to hear a little snippet before diving into the full thing, check out these highlights and then go back to the episode that piques your interest the most.

Episode Recaps: #134 | Saving the Elephants of Laos with Michael Vogler; Wildest Hits Vol. 1 #135 | Coexisting with Europe’s Large Carnivores with John Linnell, PhD; Wildest Hits Vol. 2 #136 | Conserving Antarctica’s Penguins & Seals Using Tools from Space with Michelle LaRue, PhD; Wildest Hits Vol. 3 #137 | Wolves of the American West: Politics & Preservation with Aaron Bott; Wildest Hits Vol. 4 #138 | Birds, Beers & Travel with Sheridan Samano; Wildest Hits Vol. 5

Read full show notes at: https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Check out ways to support the podcast! https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one 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/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

#138 | Birds, Beers & Travel with Sheridan Samano; Wildest Hits Vol. 5

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Today is the final episode of the show’s Wildest Hits series! We're going all the way back to Episode 18 with Sheridan Samano, a super inspirational woman that has overcome many hurdles to see her vision come to life. As a quick aside, Sheridan’s conservation tourism business, Reefs to Rockies is now thriving post-Covid, and she and my company, The Wild Source, are partnering on lots of exciting trips. Stay posted on those in case you’d like to join. I’ll probably be guiding a few here and there. Anyways, let’s get to today’s show! Please enjoy Volume 5 of Rewildology’s Wildest Hits with Sheridan.

#137 | Wolves of the American West: Politics & Preservation with Aaron Bott; Wildest Hits Vol. 4

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +0000

This episode had to be included in the Wildest Hits series! Originally released in April 2022, this conversation had the most downloads and shares across the internet. Why? Aaron is a wolf expert and grew up on a ranch just outside of Yellowstone. He understands why people hate and love wolves. I was happy to finally sit down with someone that could answer all of my questions about wolves in northern US states.

Please enjoy this highly popular episode with Aaron.

#136 | Conserving Antarctica’s Penguins & Seals Using Tools from Space with Michelle LaRue, PhD; Wildest Hits Vol. 3

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +0000

The Wildest Hits series continues! This episode made quite a splash when it was released last September. First, who doesn’t love penguins and seals? And I’m sure just about all of us listening regularly daydream about visiting Antarctica one day. Michelle’s creative spin on studying Antarctic wildlife is so cool. It makes me curious to see what further discoveries she will make as tech advances. Please enjoy the third volume of Rewildology’s Wildest Hits!

#135 | Coexisting with Europe’s Large Carnivores with John Linnell, PhD; Wildest Hits Vol 2

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is Volume 2 of Rewildology's Wildest Hits series! After listening to this chat when it originally aired in September 2022, many of you reached out to tell me that you had a totally new perspective on coexistence. I’d easily classify this episode as the most philosophical conversation the show has released yet, and it had to be included in the Wildest Hits series. Please enjoy this deep conversation with John Linnell, PhD.

#134 | Saving the Elephants of Laos with Michael Vogler; Wildest Hits Vol. 1

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +0000

This month we are doing something brand new on the show - I’ve run the numbers and calculated the results to come up with Rewildology’s Top 5 Wildest Hits! If you’re new to the show or have been listening since Day 1, these episodes created the most buzz on the internet and on podcast apps.

First up on our Wildest Hits Series is Episode 39, Saving the Elephants of Laos with Michael Vogler. Michael is the co-founder of Mandalao Elephant Conservation in Laos and is deeply entrenched in captive Asian elephant conservation. He met me at my apartment in the summer of 2021 for a pretty mind-blowing conversation. Just wait until you hear his stories.

#133 | May’s Sample Collection: Koalas, A Social Platform for the Conservation Community, Lynx in the Dinarics, and Wild Stories from Tanzania

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 31 May 2023 04:00:00 +0000

In May, we learned about koalas, introduced a brand new social platform specially made for the conservation community, discussed rewilding the Dinarics through lynx reintroductions, and traveled across Tanzania. If you missed an episode and would like to hear a little snippet before diving into the full thing, listen to these highlights and then go back to the episode that piques your interest the most.

Episodes Clips: #129 | Koalas: Conserving Australia’s Most Iconic Species with Danielle Clode, PhD #130 | Creating a Social Platform for the Conservation Community with Megan Cromp #131 | Eurasian Lynx: Restoring the Shadows of Europe’s Forests with Vedran Slijepčević, DVM #132 | Trip Report: Wild Stories from Tanzania

#132 | Trip Report: Wild Stories from Tanzania

Brooke Mitchell — Sat, 27 May 2023 04:00:00 +0000

In March-April 2023, Brooke traveled to Tanzania for a site Inspection with her employer, The Wild Source. Along with two top biologist guides from The Wild Source’s resident guide team, the group witnessed several unforgettable big cat sightings, all of which Brooke documented and shares in this episode. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be on a hardcore wildlife safari, then you won’t want to miss this story. Watch this episode on YouTube. For more information on how to become a conservation traveler, be sure to check out Episode 91 | How to Become a Conservation Traveler after listening to this week’s episode.

#131 | Eurasian Lynx: Restoring the Shadows of Europe’s Forests with Vedran Slijepčević, DVM

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 18 May 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Today we are sitting down with Vedran Slijepčević, DVM, wildlife veterinarian, and a founder of the LIFE Lynx project. Vedran and I discuss his life’s journey and how he became a veterinarian, large carnivore researcher, senior lecturer, and seasoned hunter. We then chat about wildlife management and how Croatia manages its large carnivores. Following, we explore all aspects of the lynx’s life; their natural history, why they became almost extinct in the Dinaric Mountains, issues the population is currently facing, and how Vedran’s project, LIFE Lynx, is bringing them back. And of course, sprinkled throughout the conversation is the human dimension of coexisting with lynx, because, as we’ve learned, engaging local communities is crucial to conserving wildlife.

#130 | Creating a Social Platform for the Conservation Community with Megan Cromp

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 11 May 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Megan Cromp is the mastermind behind the brand-new social platform called Key Conservation. Megan and I have such a fun time discussing how the idea for Key came to be, how Key fills a huge void in the conservation community, what the platform is and how it works, big features that were just launched, and future plans for the app.

Please join me over on Key! Use my special referral link and start connecting with others in the conservation community right now!

While you're at it, join the Rewildology Listener Meet-Up! Email or DM on social media to reserve your spot. The meet-up is free and will happen via Google Meets at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT on May 16th. I can’t wait to meet you!

#129 | Koalas: Conserving Australia’s Most Iconic Species with Danielle Clode, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 04 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Today we are sitting down with Danielle Clode, PhD, Conservation Biologist and Author of the new book Koala: A Natural History and an Uncertain Future. Danielle and I discuss the inspiration for her book, misconceptions about koalas and the biological reasonings for their behavior, top threats koalas are facing, the devastating Black Summer fires of 2019, the difficulties of writing a book during a pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, tips to take your scientific communication to a new level, and her hopes for the future.

Join the Rewildology Listener Meet-Up! Email or DM on social media to reserve your spot. The meet-up is free and will happen via Google Meets at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT on May 16th. I can’t wait to meet you!

#128 | April's Sample Collection: The Colorado River, Nature Storytelling, & North American Bears

Brooke Mitchell — Mon, 01 May 2023 17:41:45 +0000

This month we talked about a river in dire straits, writing impactful stories, and coexisting with bears. If you missed an episode and would like to hear a little snippet before diving into the full thing, listen to these highlights and then go back to the episode that piques your interest the most.

Join the Rewildology Listener Meet-Up! Email or DM on social media to reserve your place. The meet-up is free and will happen via Google Meets at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT on May 16th. I can’t wait to meet you!

#127 | How to Coexist with North America’s Bears with Stewart Breck, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

To teach us about North American black bears and grizzly bears, today we are sitting down with Stewart Breck, PhD, Research Wildlife Biologist at the USDA Wildlife Services and a Facility Affiliate in the Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence at Colorado State University. Stewart and I have a fantastic time discussing how he became involved in human-bear conflict research, misconceptions about the USDA and why he loves working for the agency, black bear biology 101 and grizzly bear biology 101, the long-term black bear study he conducted in western Colorado, the work he is now doing with grizzly bears in Montana, and what science says we can do to reduce conflict with bears.

#126 | The Art of Nature Storytelling with Rachel Wambui

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

To teach us all about nature storytelling, today we are sitting down with Rachel Wambui, writer, director, and filmmaker. Rachel and I explore how she discovered nature storytelling, elements that create an impactful story, resources to level up your storytelling skills, and the future of the industry. Whether you are a seasoned conservation content creator or you just started to craft your story, I’m sure you’ll take away at least one nugget from today’s conversation.

#125 | The Colorado: A Hopeful Story About a River in Dire Straits with Dave Showalter

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:47:01 +0000

In this episode, we are sitting down with Dave Showalter, Professional Conservation Photographer. Dave and I explore why the Colorado River system has reached a critical point, why he decided to write a book above all other media types, and how he met the incredible people that are protecting and restoring the river. We also share a deep, personal moment at the end. Get ready for tears, everyone. Check out ways to support the podcast! https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology Join the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologists

#124 | March’s Sample Collection: Global Carnivore Coexistence, Antarctic Penguins & Seals, Sustainable Footwear, Utah’s Mountain Lions, the Willow Project, and Polish Wolves

Brooke Mitchell — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

March was a bang! We added four new countries to the show’s country list, and traveled, literally, all over the globe exploring conservation. If you missed an episode and would like to hear a little snippet before diving into the full thing, check out these highlights to see if you might want to go back and listen to the full episode in its entirety.

Episode Recaps: Ep. 119 | Exploring Carnivore Coexistence on a Global Scale with Miha Krofel, PhD Ep. 120 | Conserving Antarctica’s Penguins & Seals Using Tools from Space with Michelle LaRue, PhD Ep. 121 | Disrupting Fashion through Sustainable & Attainable Footwear with Rommel Vega Ep. 122 | Into the Headlines: Utah’s Mountain Lions & The Willow Project Ep. 123 | Telling the Story of Poland’s Wolves with Anna Maziuk

See the full show notes at https://rewildology.com/category/show-notes/ Check out ways to support the podcast! https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology Join the Rewildologists Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rewildologists

#123 | Telling the Story of Poland’s Wolves with Anna Maziuk

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Today we are sitting down with Polish author, Anna Maziuk. Beginning in 2014, Anna dedicated her life to telling the story of Poland’s wolves through a human lens. In the following six years, she met with biologists and various stakeholder groups to write her book, Instynkt, About wolves in Polish forests. Anna and I have a wonderful time exploring her childhood growing up in Poland’s forests, why she went into journalism, the moment she became hooked on wolves, the past, present and future of wolves in Poland, and what it was like for her to sit down and interview people with opposite views than her.

#122 | Into the Headlines: Utah’s Mountain Lions & The Willow Project

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brooke covers recent conservation headlines, including Utah's mountain lions with expert Denise Peterson, and the ConocoPhillips Willow Project.

#121 | Disrupting Fashion through Sustainable & Attainable Footwear with Rommel Vega

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Is it possible to make shoes that are fashionable, affordable, and truly sustainable? Today’s guest not only designs fashionable outdoor shoes, but he’s also created a brand whose core value is doing the right thing for the planet and for communities of all income levels. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Rommel Vega, CEO of HOLO Footwear. Rommel and I have such a fun time sharing our love of wine, his journey through design and when he decided to become a fashion shoe designer, his career at top shoe companies like Puma, Merrell, and Keen, why he and other visionaries decided to strike out on their own and create HOLO Footwear, how shoes are made, what makes HOLO’s shoes truly sustainable, the struggles of launching a startup, and his hopes for the future.

#120 | Conserving Antarctica’s Penguins & Seals Using Tools from Space with Michelle LaRue, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I am sitting down with Michelle LaRue, PhD, Spatial Ecologist and Associate Professor of Antarctic Marine Science at the University of Canterbury. Michelle and I discuss what inspired her to pursue a career in wildlife conservation as a young girl, and then spend a good amount of time exploring possible cougar habitat in the Midwestern United States. We then head south and chat about penguins and seals, the power of high-resolution satellite imagery for monitoring inaccessible Antarctic wildlife colonies, how conservation decisions are made in Antarctica, the top threats penguins and seals are facing in the Southern Ocean, and what we all can do to help conserve our seventh continent.

#119 | Exploring Carnivore Coexistence on a Global Scale with Miha Krofel, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

To take us on a global carnivore tour, today we are sitting down with Miha Krofel, PhD, Head of Wildlife Ecology and Management Research Group at the University of Ljubljana, and a member of the IUCN’s Cat Specialist Group, Canid Specialist Group, and Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe. Miha and I discuss Eurasian lynx, brown bears, and Golden jackals in Slovenia. We then hop across the globe and chat about lions, cheetahs, and leopards in Namibia. Following, we take another oceanic leap and learn about snow leopards and Pallas’ cats in Mongolia. We wrap the conversation with a nice pretty bow and talk about carnivore coexistence on a higher scale, and explore the ups and downs of Miha’s career.

If you enjoy hardcore science conversations that you can walk away from, then you won’t want to miss a moment of this episode.

#118 | February’s Sample Collection: Women in Conservation Science Series Recap

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

February was such a fun month sharing our Women in Conservation Science series! We sat down with three incredible women conservation scientists from around the world, and ended the series with a compilation of advice from 12 of the show’s former guests. If you missed an episode and would like to hear a little snippet before diving into the full thing, check out these highlights to see if you might want to go back and listen to the full episode in its entirety.

Episode Recaps: Ep. 114 | For the Sake of Snakes: Conserving South Africa’s Serpents with Hiral Naik Ep. 115 | Rewilding Islands to Benefit the Sea: Removing the Land-Ocean Barrier with Coral Wolf Ep. 116 | Saving Sharks through Science & Community-Based Tourism with Frida Lara, PhD Ep. 117 | Inspirational Advice from 12 Women Conservation Scientists

#117 | Inspirational Advice from 12 Women Conservation Scientists

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

For the last episode in our Women in Conservation Science series, I want to share with you a collection of clips from 12 badass women scientists that answered one of my favorite questions, “What advice do you have for those listening?” It doesn’t matter who you are. I can guarantee that at least one of these messages will resonate with you as much as they did with me.

#116 | Saving Sharks through Science & Community-Based Tourism with Frida Lara, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

We are in the heart of our Women in Conservation Science series and today’s conversation is as heartwarming as it is educational. In this episode, we are sitting down with Frida Lara, PhD, shark expert, tour guide, and Co-Founder of Orgcas. Frida and I have such a delightful conversation about the different types of research she performed in her early years as a marine biologist, how she became a shark researcher, what she discovered studying Galapagos sharks and silky sharks, how the NGO, Orgcas, came to be and her role within the organization, the difference between artisanal and commercial shark hunting, the power of community-based tourism for ocean conservation, and a truly wild encounter with a tiger shark that you won’t want to miss.

#115 | Rewilding Islands to Benefit the Sea: Removing the Land-Ocean Barrier with Coral Wolf

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is Part 2 of our 4-part Women in Conservation Science series! In this conservation, we’re sitting down with Coral Wolf, Conservation Science Program Manager at Island Conservation. Coral and I have a great discussion chatting about the journey that Coral undertook to find a career in island restoration, why our islands are vulnerable and need extra help reverting back to their pristine state, the revolutionary paper she co-authored about the island-marine connection and how restoring islands benefits the surrounding marine ecosystems, removing silos in conservation, how Island Conservation chooses locations to rewild, and wonderful tips for anyone that is or wants to be a parent while working in this field.

If you would like more background information on the topics Coral and I discuss, check out Episode 89 before or after today’s conversation to understand the importance of invasive species eradication on islands.

#114 | For the Sake of Snakes: Conserving South Africa’s Serpents with Hiral Naik

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode officially marks the beginning of our very own Women in Conservation Science series! In this episode, we are sitting down with Hiral Naik, African Program Manager for Save the Snakes, and a PhD student at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. Hiral and I have a fantastic conversation discussing what it was like for her to move to multiple countries in her formative years, why she decided to study ecology and genetics, how she discovered her love of snakes, the conservation status of snakes globally and in South Africa, how anti-venom works, snake bites as a tropical disease, and how we all can make the lives of snakes a little bit easier.

#113 | January’s Sample Collection: Historic Conservation Deals, Sharks, Adventure Sports, & Agrivoltaics

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The first month of 2023 is here and gone! It was a fantastic start to the year recapping important conservation events that happened at the end of 2022 and adding new topics never before discussed on the show. If you missed an episode and would like to hear a little snippet before diving into the full thing, check out these highlights to see if you might want to go back and listen to the full episode in its entirety.

Episode Recaps: Ep. 109 | Into the Headlines: Big Cat Safety Act, CoP19, Cop15, & COP27 Ep. 110 | Changing the Narrative for Sharks in the Galapagos with Camila Arnés Ep. 111 | Combating Ocean Plastic Pollution through Adventure Sports & Advocacy with Christian Shaw Ep. 112 | Agrivoltaics: The Future of Farming & Renewable Energy

#112 | Agrivoltaics: The Future of Farming & Renewable Energy

Brooke Mitchell — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brooke explores the promising field of agrivoltaics and what it could mean for the future of food production and renewable energy development.

#111 | Combating Ocean Plastic Pollution through Adventure Sports & Advocacy with Christian Shaw

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, we are sitting down with Christian Shaw, Founder and Executive Director of Plastic Tides. Christian and I have lots of laughs discussing how the idea came to him to use his passion for sports to raise awareness for plastic pollution, why Bermuda was chosen as their first expedition site and what they found while there, being a part of the microbead plastics ban in 2015, how Plastic Tides has grown and evolved since it’s inception in 2014, non-profits versus for-profits, advice for those that want to combine their two passions to make an impact, and so much more!

#110 | Changing the Narrative for Sharks in the Galapagos with Camila Arnés

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today we are sitting down with Camila Arnés hammerhead and thresher shark researcher in the Galapagos Islands. We have a blast discussing her childhood and growing up to become a marine biologist, leaving her country to gain the skills she needed to make an impact back home, the very interesting project that brought her to the Galapagos, everything hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos, and what we all can do to help save sharks, no matter where we are in the world.

#109 | Into the Headlines: Big Cat Safety Act, CoP19, Cop15, & COP27

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:34:26 +0000

2022 ended with quite a bang! We saw new laws passed, treaties signed, and agreements made at three important international conferences to round out the year. To kick off 2023, Brooke shares the key takeaways from the Big Cat Safety Act, CoP19, Cop15, and COP27, and how these decisions will impact conservation for the foreseeable future.

#108 | December's Sample Collection: Kenyan Wildlife Conservation, Italian Wolves, Turkish Cetaceans, & Brown Bears of the Balkans

Brooke Mitchell — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Wow, it’s hard to believe we have reached the end of December and the end of 2023! In December, we hopped all over the globe to discuss conservation and coexistence with top experts in their field. In case you missed an episode or were on the fence about listening to the full thing, check out these clips from December’s episodes to see if you might want to go back and listen to it in its entirety.

Episode Recaps: Ep. 104 | Amplifying Voices for Conservation Across Africa with Dibblex Lesalon Ep. 105 | European Wolves: A Story of Perseverance & Coexistence with Valeria Salvatori, PhD Ep. 106 | Saving the Giants of the Mediterranean Sea with Aylin Akkaya, PhD Ep. 107 | Understanding the Lives of Europe’s Brown Bears with Natarsha Babic

#106 | Saving the Giants of the Mediterranean Sea with Aylin Akkaya, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

To teach us about whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea, today we are sitting down with Aylin Akkaya, PhD, Director of Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD), Marine Mammal Consultant of WWF-Turkey, and Research Director of Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR). Aylin and I have a fantastic time discussing her love for nature as a childhood, stories about her research abroad, everything cetaceans are facing in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, what it’s been like for her as the first Turkish woman biologist pursuing this work, how we can help save and protect cetaceans while visiting the Mediterranean Sea, and her hopes for the future.

#105 | European Wolves: A Story of Perseverance & Coexistence with Valeria Salvatori, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

To teach us all about Europe’s wolves, today we are sitting down with Valeria Salvatori, PhD, European wolf expert. Valeria and I have a marvelous time discussing: Her journey that led from studying predators across the globe to focusing on wolves closer to her Italian home, the history of the wolf across Europe, management of wolves in many countries across the continent, how she brought together all stakeholders to make a wolf management plan, issues with politics, and what she hopes to see in the future for wolves across Europe.

#104 | Amplifying Voices for Conservation Across Africa with Dibblex Lesalon

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In today’s conversation, I sat down with Dibblex Lesalon, creator and host of the Boots on the Ground podcast based in Kenya, Africa. Dibblex and I have a thoughtful conversation about conservation in Kenya and the United States, the state of podcasts in America and Africa, how and why both of our shows came to be, the struggles we’ve had to overcome to get to where we are today, and what we hope to see in the future for both conservation in our home countries, and our shows.

#103 | November's Sample Collection: Celebrations, Migratory Birds, & Sustainable Cruising

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

November was a big month for the show, as we officially reached 100 episodes on the podcast and added new topics from experts in the field. In case you missed an episode or were on the fence about listening to the full thing, check out these clips from November’s episodes to see if you might want to go back and listen to it in its entirety.

Episode Recaps: Ep. 100 | 100th Episode Celebration! Ep. 101 | Taking to the Skies for Migratory Birds with Sacha Dench Ep. 102 | Becoming a Leader in Sustainable Cruising with Daniel Skjeldam

#102 | Becoming a Leader in Sustainable Cruising with Daniel Skjeldam

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

To teach us about sustainable cruising, today we are sitting down with Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of the Hurtigruten Group based in Oslo, Norway. Daniel’s love for travel and sailing began at an early age when his father would take him to the docks in Oslo to see the famous Hurtigruten ships come into port. After serving in the army, Daniel began working for a local airline to make ends meet, and realized he had a strong passion for travel. After several years in the industry and with a huge dose of courage, Daniel approached the Hurtigruten Group’s board and asked to be the CEO. After some deliberation, he was chosen as the company’s CEO and has been leading the charge in green cruising practices for over a decade.

Daniel and I have such a fun and insightful conversation exploring: Why he decided to pursue becoming the CEO of this particular cruising company, why the company made sustainable practices one of their top priorities, innovations his team is leading for sustainable cruising, science that is being performed aboard their ships to learn about the environment (complete with a shoutout to a former guest on the show!), what to look for when booking your own cruise, and so much more!

#101 | Taking to the Skies for Migratory Birds with Sacha Dench

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are sitting down with Sacha Dench, Co-founder of Conservation Without Borders and Ambassador for the UN’s Convention on Migratory Species. Sacha and I chat about her childhood growing up in remote Australia, her journey through sports that gave her a platform to bring positive change to our seas, why Europe’s birds are having such a hard time, the story behind Flight of the Swans, and where they are currently at for the Flight of the Osprey expedition.

Get ready for a super inspirational story that I promise will make you want to lace up your boots, get out there, and make change in your special, unique way.

#100 | 100th Episode Celebration!

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

We’ve reached 100 episodes on the Rewildology Podcast! To celebrate, Brooke answers questions submitted by you (with a cocktail in hand, of course), explains how the show came to be, and shares her vision for the future. The show isn’t stopping anytime soon and big, exciting things are planned for 2023! Thank you all for being a part of the Rewildology community.

#99 | October’s Sample Collection: Biomimicry, Sloths, Elephants, & Lemurs

Brooke Mitchell — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 22:45:03 +0000

Whoa, October came and went so quickly! It was another fun month of never-before-tried episode styles, new topics, repeat topics but in more depth, and a whole visual tour across Madagascar to meet the island’s lemurs. In case you missed an episode or were on the fence about listening to the full thing, check out these clips from October’s episodes to see if you might want to go back and listen to it in its entirety.

Episode Recaps: Ep. 95 | Designing a Green & Interconnected Planet through Biomimicry with Andrew Meador Ep. 96 | How to Save a Sloth with Tinka Plese Ep. 97 | Humans, Elephants, & Expressing Your True Self with Daniella Chusyd, PhD Ep. 98 | Lemurs & the Wonders of Madagascar with Lynne Venart

#98 | Lemurs & the Wonders of Madagascar with Lynne Venart

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we are sitting with Lynne Venart, co-founder of the Lemur Conservation Network. Lynne and I discuss everything lemurs, as well as their top threats and how to conserve them. We then go on a full tour across the island meeting the species and people she’s come to love. If you are not watching the YouTube version of this episode, Lynne and I do our best to give you a description of the photo she’s sharing so that you can envision the trip along with us. If you’re not driving and can safely visit the website, each image is listed in the show notes with a time stamp so that you can follow along.

Additionally, if you want a hardcore science episode all about lemurs with two amazing Malagasy lady scientists, head on over to the archives and check out episode 51 after listening to today’s show.

#97 | Humans, Elephants, & Expressing Your True Self with Daniella Chusyd, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Today we are sitting down with one of Rewildology’s first guests, Daniella Chusyd, PhD, to discuss some pretty big professional and personal updates that have happened since we last sat down. If you have time, I recommend going back into the archives and listening to Episodes 14 & 15, Turning Passion into Research: Elephants & Human Health before listening to today’s episode. Or, if you’re like, Brooke, I’m already here and don’t feel like scrolling through 90 episodes, then keep listening my friends!

As a quick recap, Daniella is an Assistant Professor at Indiana University in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and she’s doing wicked cool research studying the links between trauma, mental health, and aging in African elephants, and how these effects help us understand our own physiology. Daniella shares several updates including her promotion to Assistant Professor from post-doc researcher, how her studies in Zambia, Uganda, and the Congo are going for savannah and forest elephants, and one really big personal update that she and I weren’t able to discuss in her first interview. I’m not going to spoil it here and let you hear the story straight from Daniella.

#96 | How to Save a Sloth with Tinka Plese

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

What is the journey of the sloth? Where does their story begin? To answer these questions and so much more, today we’re sitting down with Tinka Plese, the mother of sloth conservation. Tinka was first introduced to sloths in the 90s after moving to Colombia from Croatia and finding two badly injured sloths that needed rescuing. After receiving no help from professionals, she took it upon herself to learn everything there was to know about the mammals, from their biology, to their rehabilitation, release, and conservation. She started the Aiunau Foundation in the early 2000s, and since then has released countless sloths back into the wild, starred in documentaries, and has shared her knowledge all across Central and South America with conservation centers hoping to successfully rehab and release sloths. Tinka is also a member of the IUCN Anteater, Sloth & Armadillo Specialist Group (if this group rings a bell for you, there’s a good reason. We’ve now had on four IUCN Xenarthran specialists).

While sloths have been discussed a couple of times on the show, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring you stories from a wildlife conservation pioneer. Be sure to share this episode and any of the show’s former sloth episodes this Saturday to spread sloth conservation awareness from the experts that know these animals the best!

#95 | Designing a Green & Interconnected Planet through Biomimicry with Andrew Meador

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

To teach us about biomimicry, today we’re sitting down with Andrew Meador, biomimicry expert and educator for the Biomimicry Institute. In college, Andrew studied chemistry and physics and began his career as a nanotechnologist after graduation. While he loved being at the forefront of science, he missed social interactions and decided to become a formal educator. After ten years of teaching in all sorts of science courses, he switched his career again after learning about biomimicry and is now an educator for the Biomimicry Institute and is currently working towards his Master’s in the field. Having both strong science and education backgrounds, Andrew is the perfect person to teach us all about what biomimicry is, what it isn’t, and how it can be used to solve design problems on any scale to create a greener, more interconnected world.

Our Rhino Conservation Campaign with The Katie Adamson Conservation Fund is still running! Purchase a specially designed hoodie or t-shirt for rhino conservation! Proceeds are donated to KACF. https://rewildology.com/shop/

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!

#94 | September Sample Collection: Conservation Travel, Coexistence, Island Restoration, & Rhinos

Brooke Mitchell — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 13:36:53 +0000

September was a ton of fun with new episode styles, very philosophical and inspirational stories, and a deep dive into Brooke's favorite topic: conservation tourism. In case you missed an episode or were on the fence about listening to the full thing, check out these clips from each episode to see if you might want to go back and listen to it in its entirety.

Episode Recaps: Ep. 89 | How to Conserve & Restore Our Islands with Dena Spatz, PhD, David Will, and Nick Holmes, PhD Ep. 90 | Coexisting with Europe’s Large Carnivores with John Linnell, PhD Ep. 91 | How to Become a Conservation Traveler Ep. 92 | Bringing Rhinos Back to Hwange with Mark ‘Butch’ Butcher Ep. 93 | Rhinos, River Dolphins, & the Ethics of India’s Tiger Reserves with Harshini Jhala

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!

#93 | Rhinos, River Dolphins, & the Ethics of India’s Tiger Reserves with Harshini Jhala

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

To chat about Greater One Horned Rhinos, Gangetic River Dolphins, and Tiger Reserves, today we’re sitting down with Harshini Jhala, wildlife conservationist and PhD student at the University of Minnesota. Harshini’s love of nature and wildlife was nurtured early in life by her father, as he himself is a very accomplished carnivore scientist at The Wildlife Institute of India. Harshini saw her first Greater-One Horned rhino at the age of 14 in Sauraha, just outside of Chitwan National Park in Nepal, and she knew she wanted to contribute to conserving the species when it came time to go to college. For her Master's, she published an influential paper on the feasibility of reintroducing rhinos and water buffaloes to areas of their historic range in India, and from that moment on she was hooked on merging conservation science and policy working to save India’s wildlife. After her Master’s, she had a stint working on a project studying Gangetic river dolphins, and now is working on her PhD to answer a very important question - does relocating people out of tiger reserves actually work for biodiversity, and if so, on what scale? We chat about so much - rhinos, crazy adapted dolphins, and the always taboo topic, conservation ethics.

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!

#92 | Bringing Rhinos Back to Hwange with Mark 'Butch' Butcher

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 12:45:42 +0000

Today is a very special day for conservation. It’s World Rhino Day, and I guarantee you that most stories you hear will be tragic, depressing, and defeating. While it is important to be fully aware about the tragedies our rhinos have faced, today, I want to bring you a different story. A story of hope, determination, and perseverance.

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Mark Butcher, more commonly known as Butch, the founder and Managing Director of Imvelo Safaris in Hwange, Zimbabwe. Butch and I have a marvelous conversation about his time as a ranger, how he discovered ecotourism as a way to empower the communities surrounding the park while protecting wildlife, what it was like watching the last rhino being shot in his country, and why he took on the massive project of safely and sustainably bringing rhinos back to Hwange.

Purchase a specially designed hoodie or t-shirt for rhino conservation! Proeeds are donated to Katie Adamson Conservation Fund. https://rewildology.com/shop/

Book a safari to see the rhinos in this episode: https://thewildsource.com/zimbabwe-rhino-conservation-safari/

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!

#91 | How to Become a Conservation Traveler

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brooke analyzes the field of conversation tourism and answers these questions: What is conservation tourism? How is conservation travel different from ecotourism or nature-based tourism? Is conservation travel good for the planet? (Literature Review) Common arguments against conservation travel Where conservation travel falls short Where is conservation tourism heading? How Brooke discovered conservation tourism Tips for becoming a conservation traveler

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 ways to support the podcast! https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/ Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://store.focusrite.com/en-gb/categories/focusrite/vocaster/vocaster-one 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/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

#90 | Coexisting with Europe’s Large Carnivores with John Linnell, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

To take us on a journey through coexistence and the evolving philosophy of conservation, in this episode we’re sitting down with John Linnell, PhD, Senior Researcher Scientist and Professor at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research. John and I have one of the most philosophical conversations I’ve had yet on the show. We explore large carnivores’ history across the European continent using the lynx as a model species, what the term coexistence means to him, where the Rewilding Europe initiative fits into carnivore restoration, and what conservation actually means in 2022.

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!

#89 | How to Conserve & Restore Our Islands with Dena Spatz, PhD, David Will, and Nick Holmes, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Today we are sitting down with Dena Spatz, PhD, David Will, and Nick Holmes, PhD - the three leading scientists on the historic paper that was just released called, “The global contribution of invasive vertebrate eradication as a key island restoration tool”. In this massively important paper, these scientists synthesized over 100 years of invasive vertebrate eradications from islands and found that this type of intervention had an 88% success rate. Yes, an 88% success rate! It’s rare that anything in conservation can give such a clear path forward.

Dena, Dave, Nick and I chat about a wide range of topics including the history behind our islands’ decline, what’s all involved in island conservation interventions including eradications and restoration, how they created the novel database that’s at the center of their historic paper, how to prevent future invasions from opportunistic species, and how we all can help save our islands.

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!

#88 | July’s Sample Collection: Pan-American Highway, Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, Restoring Traditional Food Plants, and Cheetah Translocations

Brooke Mitchell — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 15:52:17 +0000

In case you missed one of July’s wide-ranging episodes, check out these snippets to see if you might want to go back and listen to the whole thing!

Episode Recaps:
Ep. 84 | From Dream Trip to Reality: Exploring the Pan-American Highway with Kayla Fratt
Ep. 85 | Recovering America’s Wildlife Act: A New Hope for North America’s Biodiversity
Ep. 86 | Restoring Traditional Plant Knowledge through Ethnobotany with Rose Bear Don’t Walk
Ep. 87 | Into the Headlines: Translocating African Cheetahs to India with Stotra Chakrabarti, PhD

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-studio
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/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

#87 | Into the Headlines: Translocating African Cheetahs to India with Stotra Chakrabarti, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we’re going to take another deep dive into a very recent headline that was just released a couple days ago. In case you missed it, eight African cheetahs are being translocated to India. Instead of me analyzing this breaking news story, I phoned a friend, someone you all have heard more than once, and who happens to personally know the scientists in charge of this historic move – Stotra Chakrabarti, PhD. Stotra, with all of his connections and wisdom, kindly opened my eyes to aspects of this historic translocation that I didn’t know anything about and I’m excited to share them with you, too.

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!

#86 | Restoring Traditional Plant Knowledge through Ethnobotany with Rose Bear Don’t Walk

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 11:59:32 +0000

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Rose Bear Don’t Walk, ethnobotanist and Ph.D. student at the University of Montana. Rose and I have such a fun conversation discussing so many topics like her childhood, how she discovered ethnobotany and why she, as a Salish woman, felt it was her calling to restore her people’s traditional food, and how you, no matter where you’re located in the world, can develop a stronger connection to your land.

I hope you all are ready to feel super inspired and a whole lot more connected to our planet after listening to today’s conversation!

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!

#85 | Recovering America’s Wildlife Act: A New Hope for North America’s Biodiversity

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, Brooke discusses what the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is, shares some history about how it came to be, and why it’s probably the biggest opportunity for conservation in the US in…a century.

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!

#84 | From Dream Trip to Reality: Exploring the Pan-American Highway with Kayla Fratt

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Kayla Fratt, a long-time friend of the show and the featured guest in Episode 28. Kayla began planning her trip along the Pan-American Highway in 2016 and has worked diligently since then to make the adventure happen. We connected in the middle of her trip outside of Banff National Park in Canada.

Kayla and I chat about so many fantastic topics like how she structured her business to make passive income while she’s abroad, how she’s managing to balance her work commitments with travel and lack of wifi connection, why she chose the Pan-American Highway for her epic adventure, and resources for anyone that might want to plan their own multi-month expedition.

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!

#83 | June's Sample Collection: Green Music Tech, Zimbabwe’s Ivory Stockpile, Cougars of Yellowstone, and Biomimicry

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In case you missed one of June’s wide-ranging episodes, check out these snippets and see if you might want to go back and listen to the whole thing!

Episode Recaps:
Ep. 79 | Turning the Music and Podcast Industries Green with Andy Land
Ep. 80 | Into the Headlines: Selling Zimbabwe’s Ivory Stockpile
Ep. 81 | Cougars: The Shadows of Yellowstone with Jack Rabe
Ep. 82 | Biomimicry: Solving Our Biggest Challenges Using Nature’s Solutions

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-studio
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/@rewildologypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

#82 | Biomimicry: Solving Our Biggest Challenges Using Nature’s Solutions

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, Brooke explores what biomimicry is, what it isn’t, why it’s relevant, and how it might be the solution we need for creating a sustainable future.

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-studio
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/@rewildologypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

#81 | Cougars: The Shadows of Yellowstone with Jack Rabe

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Today, we’re sitting down with wildlife biologist and Yellowstone predator expert, Jack Rabe. Jack grew up in northern Ohio hunting and fishing on Lake Erie with his father. When it came time to pick a major, Jack decided to study wildlife sciences at The Ohio State University. Upon graduation day, he received a phone call asking if he could drive 26 hours across the country to join the Yellowstone Wolf Project. Without hesitation, he said yes, grabbed his degree, and headed west. Jack has been working on Yellowstone’s Wolf and Cougar Projects since 2017 and is now a PhD student at the University of Minnesota studying the impact each major carnivore has on the area’s infamous elk population.

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-studio
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/@rewildologypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

#80 | Into the Headlines: Selling Zimbabwe’s Ivory Stockpile

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, Brooke explores the recent headlines surrounding Zimbabwe’s desire to sell its ivory and rhino horn stockpile for economic stimulus and conservation funding.

To see all resources used in today’s episode, 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-studio
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/@rewildologypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

#79 | Turning the Music and Podcast Industries Green with Andy Land

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Today we’re sitting down with Andy Land, the Head of Sustainability at Focusrite, a top-of-the-line audio equipment and manufacturing company. Andy and I chat a lot about his fun journey that went from music tech to sustainability expert, how a company can indeed make a sustainable product with recycled materials that is just as good as its current products, what it takes to develop accurate impact numbers, and resources for anyone else trying to turn their company green.

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-studio
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/@rewildologypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

#78 | May’s Sample Collection: Pygmy Sloths, Antarctica, Mexico’s Whales, and the Creation of Rewildology

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 31 May 2022 06:12:00 +0000

In this episode, I’m trying something new! I listen to a lot of podcasts (shocker, right?) and recently I heard a fantastic monthly recap episode on The Tim Ferriss Show. I absolutely loved the idea and decided to bring you all a similar style episode with samples of each of the month’s interviews. That way if you were on the fence about listening to an episode, then you can hear a taster here and decide if you want to listen to the whole thing.

Since this is brand new out of the ethers, please let me know what you think of these Sample Collections! Reach out on Instagram or Facebook, @ Rewildology, or email me at hello@rewildology.com.

Episode Recaps:
Ep. 74 | Conserving the World’s Pygmy Three-Toed Sloths with Diorene Smith, DVM
Ep. 75 | Using Science & Tourism to Uncover the Mysteries of Antarctica with Allison Cusick
Ep. 76 | See A Need, Fill A Need: Protecting Mexico’s Whales & Empowering Local Communities with Katherina Audley
Ep. 77 | Bonus Episode: Why Does Rewildology Exist? Stotra’s Interview of Brooke for Macalester College

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-studio
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/@rewildologypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rewildology
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNVIeC0km8ZGK_1QPy7-iA

#77 | Bonus Episode: Why Does Rewildology Exist? Stotra’s Interview of Brooke for Macalester College

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 26 May 2022 12:27:38 +0000

It’s been a hot second since I’ve released a bonus episode for you all, and I thought now was a great to time share a special interview that I did with Episode 48 guest, Stotra Chakrabarti, PhD for his conservation class at Macalester College. Stotra loved my unconventional approach to conservation and invited me to speak about why I went to such lengths to create a podcast from scratch. He asked me several questions about my story, the journey that led to launching Rewildology, and advice for anyone else considering going outside of the confines of academia, or their current bubble, to pave their own path in this field.

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-studio
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
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#76 | See A Need, Fill A Need: Protecting Mexico’s Whales & Empowering Local Communities with Katherina Audley

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 19 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Katherina Audley, founder of the Whales of Guererro project. Born in Alaska, Katherina grew up all over the United States following her father as he fixed the nation’s railroad system. When it came time to go to university, she first thought she was going to become a classical flutist but switched her major to Ancient Religion. After school, she spent the following three years traveling all over Greece and Europe having the time of her life. When she returned to California in 1997, she landed a job at the Exploratorium, an immersive science museum where she learned to write articles and hang around some of the best science educators in the industry. Five years into the job, she took a sabbatical to Mexico and completely fell in the love with a little fishing village called Barra de Potosí. She returned year after year, becoming a part of the community, and noticed that their livelihood was dwindling as less and less fish were caught by the fishermen. See a need, fill a need, as the old saying goes. She had a pure love of whales by this point and followed whale researchers around the world writing about their work. So, one day, she had the idea of starting a community-driven, sustainable whale tourism and research project – and the rest is history.

See full show notes at rewildology.com.

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#75 | Using Science & Tourism to Uncover the Mysteries of Antarctica with Allison Cusick

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 12 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re sitting with Allison Cusick, a PhD candidate at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, a founder of the Fjord Phyto Project, polar guide, and has been called a Polar Hero by Conde Nast Traveler. She also starred in Jeff Goldblum’s “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” series on Disney+. Allison and I have such a fun time covering everything including her incredibly winding path that led to today, how she discovered oceanography after being terrified of the ocean all of her life, why her work studying Antarctica’s phytoplankton is vitally important to understanding the region’s entire food web, and what the science is telling us about what is going on in this part of the world.

See full show notes at rewildology.com.

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#74 | Conserving the World’s Pygmy Three-Toed Sloths with Diorene Smith, DVM

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 05 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Diorene Smith, DVM, wildlife veterinarian, and the world’s leading pygmy sloth researcher. Diorene and I chat about everything currently known about pygmy sloths, how she partnered with the local indigenous community to create a successful conservation project, the current threats the species is facing, and what’s next to ensure that these mini-sized sloths stay around for millennia to come.

See full show notes at rewildology.com.

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#73 | Saving Australia’s Coral Reefs with Genetics with Annie Lamb

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

To teach us everything corals, today we’re sitting down with Annie Lamb, an Australian coral researcher, genetics expert, and very soon-to-be PhD. Annie grew up in temperate Victoria, Australia, but always knew that she wanted to become a marine biologist “someday”. Through a very windy path, she discovered the power of genetics to answer important ecological questions and to create conservation plans based on a species’ DNA. She finally had the opportunity to apply her newfound love of genetics to her favorite group of animals – corals. For the past several years, Annie has used genetics to study how we might be able to help corals survive the onslaught of issues they’re currently facing, particularly in the Great Barrier Reef. Annie and I nerd out over so many topics including population genetics, coral biology and reproduction strategies, the issues our reefs are facing, and how we all can make our corals’ lives a little easier.

See full show notes at rewildology.com.

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#72 | Armadillos: Conserving the Americas’ Armored Specialists with Mariella Superina, DVM, Ph.D.

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Today we’re sitting down with Mariella Superina, DVM, Ph.D., one of the world’s leading armadillo researchers. Hailing from Switzerland, Mariella’s life was forever changed when she traveled to Brazil at 18-years-old. While there, the farm’s cowboys showed her her first armadillo, and from that moment on she was obsessed. She returned to Europe wanting to consume everything she could about armadillos, but quickly realized very little was known. She later became a veterinarian and also received her doctorate on this funky group of mammals. Mariella and I chat about many topics including all things armadillos, conservation issues and solutions that she’s developed in South America, how she blended multiple disciplines to research this group, and the opportunities and downfalls of studying such little-known animals.

See full show notes at rewildology.com.

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#71 | River Dolphins: The Jaguars of Amazonian Waters with Fernando Trujillo, Ph.D.

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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.

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#70 | Wolves of the American West: Politics & Preservation with Aaron Bott

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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.

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#69 | How Do We Rewild the World?

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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.

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#68 | Uncovering the Lives of Blue Whales in the Galapagos Islands with Daniela Alarcón

Brooke Mitchell — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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.

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#67 | Adventure Guiding: Dos, Don’ts, and Bettering the Planet with Colby Brokvist

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

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.

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#66 | Combating Exploitation in Conservation with Laura Marsh

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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#65 | Turning the Lens: Tiger Wildlife Crime in the US with Sarika Khanwilkar

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 04:00:00 +0000

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.

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See full show notes at rewildology.com.
Recording gear provided by Focusrite: https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo-studio
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#64 | What I've Learned After Talking with 50+ Conservationists

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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#63 | Amplifying the Voices of the North through Science & Visual Media with Jenny Wong

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 04:00:00 +0000

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.

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See full show notes at rewildology.com.
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#62 | Artificial Intelligence: The Next Big Wave in Conservation with Alex Robillard

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 04:00:00 +0000

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.

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#61 | To Spend One Day in Her Shoes: Stories from a Marine Biologist with Christine Figgener, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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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

#60 | Where Humpback Whales Meet with Frank Garita

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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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

#59 | Turning the Tide for Sea Turtles with Brad Nahill

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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#58 | Countering Poaching & The Illegal Wildlife Trade in Costa Rica with Adriana Aguilar Borbón

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

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!

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#57 | The Elusive Jaguars of Costa Rica with Juan Carlos Cruz

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 04:00:00 +0000

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!

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#56 | Eyes On The Prize: Setting New Year's Resolutions For 2022 with Josy Cardoso, Judith Wanda, Kayla Fratt, Charles van Rees, and Brooke

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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#55 | Bonus Episode: Chatting Travel & Communication on the K9 Conservationists Podcast

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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/

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#54 | Nothing Is Permanent…Except Plastic with Sasha Francis

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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.

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#53 | Creating Impact Through Film: Retelling Killing the Shepherd with TA Opre

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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#52 | Pouring Coffee for Conservation with Kara Finkelstein

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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.

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#51 | Madagascar: The Land of Lemurs with Onja Razafindratsima, PhD and Veronarindra Ramananjato

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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.

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#50 | Instagram Influencing: Biologist Edition with Dillon Jones

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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!

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#49 | Bonus Episode: Chatting Big Cats on the Nature Guys Podcast

Brooke Mitchell — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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/

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#48 | Asiatic Lions: Dark Past, Successful Present & Unknown Future with Stotra Chakrabarti, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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.

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#47 | Nature Based Solutions for Tackling Our Greatest Societal Challenges

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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.

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#46 | Passion Turned Purpose: Rescuing Costa Rica's Sloths with Sam Trull

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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.

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#45 | Conserving Our Oceans through Art, Film, and Sustainable Fishing with Tiare Boyes

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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.

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#44 | Grizzly Bears & Salmon Runs: Protecting Alaska’s Bristol Bay with Drew Hamilton

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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.

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#43 | Saving the Giants of South America with Bridgette San Marco

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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!

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#42 | Conservation Meets Psychology: How to Foster Meaningful Engagement with Kayla Cranston, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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!

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#41 | Rewilding the Land Down Under with Michael McFadden

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 07:25:42 +0000

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!

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#40 | Raptors, Education & Falconry: The Bird Conservation Trifecta with Devin Jaffe

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 12:56:43 +0000

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!

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#39 | Saving the Elephants of Laos with Michael Vogler

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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!

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#38 | The Snow Leopard: Conserving Himalayas’ Phantom Apex Predator with Rinzin Lama

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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.

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#37 | The (Im)Balance Between Life & Water with Charles van Rees, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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.

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#36 | Rescuing An Endangered Bat From the Edge of Extinction with Iroro Tanshi

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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.

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#35 | For Rhinos’ Sake: Combating Wildlife Crime with Andre Robberts

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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/

#34 | How To Save A Tiger

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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!

#33 | Becoming A Conservation Leader with Tehri Parker, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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!

#32 | Let Me Show You The Way: Supporting Minorities in Zoos & Aquariums with Carolina Powell

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

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!

#31 | Persistence: The Key to Saving Brazil’s Lahille’s Bottlenose Dolphin with Pedro Fruet, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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!

#30 | How to Have a Wedding that Doesn't Kill the Planet

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

#29 | Canines in Conservation: Protecting Wildlife & Communities with Jack Gradidge

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:00:00 +0000

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/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

#28 | Canines in Conservation: Detecting Scientific Data with Kayla Fratt

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:50:00 +0000

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/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

#27 | The Most Interesting Man…On Safari with Jeff Trollip

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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 hello@rewildology.com, 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/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

#26 | Protecting People & Elephants While Raising Women’s Voices with Beeju Poudyal; Part 5 “Nepal: Coexisting with Giants”

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

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 hello@rewildology.com

See full show notes at rewildology.com.
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow 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

#25 | The Himalayas: Red Pandas & Black Bears with Sonam Lama & Bhupendra Yadav; Part 4 “Nepal: Coexisting with Giants”

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 25 May 2021 09:28:01 +0000

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.

See full show notes at rewildology.com.
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

#24 | The Stories of Chitwan; Part 3 of "Nepal: Coexisting with Giants"

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 18 May 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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 Bidari
Part 2: Dr. Babu Ram and Dr. Amir Sadaula
Part 3: Jit Tamang and Bishnu Rimal
Part 4: Bishnu Thapa
Part 5: Ritu Waiba and Bishnu Rimal

See full show notes at rewildology.com.
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

#23 | The Power of Perspective, Education, & Attitude with Jack Kinross; Part 2 of “Nepal: Coexisting with Giants”

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 11 May 2021 05:00:00 +0000

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.

See full show notes at rewildology.com.
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

#22 | It's Never A Straight Line: Becoming a Tiger Researcher with Sam Helle; Part 1 of "Nepal: Coexisting with Giants"

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 04 May 2021 11:05:00 +0000

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.

See full show notes at rewildology.com.
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

#21 | Introducing “Nepal: Coexisting with Giants” Series

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 04 May 2021 05:00:00 +0000

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/Rewildology
Follow 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

#20 | Whatever It Takes for as Long as It Takes: Park Ranger to Entrepreneur with Jesse Weiland

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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 rewi l dology.com.
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: @Rewildology

#19 | Conservation Is A People Problem with Kathayoon Khalil, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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.com
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

#18 | Birds, Beers & Travel with Sheridan Samano

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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 hello@rewildology.com.

See full show notes at rewildology.com
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

#17 | Rwanda: Dark Past, Bright Future with Anneliese Schenk

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 12:05:00 +0000

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-wsU
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

#16 | 21st Century Conservation: Protecting Wildlife with Technology with Eric Schmidt

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000

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.com
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5NI6GNVXZKo
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

#15 | Turning Passion into Research: Elephants & Human Health with Daniella Chusyd, PhD Part 2

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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.com
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FACir1YRC7U
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at hello@rewildology.com.

#14 | Turning Passion into Research: Elephants & Human Health with Daniella Chusyd, PhD Part 1

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

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/rhWEut3aIl8
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at hello@rewildology.com.

#13 | Fun in the Galapagos Sun with Josy Cardoso Part 2

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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 hello@rewildology.com to let me know!

See full show notes at rewildology.com
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OgOTqEPxzSU
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

#12 | Fun in the Galapagos Sun with Josy Cardoso Part 1

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

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.

See full show notes at rewildology.com
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3UugNcXHa9w
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology
Follow Rewildology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/

Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at hello@rewildology.com.

#11 | BONUS Episode: Brooke's Interview on the Rossifari Podcast

Brooke Mitchell — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000

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/podcast
Follow Rossifari on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossifari/
See full show notes at rewildology.com
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pFNl2b7DDxw
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology

Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at hello@rewildology.com.

#10 | Musician to Conservationist with Jon Rossi Part 2

Brooke Mitchell — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

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 hello@rewildology.com.

Read the full show notes at rewildology.com.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zlMBNmOU5KQ
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology

#9 | Musician to Conservationist with Jon Rossi Part 1

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000

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 hello@rewildology.com. 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.com
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8NyFYFUgGjg
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology

#8 | East Africa’s Conservation X-Factor with Judith Wanda

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

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/1ebjB6rxnLU
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology

Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at hello@rewildology.com.

#7 | Conservation & Congress with Hailey Hawkins

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

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/i9zbrCglnTM
See full show notes at rewildology.com
Discover more ways to watch, listen, and interact: https://linktr.ee/Rewildology

Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at hello@rewildology.com.

#6 | Sustain the Stoke with Arthur Lefo

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

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/advocateforwildlife

Visit 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 hello@rewildology.com.

#5 | Bugs, Cameras, Ecotourism, Oh My! with Court Whelan, PhD

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

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.com
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rUe3UsyA340
Subscribe, rate and review to let me know what you think of the show and for the chance to be featured on a future episode!

#4 | The New Face of Conservation with Jawnie Payne

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

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.com
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9y86yggVaN0
Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at hello@rewildology.com.

#2 | Finding Your Path with Dave Johnson

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 12:05:00 +0000

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.com
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0u2hXGkpcDk
Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at hello@rewildology.com.

#3 | Let’s Get Real with Corrin LaCombe

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 05:10:00 +0000

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_joVs7g

Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at hello@rewildology.com.

#1 | Biologists & Bourbon with Bill Given

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 05:00:00 +0000

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/dvxYMUZuXjc

Any comments, suggestions, or just want to say hi? Sweet! Email at hello@rewildology.com.

#0 | Welcome to Rewildology!

Brooke Mitchell — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 20:00:20 +0000

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.

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