Wild For Change (Nicole Rojas)
Explore every episode of Wild For Change
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Mar 2022 | Episode 16: Ocean Conservancy | 01:03:36 | |
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we will be speaking about plastic pollution with three experts from Ocean Conservancy; Dr. Britta Baechler, Senior Manager, Oceans Plastics Research will be discussing the overall problem with plastics, how microplastics form and why they are problematic. Robyn Albritton, Senior Manager, International Coastal Cleanup, will be discussing plastics in the environment and ways Ocean Conservancy is working to clean them up. Dr. Anja Brandon, U.S. Plastics Policy Analyst, will look at plastic from a policy lens and show us ways we can tackle the plastic pollution problem in our daily lives. Plastic does so much for us as it is found in airbags, helmets, keeps our food safe and fresh, and helps lighten loads for transportation, reducing carbon emissions and saving fuel. But there is a downside to plastic. We use a lot of it and it’s difficult to recycle. Globally, we produce about 400 million tons of plastic each year and only 10-13% of it gets recycled worldwide. The environmental lifetimes of common products such as plastic bags, Styrofoam cups and other single-use items remain largely unknown. What we do know is that plastics never actually go away- they break up into smaller and smaller pieces but persist in the environment indefinitely. Approximately 11 million metric tons of plastic ends up in our oceans each year. Since plastic is ending up in our waters, marine life is ingesting it. Plastic has been found in 60% of sea birds and 100% of sea turtles studied because they mistake plastics for food. We now know that nearly 1,300 marine species ingest plastics, and that number continues to climb as scientists pursue new research avenues. In this podcast, we will learn;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 21 Mar 2022 | Episode 17: The National Audubon Society | 00:47:31 | |
If you’re a bird lover like me or a lover of nature, you are going to love today’s podcast with Tykee James, Government Affairs Coordinator of The National Audubon Society. The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that started in 1905. It protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Birds play an important role in our ecosystems. They help control pest populations, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds. But bird populations are being threatened as our landscapes and climate is changing. In a 2019 National Audubon Society report, it was estimated 2/3 of North American bird species will become vulnerable to extinction if global temperatures continue to rise. Audubon experts also found an overlap between places that are important for birds’ survival and where there are natural carbon stores. Therefore, protecting bird habitats is equally important for fighting climate change, thus improving our shared quality of life. As Tykee mentions in the podcast; “Where birds survive, people thrive.” Thomas Lovejoy, an American ecologist stated; “If you take care of birds, you take care of most of the environmental problems in the world.” and the National Audubon Society is striving to do just that. In this @WildForChange podcast, we learn;
You can learn more about Tykee James and his progressive movement for birds and wildlife conservation in his podcasts;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 29 Mar 2022 | Episode 18: Cool Effect | 00:36:01 | |
Today, we will be speaking with Blake Lawrence, Marketing Manager of Cool Effect on how we can reduce our carbon footprint. Cool Effect is the actual boots on the ground non-profit working diligently to help fund projects that help reduce our carbon footprint. Cool Effect uses science, expertise, and transparency to fund projects around the globe that actually help in reducing carbon emissions. And as citizens of earth, we can help reduce our carbon footprint by purchasing carbon offsets for these projects. Carbon dioxide is the most prevalent greenhouse gas and accounts for ¾ of all emissions. It keeps heat close to the Earth’s surface causing global temperatures to rise and affecting our weather patterns. This combined result has been seen with our extreme weather changes, rising sea levels, forest fires, changing of wildlife patterns and habitats, and water availability. Carbon dioxide emissions mainly come from burning wood, coal, oil, gas, and solid waste which is related to human activity. Greenhouse gases also affect our health as these emissions contribute to an increase in smog and air pollution which can lead to respiratory illnesses. We all emit carbon through our daily activities, ranging from driving to the amount of electricity we use. Reducing our carbon footprint is a key component to turning the tide with climate change and the rise of global temperatures. The carbon footprint of the average American is 16.6 carbic tonnes in one year which is one of the highest rates in the world. Whether it is purchasing land in Montana to protect native grasslands that sequester carbon to providing cookstoves in rural homes in Honduras that provide clean air and health benefits to families, Cool Effect is trailblazing a path towards a greener, healthier, more sustainable planet for all of us to live on. On this Wild For Change podcast, we will learn;
You can learn more about Cool Effect and its amazing work at: www.cooleffect.org Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 18 Apr 2022 | Episode 19: American Prairie | 00:58:19 | |
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we will be talking about America’s historic prairie ecosystem, with Daniel Kinka, Senior Wildlife Restoration Manager of American Prairie. American Prairie’s mission is to conserve the largest ecosystem in the contiguous United States. It is working to connect and preserve more than 3 million acres of habitat on the Northern Great Plains of Montana. This is the equivalent to the size of the state of Connecticut. Prairies are found in regions where there isn’t enough rain to support a forest but not so little that a desert forms. Many of these prairies or grasslands have been converted into agricultural use and are one of the fastest disappearing ecosystems in the world. Globally, less than 2% of prairies have been preserved. Losing prairies threatens the wildlife living there, water quality, and carbon stores that helps to mitigate climate change, which is why the work of American Prairie is an important contributor to preserving one of North America’s most important ecosystems. During this podcast, we discover;
You can learn more about American Prairie at www.americanprairie.org Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 09 May 2022 | Episode 20: Kraus Hamdani Aerospace | 00:43:39 | |
On today’s podcast, we discuss how unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS’, can benefit wildlife, nature, and mankind with Fatema Hamdani, CEO, and co-founder of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace. In today’s world, we are constantly seeing changes in our climate, larger-scale natural disasters and fires. Many of our wildlife are threatened by poaching and wildlife trafficking. Although there are countless solutions to help minimize these global impacts, faster results can provide us with a larger perspective, a bird’s eye view. As Fatema Hamdani states in Forbes, 2020; “We are imagining a world where we have flying robots that have the ability to cover our planet and provide data for climate change monitoring, for effective management of natural disasters, and search and rescue missions. The ability to do that changes the odds for innocent lives that come in harm’s way, whether that be wildlife, the vulnerable, or people impacted tragically by tragedy or climate change. The vision is to use technology to enable our humanness more, and connect us more to our world.” The future of supporting the planet and its inhabitants is here with the technology developed by Kraus Hamdani Aerospace. During this podcast, we discover;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 20 Jun 2022 | Episode 21: Barbara Lovett, co-founder of Save Nosey Now | 01:03:39 | |
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we speak with Barbara Lovett, co-founder of Save Nosey Now, a grassroots organization founded in 2014, whose original mission was to provide actions and education that would get Nosey, a circus elephant to sanctuary and keep her there. Barbara will share the story of how her love and determination to rescue Nosey evolved into a grassroots movement leading to Nosey’s rescue and sanctuary placement. We will also learn from Barbara’s experience, effective advocacy tools to use to become a voice for animals. With trailblazers like Barbara, the groundwork for advocating for elephants and all animal rights has paved a way for us an opportunity to do the same. During this informative podcast, we will learn;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 27 Jun 2022 | Episode 22: The Gentle Barn | 00:55:24 | |
On a Wild For Change podcast, we speak with Ellie Laks-Weiner, founder of The Gentle Barn. Ellie founded the Gentle Barn in 1999. The Gentle Barn rescues animals, gives them sanctuary, and heals children by sharing the animals’ stories. It began as a half-acre farm in the San Fernando Valley, California. In 2002, co-founder Jay Weiner began as a volunteer for the Gentle Barn and joined forces with Ellie to help children and animals. In 2003, Ellie and Jay moved the barn to a six-acre location in Santa Clarita, California and has since opened two locations in St. Louis, Missouri, and Nashville, Tennessee. The motto of the Gentle Barn is “Teaching people kindness and compassion to animals, each other, and the planet.” And since its inception, Gentle Barn has saved thousands of animals and I suspect just as many people who have come to visit and experience the sanctuary. During this podcast we learn:
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 04 Aug 2022 | Episode 23: The Conservation Kid | 00:22:12 | |
On a Wild For Change podcast, we speak with The Conservation Kid, Cash Daniels. Cash has always had a passion for protecting our earth and its natural resources. At the age of 7, he began cleaning up trash around the Chattanooga River and has since removed 17,000 pounds of trash. He started teaching adults about the importance of protecting our planet and has gotten kids involved to do the same. In 2022, Cash began a non-profit with his best friend Ella Grace called The CleanUp Kids to help protect the trees, the seas, and everything in between. Did I mention that Cash is also Time’s Top 5 Honoree Kid of the Year? As much as Cash is young, he is also wise and has a lot to teach others how to support and protect our planet. During this podcast, Cash talks about;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 08 Aug 2022 | Episode 24: Podcast with Joshua Sam Miller | 00:50:55 | |
On today’s Wild For Change podcast, we speak with Joshua Sam Miller. Joshua is a world recording artist, composer, and producer. His mission is to connect people to the natural world through using the sounds of nature as a healing modality. After discovering an affinity to surfing, Joshua took note of the fragility of ocean life and began using his artistry to help with ocean conservation by combining music and the sounds of nature. He recently released an album called Sounds of the Ocean to help support ocean conservation in which 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Oceanic Global, an international NGO who works with individuals, communities, and organizations to create positive change and provides solutions to protect our oceans. Through his passion for music and sound, Joshua also created a podcast called The Embodied Sounds where he speaks with experts in the field of sound, meditation, music, and wellness to unlock the secrets of sounds. As Edgar Cayce known as the father of holistic medicine stated; “The medicine of the future will be music and sound.” After listening to Joshua’s album Sounds of the Ocean, I believe Edgar Cayce is right. Throughout this podcast we learn from Joshua;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 12 Aug 2022 | Episode 25: Amboseli Trust for Elephants - World Elephant Day 2022 | 00:28:22 | |
On a very special Wild For Change podcast, we celebrate World Elephant Day with Dr. Vicki Fishlock, resident scientist of Amboseli Trust for Elephants in Kenya. The Amboseli Trust for Elephants, located in Kenya, is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on the long-term conservation and welfare of Africa’s elephants in the midst of human expansion, through scientific research, outreach, advocacy, and training. Dr. Cynthia Moss and her co-founder, Harvey Croze created the Amboseli Elephant Research Project in 1972 which is the longest-running elephant research program globally! Currently, over 1800 elephants are monitored over the Amboseli Ecosystem. The beauty of the Amboseli Elephant Research Project is what has been learned about elephants and their family dynamics. This research provides the basis that elephant familial bonds are an integral element to their continued survival, which also helps us as humans relate to another species and see the importance of ensuring their place on earth. In this Wild For Change podcast, we discuss;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 15 Aug 2022 | Episode 26: David Lloyd - Steward for Cook County Forest Preserves - Habitat Restoration | 00:47:09 | |
On today’s Wild For Change podcast, we are going to learn about habitat restoration with David Lloyd, steward for the Cook County Forest Preserves in Illinois. During this podcast, we will learn why habitat restoration is so crucial for local ecosystems. I am fortunate enough to live near forest preserves where I can take a hike, see wild flowers and wildlife and get a breath of fresh air. Recently, I wanted to get back into volunteering and signed up to help with habitat restoration at my local forest preserve. This is where I met Dave and from day one, his enthusiasm for nature was palpable. Not only do I get to hang out with nature but I have a real opportunity to learn from Dave the importance of restoring the local habitat and what that means for our local ecosystem, pollinators, wildlife, and us. During this podcast we will learn;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 10 Nov 2022 | Episode 27: Conserv Congo | 00:50:27 | |
Founded in 2013, Conserv Congo is a non-profit conservation whose mission is to maintain the biodiversity of the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Congo Basin is a vast tropical rainforest and a biodiversity hot spot which is home to 100’s of mammal species. Conserv Congo puts itself on the frontlines to save and protect endangered species from poachers and wildlife traffickers, fighting the good fight every day trying to prevent extinction of wildlife. To date, Conserv Congo has over 5,140 successful cases of wildlife trafficking. Part of Conserv Congo’s work includes;
Prior to creating Conserv Congo, Adams was an investigative journalist turned wildlife crimes investigator. In 2020, Adams was awarded the National Geographic Emerging Explorer Award. This award goes to trailblazers making extraordinary contributions in the world and in Adams’ case to conservation. I met Adams in 2019 at a rally in Washington D.C. to help stop baby elephants being taken from their herd in Zimbabwe to live in a zoo in China. Adams gave an inspirational speech about elephants in the wild and how their presence is so important for the ecosystem and the whole world. Wherever Adams goes, he is always making an impact for the wildlife. In this podcast with Conserv Congo we learn:
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 12 Dec 2022 | Episode 28: Helping Rhinos | 00:53:58 | |
Today on the Wild For Change podcast, we will be discussing the magnificent rhino, with our guest, Simon Jones, CEO of Helping Rhinos. Helping Rhinos is predominantly based in Africa. Their focus is on helping the species survive at sustainable levels by improving protection, care, and welfare of the rhino in its natural habitat as well as to forge significant partnerships with successful organizations. Helping Rhinos is celebrating ten years of protecting rhinos in their natural habitat. Its start began in March of 2012, when Simon learned of the shocking poaching of three rhinos at the Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It had been just two years prior that Simon had spent six weeks on a conservation project at the Kariega Game Reserve and became acquainted with a rhino named Thandi. Thandi was one of those three rhinos who fortunately survived the poaching incident. After enduring many operations, she has given birth to four calves in the past ten years. A remarkable story that speaks volumes of Helping Rhinos’ dedication to ensure the future of the magnificent rhino. In this podcast, we will learn about:
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 26 Dec 2022 | Episode 29: Healthy Substance | 00:37:24 | |
On a new Wild For Change podcast, I speak with Miguel Franco, CFO and co-owner of Healthy Substance, a vegan Mexican restaurant located on the south side of Chicago. We will be speaking about how Healthy Substance got its start, what it means to eat vegan, and how eating vegan helps to save animals’ lives. Healthy Substance is one of my favorite restaurants and is my go-to for vegan Mexican food! During the podcast we learn;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 02 Jan 2023 | Episode 30: Chicago Alliance for Animals | 01:04:45 | |
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we speak with Jodie Wiederkehr, founder of Chicago Alliance for Animals (CAA). CAA is a volunteer grassroots animal advocacy organization that began in 2015. The first goal of CAA was to ban horse carriages in downtown Chicago, and in 2017, the organization began diligently documenting how the horses were treated by their handlers as well as the horses’ workloads by volunteers spending countless hours observing the horses. With this documentation and persistence, an official horse carriage ban went into effect in January of 2021. Below is a quote by Jodie that represents the effectiveness and efficiency of CAA: “As you likely know, we banned horse carriages and shut down puppy mill pet stores in the 3rd largest city in the U.S. without any paid staff, any accidents or fatalities, any celebrity support and with very little funding.” For Chicago Alliance for Animals, the intention is simple and focused; to end suffering of animals and support their freedom. In this podcast, we learn:
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 09 Jan 2023 | Episode 31: Vigil4Elephants | 00:57:52 | |
On today’s Wild For Change podcast, we speak with three hosts of Vigil4Elephants that commemorates the elephant lives that were lost each year in captivity;
This group of dedicated souls have been coming together since 2019 to honor and mourn the captive elephants who lives were lost each year whether it be in a zoo, circus, forced labor, or other tourist attraction. These elephants who endured living a life held captive and exploited, whether it was short or long life, had their freedom and rights to live wild taken away. Some of these sentient beings were traumatically separated from their family. No longer were they to live a life in the wild as intended but a life in servitude to humans who exploited each elephant until the end. In this podcast we learn;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 13 Mar 2023 | Episode 32: International Elephant Project | 00:46:34 | |
Today, we welcome back Leif Cocks, founder of the International Elephant Project, based in Sumatra. The International Elephant Project (IEP) is a not-for-profit project for elephant conservation, rainforest protection and local community partnerships, in order to protect and save the entire ecosystem and biodiversity of habitats shared by elephants. The Sumatran elephant is critically endangered. The current population is estimated at 1,200-1,500. Threats to their survival is in part due to habitat loss, where Sumatra has experienced one of the highest rates of deforestation within the Asian elephant’s habitat range as well as human-elephant conflict because as plantations and fields move into elephant habitat, elephant food sources and migration routes are compromised. As elephants looking for food raid crops, retaliation killing occurs. In this podcast, we will learn:
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 20 Mar 2023 | Episode 33: Sustainable Fashion with Brooke Bowlin | 00:40:23 | |
Today we are speaking with Brooke Bowlin, a sustainable fashion advocate who got her start in the industry in 2018 from owning a second-hand clothing store. After dealing with people’s excess of clothing, Brooke’s eyes were opened to the harm and overconsumption of fashion. She has made it her mission to educate about better personal as well as industry practices. Beyond her passion for helping to make sustainable fashion more accessible to the collective, Brooke is also an artist, lifelong learner, and creativity enthusiast. Right now, fast fashion is the trend and it comes with a cost to the planet, factory workers, and the global community at large. Fast fashion is mass produced clothing created by mass retailers in response to the latest trends. Fast fashion relies on cheap manufacturing and short-lived garment wear. Because of the mass textile production, it takes a huge toll on the environment where approximately over 92 million tons of waste are produced every year, it contributes to 20% of global waste water and as Brooke states in her “Nuance Required” Newsletter, fashion accounts for 4% - 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. Which at the higher end of 10% is more emissions than aviation and shipping sectors combined thus the fashion industry is now a major contributor in climate change. Speaking of the people making the clothing, 90% of the clothing produced is made in low to middle income countries. Due to a lack of governmental infrastructure in these countries, the occupational and safety standards needed for the workers are often not enforced. With all of this devastating impact from the fashion industry, we will learn from Brooke about what sustainable fashion means.
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 27 Mar 2023 | Episode 34: The Wolf Treaty with Chief Judy Wilson | 00:44:22 | |
On this Wild For Change podcast, we speak with Judy Wilson, who formerly served as Kukpi Chief of the Neskonlith Indian Band about the Wolf Treaty; A Treaty of Cultural and Environmental Survival. Judy has knowledge, experience and an extensive background in First Nations land rights/specific claims, human rights, children & family jurisdiction, emergency management and supports a wide range of issues including climate action, justice reform, environmental & animal rights. Currently she continues to work with several Assembly of First Nations Chiefs Committees at the national level and current boards include Global Indigenous Council and Rural British Columbia. Internationally she was the lead on many national and provincial delegations to COP 27, and United Nations Forums in Geneva and New York. We are speaking about the wolf today because its continued survival is dependent on us. Two million wolves cohabited North America with the native people before European colonization. Now it is estimated fewer than 6,000 wolves exist in the contiguous United States and only occupy 10% of its historic range. Wolves are a keystone species and are a vital and necessary part of an ecosystem. But they are under attack and are in need of federal protection.
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 10 Apr 2023 | Episode 35: Save The Frogs! with Kerry Kriger | 00:33:08 | |
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we speak with amphibian biologist Dr. Kerry Kriger, founder of Save the Frogs! Save The Frogs! began in 2008 and works across the United States as well as around the world to prevent the extinction of amphibians and to create a better planet for humans and wildlife, while also empowering ordinary citizens to contribute to the betterment of the planet. According to Save The Frogs! “Frog populations have been declining worldwide at unprecedented rates, and nearly one-third of the world’s amphibian species (approximately 2,000 amphibians) are threatened with extinction. Up to 200 species have completely disappeared since 1980, and this is NOT normal: amphibians naturally go extinct at a rate of only about one species every 500 years!”
In this podcast, we will discover;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 22 May 2023 | Episode 36: Alaska Wildlife Alliance | 01:02:02 | |
On today’s Wild For Change podcast, we speak with Nicole Schmitt, Executive Director of the Alaska Wildlife Alliance. Alaska Wildlife Alliance was founded in 1978 to be a voice for Alaska’s wildlife, which includes marine mammals and endangered species. The mission of Alaska Wildlife Alliance (AWA) is to safeguard wildlife biodiversity knowing the wildlife have not only an intrinsic value to ecosystems but to the Alaskan people as well. In recent years, AWA has expanded its reach and partners with other environmental organizations to litigate over exploiting public lands and waters in Alaska by extraction industries.
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 12 Jun 2023 | Episode 37: Wetland Restoration with Tom Biebighauser | 01:08:45 | |
Wetlands are crucial ecosystems for the filtration of excessive water in some parts of the world and for storing carbon, preventing the overheating of the atmosphere. This is why they are often called the ‘kidneys’ of the landscape. Moreover, they are home to numerous flora and fauna species and thus are vital as a variety of habitats. However, human interventions sometimes have catastrophic impacts on wetlands. according to some estimations, over the last 50 years, our planet has lost around 35% of wetland area, and the rate of degradation is increasing. Moreover, wetlands are actually dying three times quicker than trees. Why does losing wetlands pose numerous risks linked to the future of the environment and humans? Some of the major problems associated with the loss of wetlands include: Loss of biodiversity A large number of various species of plants and animals can be found exclusively in wetlands and would risk extinction if these are destroyed. Water purification Wetlands serve as natural water filters that remove contaminants and extra nutrients from water before it reaches rivers, lakes and seas. Iin the absence of wetlands, water quality may deteriorate. Flood control During periods of heavy precipitation and snowmelt, wetlands behave as natural sponges, soaking up and decelerating the flow of water. This means that a lack of wetlands would cause floods to be much more intense and destructive. He has designed over 6,000 wetland projects and has successfully supervised the construction of over 2,800 wetlands in 26-states, 3-Canadian provinces, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan. He carries a deep and long-standing concern for the environment and finds it rewarding to assist individuals who are interested in restoring wetlands and streams. Tom has 43 years of experience helping to build 2,850 wetlands. Tom has interviewed and worked alongside numerous seniors who spent their lives draining wetlands and moving streams, documenting their practices so others can be successful in restoring these ecosystems. This knowledge has allowed him to identify over 50-signs on the landscape showing where wetlands once occurred. He specializes in restoring wetlands, streams, and rivers that provide habitat for endangered and threatened species. Tom has developed techniques for building wetlands that improve habitat for rare species including the Blandings turtle, burbot, California red-legged frog, Chiricahua leopard frog, grizzly bear, Eastern spadefoot, Great Basin spadefoot, Indiana bat, marbled salamander, mole salamander, Northern bat, Northern leopard frog, Sandhill Crane, Trumpeter Swan, Virginia big-eared bat, Western painted turtle, white sturgeon, and the wood frog. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 24 Jul 2023 | Episode 38: Chicagoland Pig Rescue | 00:54:33 | |
Growing up April and her husband Tyler dreamed of having a pet pig. After watching a video of a mother pig living in a horrific gestation crate, April knew in her heart she wanted to dedicate her life to rescuing and saving pigs and finding them their forever home. This was the impetus of Chicagoland Pig Rescue. But April and Tyler aren’t stopping at rescuing pigs and finding them sanctuary placement. They are documenting the intricacies and rich inner worlds of pigs’ lives to raise awareness that pigs are highly intelligent and sentient and deserve more in life than to be treated as a commodity or pest. Did you know in a natural setting, pigs live in herds, have hierarchies, and death rituals? This and so much more is shared in this podcast. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 14 Aug 2023 | Episode 39: charity: water | 00:39:09 | |
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we speak with Hannah Matthews, a Water Programs Manager of charity: water. Water is the foundation for all life, without water, we couldn’t survive. Lack of fresh water largely influences a person’s physical and mental health, time, education, and livelihood. And as we are seeing the effects of climate change, chronic water scarcity has become more prevalent around the globe. 703 million people lack access to clean and safe drinking water. This means women and girls in 8 out of 10 households without water on premises around the globe walk an estimated 200 million hours collecting water every day. However, since 2006, charity: water is on a mission to end the global water crisis and provide access to clean water for communities. Listen how charity: water has delivered on its promise and has funded over 135,000 water projects around the globe! Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 09 Sep 2023 | Episode 40: RHINO MAN: The Movie | 01:01:23 | |
On today’s Wild For Change podcast, we speak with John Jurko II, creative director of Global Conservation Corps and lead producer and director of the film RHINO MAN. Global Conservation Corps is a non-profit organization that is bridging the gap between communities and wildlife. The film RHINO MAN was the first project of Global Conservation Corps and was created to support the rangers protecting the rhino and to share their stories. Rangers are the front line, the boots on the ground, protecting our diminishing population of rhino that deserve to be here but are being poached for their horn. These rangers put their lives on the line to protect the rhino. This is what makes a ranger so special and formidable. This is truly where passion meets purpose. To learn more about the film RHINO MAN and how to support ranger training and the families of fallen rangers, go to https://rhinomanthemovie.org or follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rhinomanthemovie/. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 09 Oct 2023 | Episode 41: Freshwater availibility with Lis Mullin Bernhardt | 00:40:30 | |
On today’s Wild For Change podcast, we will be discussing freshwater availability with Lis Mullin Bernhardt, a United Nations Programme Officer for Water. Her previous work for the UN includes Coordinator for the Global Adaptation Network, an initiative that helps the world build resilience to climate change. Water is essential in order for us to survive but as climate change disrupts freshwater availability, water scarcity has become more prevalent around the globe. According to Drought in Numbers, a 2022 UN report, found that one billion people face water stress annually for periods of time. Ms. Bernhardt states that estimate can go up to 3.5 billion people in the next ten years. We will learn what is a freshwater source, how climate change disrupts freshwater availability but how water can also mitigate climate change. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 16 Oct 2023 | Episode 42: Wildlands Network with Ron Sutherland | 00:49:29 | |
Today, we are speaking with Ron Sutherland, Chief Scientist of Wildlands Network who is their in-house animal and rewilding expert. The mission of Wildlands Network is to reconnect, restore and rewild North America so that life in all its diversity can thrive. Ron has over 25 years of experience in wildlife research. His extensive knowledge of wildlife and natural spaces provides us with a formidable fact-based approach towards conservation. Rewilding is giving back to the wildlife and giving back to the land. The more we can support wildlife and nature by reconnecting, rewilding and restoring habitats and ecosystems, the more we will see balance, biodiversity and regulation of ecosystems return and flourish. You can learn more about Wildlands Network and support their work online at www.wildlandsnetwork.org, on Instagram @wildlandsnetwork, Facebook: @Wildlands Network, X: @wildlandsnetwrk. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 11 Dec 2023 | Episode 43: Alaska Wildlife Alliance - Beluga Whales | 01:32:53 | |
Today on the Wild For Change podcast, we are speaking with Teresa Becher and Mandy Migura from Alaska Wildlife Alliance (AWA) about the special population of endangered beluga whales who live in the Cook Inlet in the central Gulf of Alaska. Teresa is the Beluga Whale Monitoring Coordinator who coordinates monitoring sessions of a whole team of volunteer community scientists and is the go-to expert on the beluga whales' behaviors in the Kenai and Kasilof rivers. Mandy is the Deputy Director and Marine Program Officer for AWA. One of her responsibilities is to coordinate a group of nonprofits who advocate for the recovery of Cook Inlet beluga whales, a position she is uniquely suited for given her prior 11-year experience as the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Recovery Coordinator when she worked for the National Marine Fisheries Service (now called NOAA Fisheries). NOAA Fisheries is the federal agency responsible for the management of Cook Inlet beluga whales. The beluga whales of the Cook Inlet live explicitly in this inlet and because of this limited habitat, they also must face continued threats such as water waste pollution, noise pollution, climate change affecting their food availability as well as the rising temperature of the water in which they live, disease, habitat loss, as well as vessel strikes to name a few. Their numbers have declined so dramatically, that approximately 300 beluga whales remain in the inlet. They are now listed as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Alaska Wildlife Alliance is on the front lines, researching the various threats to the beluga whales, addressing these threats to ensure this very specialized group of beluga whales have a chance at surviving as well as raising awareness of how we can become involved and support this small group of beluga whales.
To learn more about AWA’s work, please go to https://www.akwildlife.org. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 05 Feb 2024 | Episode 44: Grand Chief Judy Wilson - Our Interconnection with nature | 00:59:16 | |
We welcome back to the Wild For Change podcast Grand Chief Judy Wilson, a member of the Secwepemc Nation to discuss the importance of our interconnection with nature. Nothing is separate. For example, more than 70 of the 100 crops responsible for providing 90% of the world’s food are pollinated by bees. But the bee population is crashing from the use of pesticides. Understanding the interdependence between us and nature is essential for our future. If we look at the wild spaces on earth, everything we have come to know in modern society originated here such as the creation of civilizations, food, medicine, and our dwellings. These wild spaces are also home to many species of wildlife. But these wild spaces have been dramatically downsized due to human growth, yet they are necessary for us to thrive. The biodiversity and health of ecosystems worldwide are essential for our future. It is also important to note that other species like wolves and elephants help maintain ecosystems' health and biodiversity. Because of Grand Chief Judy’s extensive traditional ecological knowledge and her close relationship with nature, I felt it would be enlightening to hear about her view on nature and to learn how to foster care and compassion for this precious life we all share on earth. As we went further into our conservation about reconnecting with nature, Grand Chief Judy Wilson made a point to say that when we reconnect back to ourselves, we can more easily reconnect with nature; “When you’re more conscious aware of yourself, then you’re more conscious of the interconnection to Mother Earth, the water, all of creation and your reconnection and the interconnection of your purpose, place, and role in this world…” Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 11 Mar 2024 | Episode 45: Kayah George and the Orcas | 00:35:34 | |
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we speak with Kayah George. Kayah George is from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, part of the Coast Salish peoples of Victoria, Canada. Despite Kayah’s young age, she has spoken for half her life about indigenous and environmental issues like the transmountain pipeline and chemicals leaking into the Burrard Inlet. She recently wrote and directed a documentary titled ‘Our Grandmother The Inlet’ that looks at the lives of Kayah and her grandmother Ta7a and their profound connection to water amidst the background of industry dominance as water is now seen as a commodity. Beyond using her voice and remarkable story-telling abilities to support indigenous and environmental issues, Kayah is creating a docu-series in conjunction with National Geographic about the Orcas of Oak Bay, Victoria. Kayah has a very special connection with the Orcas. We will learn the history of the relationship of the Coast Salish peoples with the Orcas, how their lives parallel each other, the unique abilities of the Orcas, the threats they face and how traditional ecological knowledge has been instrumental in supporting the Orca population. To learn more about Kayah George and her work, you can find her on Instagram at @kayahgeorge. To learn more about the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s efforts to stop the Trans Mountain Expansion tanker and pipeline project go to www.twnsacredtrust.ca. A poem by Kai George’s great-grandfather, Chief Dan George Get to know the animals around you, Get to know the birds, Get to know the land… the water, Because what you don’t know you won’t understand, And what you don’t understand, you will fear. And what you fear, you will destroy. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 08 Apr 2024 | Episode 46: Sea Shepherd with Sara Newton | 00:50:03 | |
Today on the Wild For Change podcast, we will be speaking with Sara Newton, Head of Content and Creative Strategist for Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Sara is also one of the main cinematographers for the organization. For over forty years, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has been patrolling the seas to help coastal and island governments from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. With marine life facing a multitude of threats, Sea Shepherd is a formidable force on the open seas. In this podcast, we will learn more about Sara's specialized role within Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, what life is like living out at sea, and the various campaigns they have launched, such as "Stop The Grind" in the Faroe Islands, their efforts to protect the Vaquita porpoise in Mexico's Upper Gulf of California, and their monitoring of waters in Antarctica due to the exploitation of krill, a major food source for whales and penguins. We will also learn how to support Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in general and contribute to the fight against the exploitation of krill. Your support can make a major difference in the lives of marine animals. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 29 Apr 2024 | Episode 47: Akashinga - Plant-Based: Half-Earth | 00:40:20 | |
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we welcome back Damien Mander, environmentalist and founder of Akashinga, the first all-women, anti-poaching organization formerly known as the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. We also welcome Nyaradzo Hoto, a Biodiversity Officer of Akashinga who focuses on research and data analysis collected by the Akashinga rangers. The Akashinga rangers are not only working to protect precious wildlife from poachers, but they are also supporting countless other animal lives through their completely plant-based diet. We’ll discuss the uniqueness of Akashinga’s plant-based diet and how this also parallels helping to save the Earth as American biologist E.O. Wilson proposed in his book, Half-Earth. Damien and Nyaradzo will share with us how eating a plant-based diet supports our health, the countless lives of animals that are not only part of animal agriculture but the wildlife and the health and stability of our home planet Earth. Damien has been featured in the documentary Game Changers about eating a plant-based diet and TedX, BBC, and National Geographic. Both Damien and Nyaradzo are two exemplary individuals who embody the spirit of a game-changer. I wanted to include in the show notes three quotes from the podcast that provide insight into how our collective actions affect the planet and all life on Earth: “I already know I’m not responsible for the death of animals. I’m not carrying that weight on my shoulders, on my conscience and that is a powerful thing to be rid of.” Damien Mander on eating a plant-based diet. “For us as humans, we are in a unique position. For the first time in history we are the only species that has the power to determine what level of suffering is acceptable for all other species on the planet. But in having that power as well, we’ve been trying to play God in a negative way. We’ve been trying to control everything without realizing what we’re doing to our own species. If we really don’t start to respect the planet, or treating it like a bloody garbage dump, it’s gonna chew us up and spit us out.” Damien Mander “We don’t need much space to grow vegetables. As we grow vegetables, we are also supporting the climate exchange. Like taking exchange for fighting for the climate change, because the more we grow plants in the environment, the more we are fighting on the climate change.” Nyaradzo Hoto, on how eating plant-based supports the planet Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 22 May 2024 | Episode 48: E.O Wilson Biodiversity Foundation with Brooks Bonner | 00:46:22 | |
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we speak with Brooks Bonner, Program Director of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation. E.O. Wilson, was an American biologist, naturalist, ecologist, entomologist, and the author of many books, including Half-Earth. The premise of Half-Earth proposes that to save the planet, half of the Earth’s lands and seas need to be preserved and protected. In this podcast, Brooks discusses the significance of preserving half of the Earth's lands and seas, the essential role that other species play in our lives, and why safeguarding diverse ecosystems is crucial for the survival of every form of life on our planet. Brooks will also shed light on the Half-Earth Project and Interactive Map, which acts as a guiding tool for identifying and protecting areas rich in biodiversity. Additionally, he will share some valuable insights on how we can support our local native species and contribute to protecting our planet's biodiversity. To learn more about the Half-Earth Project and view the Interactive Map, go to https://eowilsonfoundation.org/which-half/national-report-cards/half-earth-project-map/ “Unless humanity learns a great deal more about global biodiversity and moves quickly to protect it, we will soon lose most of the species composing life on Earth. The Half-Earth proposal offers a first, emergency solution commensurate with the magnitude of the problem: I am convinced that only setting aside half the planet in reserve, or more, can we save the living part of the environment and achieve the stabilization required for our own survival.” E.O. Wilson “Every species on Earth depends on other species for its survival. But we continue to yank at these threads of incredible ecosystems, unraveling our own support systems.” Brooks Bonner Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 19 Jun 2024 | Episode 49: Ellie Laks, Founder of the Gentle Barn | 01:11:23 | |
In a recent episode of the Wild For Change podcast, I had a conversation with Ellie Laks, the founder of the Gentle Barn, about her new book, "Cow Hug Therapy." The book is a touching account of how the animals at the Gentle Barn have taught her valuable lessons about life and death and everything in between. I have always found solace in the company of animals. Being around them brings me a deep sense of peace and a feeling of unconditional love. I also believe that animals possess great wisdom and insight that they can share with us. Reading Ellie's book "Cow Hug Therapy" is a wonderful way to deepen our connection with animals. It can expand our awareness of the remarkable capabilities of animals, revealing them as sharp observers of life, guiding figures, and fur-clad angels who can impart valuable wisdom on how to live and love, if only we take the time to quietly listen and open our hearts. Ellie's stories about the lessons she's learned from her rescued animals go beyond the surface. These creatures bring profound soul lessons and messages that are meant to help us grow, evolve, and shine. Regrettably, the podcast ends abruptly. We recorded it in person, and unfortunately, the recording stopped about 10 minutes before our interview concluded. You can find Ellie’s new book “Cow Hug Therapy” on the Gentle Barn’s website, as well as on Amazon and Target. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 09 Sep 2024 | Episode 50: Wild For Change's 50th Episode. | 00:46:02 | |
Wild For Change is excited to celebrate its 50th podcast! Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of speaking with numerous inspiring individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact on life on earth. In this special podcast, I'll be highlighting all of the amazing guests who have contributed to this incredible journey. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 23 Sep 2024 | Episode 51: Part Two of Wild For Change’s 50th Podcast! | 00:38:33 | |
Wild For Change is thrilled to announce our 50th podcast episode! It's been an incredible three-year journey, during which I've had the honor of engaging with a diverse range of inspiring individuals committed to creating a positive impact on our planet. In this special episode, I'm excited to showcase all the wonderful guests who have played a part in this amazing adventure. As I reflect on each of our guests, I can see their profound love for animals and nature shining through. Love encompasses all life on earth and it serves as the common thread that binds us all together. It allows us to experience life in so many rich and profound ways. This, to me, is the essence of interconnectedness. We are united by this universal force, and it's what I aim to showcase through each guest on the Wild For Change podcast. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of my guests for their exceptional contributions to life on earth. Their actions have created a lasting impact and they truly embody selflessness, compassion, and genuine care for the animals, people, communities, and nature on our incredible planet. And I want to express my sincere gratitude to the listeners who have shared this journey with Wild For Change, because if these episodes have piqued your interest, then you my friend are a gamechanger as well. I look forward to meeting the next 50 gamechangers on the Wild For Change podcast with you. With much love and gratitude, Nicole Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 17 May 2021 | Episode 1: Happywhale | 01:03:37 | |
Today on the Wild For Change Podcast, we will be speaking with Ted Cheeseman, co-founder of Happywhale. Happywhale was created in 2015, when Ted Cheeseman’s decades long expeditions to the Antarctic and the island of South Georgia demonstrated where whales were once prevalent, sightings of whales were rare. This was due to hundreds of years of this area being the center of the whaling industry. A global whaling moratorium was established in 1982 to preserve what was left of the global whale population. But the recovery of whale populations took many years and it wasn’t until 2011, that whale populations began to recover. Happywhale created a web enabled technology that would help to track whales globally. Its mission is to improve global understanding and awareness of marine life by inviting people to become engaged in marine mammal research and conservation using collaborative scientific tools. The first I learned of Happywhale was when I was vacationing in Cabo San Lucas and signed up for an eco-whale watching tour. The tour guide spoke about submitting photos of whales that I saw while on the tour to Happwhale in order to track the whales during their migration to support Happywhale’s mission of marine mammal conservation. I was so impressed to learn that people can actually help and support the scientific community in whale conservation just by submitting a photo! This podcast will bring awareness of whale population decline and certain whale population recovery, effects of climate change and human encroachment in whale territories, what to look for when going on a whale watching tour, and how citizens can help support whale conservation. To learn more about Happywhale, click on the link below: Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 25 May 2021 | Episode 2: Global Conservation Force | 01:06:22 | |
In today’s Wild For Change podcast, we are speaking with Mike Veale, the president of Global Conservation Force. Asia is currently home to three species Mike Veale founded Global Conservation Force in 2014. His mission is to save endangered species and protect their habitats in countries like Africa and Asia. His unique zoo keeping background combined with an active, combat-sport-heavy lifestyle gave Mike the unique experience needed to fight on the front line of conservation. Mike traveled to South Africa and survived the intensive boot camp training required before finally becoming an anti-poaching ranger in Kruger National Park. Global Conservation Force is made up of a team of passionate people working hard to fight against the poaching of endangered and threatened wildlife. Global Conservation Force focuses on:
We will be discussing Global Conservation Force’s projects created to help protect the wildlife such as its Mounted Anti-Poaching Unit, giraffe and their silent extinction process, rangers risking their lives to protect the wildlife, the wildlife trade and its link to COVID and so much more! You can also learn more about Global Conservation Force on the links below; https://globalconservationforce.org https://www.facebook.com/RhinosGCF https://www.instagram.com/globalconservationforce/ Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 31 May 2021 | Episode 3: Conserv Congo | 00:54:05 | |
Today on the Wild For Change podcast, we will be speaking with Adams Cassinga, founder of Conserv Congo. Founded in 2013, Conserv Congo is a non-profit conservation whose mission is to maintain the biodiversity of the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Congo Basin is a vast tropical rainforest and a biodiversity hot spot that is home to 100’s of mammal species. Before creating Conserv Congo, Adams was an investigative journalist turned wildlife crimes investigator. In 2020, Adams was awarded the National Geographic Emerging Explorer Award. This award goes to trailblazers making extraordinary contributions in the world and in Adams’ case to conservation.
Part of Conserv Congo’s work includes;
I met Adams in 2019 at a rally in Washington D.C. to help stop baby elephants being taken from their herd in Zimbabwe to live in a zoo in China. Adams gave an inspirational speech about elephants in the wild and how their presence is so important for the ecosystem and the whole world. We will be discussing topics such as why poaching is occurring in the Congo Basin, why subsistence farming can be a key factor in curbing poaching, Conserv Congo’s rescue missions of apes, and why interdependence between humans and other species are important. You can learn more about Conserv Congo’s work below: https://www.facebook.com/conservcongo aminiadams16@hotmail.com Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 14 Jun 2021 | Episode 4: Wildlife SOS | 00:56:14 | |
Today we will be speaking with Nikki Sharp, Executive Director of Wildlife SOS. Founded in 1995, Wildlife SOS is a non-profit conservation based in India to help rescue and rehabilitate wildlife that has been exploited, mistreated, or in distress, as well as protecting India’s habitats, forests, and biodiversity. Wildlife SOS’s broad efforts of saving and protecting wildlife includes conservation of animals and their habitat, welfare that involves medical care for injured and abused animals, research of animals in their natural habitat as well as outreach to communities to reduce or resolve human-wildlife conflict. I first learned of Wildlife SOS when I read of their rescue of an elephant named Raju in 2014. Raju lived through 50 years of abuse by his owner who kept him in spiked shackles. I remember reading Raju actually cried when he was rescued and I cried as well knowing Wildlife SOS was able to save him and give him the life he so deserves. In this episode, we will learn how Wildlife SOS got its start by eradicating the “Dancing Bear” practice, its recent rescue of Emma the Elephant, its new project of tracking elephant herds to help reduce human-elephant conflict, and so much more! To learn more of Wildlife SOS, please click on the links below: Website: Wildlife SOS Twitter: @WildlifeSOS Facebook: /wildlifesosindia Instagram: /wildlifesos Youtube: Wildlife SOS Channel Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 21 Jun 2021 | Episode 5: Whales of Guerrero | 01:08:45 | |
Today we will be speaking with Katherina Audley, project founder and director of Whales of Guerrero. Whales of Guerrero began in 2013 to generate needed research of humpback whales in the state of Guerrero, Mexico as well as to partner with the local community to find ways to restore the declining marine ecosystem. Overall, Mexico ranks second in the world in mammal biodiversity with 438 species. Guerrero itself is the fourth most biodiverse state in Mexico. It hosts two different sub-populations of humpback whales who mate and calf in this region, one of which is only about 400 individuals in all. The village of Barra de Potosi located in Guerrero, and the areas surrounding it, including Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa, Troncones, and Petatlan, are threatened by environmental degradation due to pollution, quick and unmonitored mega-tourism development, overfishing, and climate change. Before the Whales of Guerrero began, there had never been any scientific information collected about whales and many other marine species in this region. Therefore, Whales of Guerrero aims to increase awareness about the whales and other marine life in the region such as manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles as well as creating responsible whale and other marine life tourism programs. As this is first and foremost originally a fishing region, fishermen have been encountering a decline in the local fish populations over the past 15 years, threatening their livelihood. Whales of Guerrero has been working with the local fishermen to develop responsible marine ecotourism tours as a means of an alternative income. Katherina will share her top ten tips for successful integrated conservation projects within other cultures, why interconnection with others and nature is so important, and how co-creating a vision with local communities could serve as a flagship for other conservation projects to flourish. Whales of Guerrero expeditions up and running! https://www.whalesinmexico.com/get-involved/volunteer-vacations/ Here is a link to support the work of Whales of Guerrero: https://www.whalesinmexico.com/donate-now/ And here’s where to sign up to receive updates: https://www.whalesinmexico.com/about/news/ Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 23 Jul 2021 | Episode 6: PAWS | 00:44:58 | |
Today we will be speaking with Catherine Doyle, Director of Science, Research, and Advocacy for the Performing Animal Welfare Society also known as PAWS. PAWS was co-founded by the late Pat Derby and Ed Stewart, 37 years ago as a sanctuary for abused, captive, and retired performing animals. Such animals included elephants, lions, tigers, and bears. PAWS operates three sanctuaries in California including the ARK 2000 that covers 2300 acres. Not only have the late Pat Derby and Ed Stewart become pioneers for saving captive and exploited wildlife, they have championed the more humane management of elephants, without the use of bull hooks, weapons, or aggressive training techniques! Since 1985, PAWS has been known to use this non-dominance approach and have become a model to elephant handlers around the world. I had the good fortune of visiting PAWS in 2011. I was able to have lunch with Ed Stewart and meet the residents of PAWS. Nicholas, a bull elephant and Gypsy, his surrogate mother, stole my heart. It was a lunch date made in heaven for me and it inspired my journey of becoming a voice for elephants and all animals. In this podcast, we will learn what types of situations the rescued wildlife at PAWS have come from, what it means to be a true wildlife sanctuary versus a pseudo wildlife sanctuary, how to help captive big cats, and how the humane non-dominance approach to handling and caring for elephants should be the gold standard as opposed to using bull hooks! Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 02 Aug 2021 | Episode 7: The Orangutan Project | 00:49:10 | |
Today we will be speaking with Leif Cocks, world renown orangutan expert and founder of The Orangutan Project. The Orangutan Project was created in 1998. Its mission is to protect endangered orangutans from extinction and to live in secured populations for years to come. Leif has played a key role in establishing conservation plans for orangutans and their survival for nearly thirty years. With Leif’s extensive work, he has published several papers on orangutans, is a public speaker, and lectures at universities. He is also an author of three books, one including an amazon best seller: Orangutans; My cousins, My friends. Orangutans are amazing creatures who share 97% of human DNA. They are very self-aware and are as intelligent as a 6-year-old child. Orangutans are found on the island of Borneo which is politically divided by Indonesia and Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Both species are critically endangered and due to being the slowest reproducing creatures in the world, their population is even more at risk. 80% of orangutans live in unprotected forests which puts them at risk to losing their precious habitats to palm oil plantations, logging, mining, and agriculture. Their habitats are rapidly being lost as every hour 300 football fields of rainforests are removed to make palm oil plantations. We are losing approximately 5,000 orangutans per year. Therefore, The Orangutan Project’s strategy is to save up to eight ecosystems that orangutans live in, in order to bring the orangutans through our current extinction crisis. In this podcast, we will learn what re-wilding means and why it is important to wildlife, humans, and our planet. We will also learn why the next ten years are critical to saving our planet and how The Orangutan Project work is not only helping to save orangutans but our planet as well. You can learn more of The Orangutan Project’s work at: Website: https://www.theorangutanproject.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/orangutanTOP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theorangutanproject/ Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 16 Aug 2021 | Episode 8: One Tree Planted | 00:53:03 | |
Today, we will be speaking with Ross Bernet, Mapping and Monitoring Expert for One Tree Planted. We will be discussing what trees actually provide for us, animals, and the planet beyond their beauty and shade. Our planet is home to over 60,000 species of trees, some of which provide us food, all of which help absorb carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. Forests cover a third of our planet and absorb up to 7.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Tropical rainforests alone absorb up to 1.8 gigatons of carbon per year. Not only do trees absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale, but they also absorb greenhouse gases that human activities emit, they filter our water, trees are home for 80% of terrestrial plants and animals, provide jobs for communities, and even provide us with health benefits such as some medicines like aspirin that is found in tree bark. Not to mention trees have been found to help us recover faster from illness when they are in our view. However, due to deforestation to create space for cash crops, cattle ranches, urbanization, and logging, we have lost approximately 46% of the world’s forest. According to National Geographic, between 1990 and 2016, the world lost 502,000 square miles (1.3 million square kilometers) of forest, an area larger than South Africa. As Paul Bamikole said; “Gold is a luxury. Trees are necessities. Man can live and thrive without gold, but we cannot survive without trees.” This is where One Tree Planted comes in. One Tree Planted is an environmental charity that is working hard to ensure the health of our planet. With every dollar donated, one tree is planted. Thanks to the support of donors, One Tree Planted will be able to plant over 10 million trees this year! During this podcast, we will cover many topics ranging from:
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 30 Aug 2021 | Episode 9: Sruthi Gurudev – An Hour in the Deep | 00:48:27 | |
Today, we will be discussing the importance of ocean conservation with conservationist, Sruthi Gurudev. According to the National Ocean Service, our oceans cover 70% of the earth’s surface and produce over half of the world’s oxygen and absorb 50 times more carbon than our atmosphere. As Sylvia Earle, an oceanographer so aptly put; “With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live. Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere is generated by the sea.” And right now, our oceans need our attention. The oceans do so much for us and it is now time we return the favor. Sylvia Earle also stated; “Many of us ask what can I as one person do, but history shows us that everything good and bad starts because somebody does something or does not do something.” Sruthi Gurudev is doing something to help our oceans. She is a passionate ocean conservationist. While diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Sruthi recognized the coral was bleached which transformed her understanding of what was really happening to our oceans. This dive inspired Sruthi to create an e-magazine called An Hour in the Deep, where she gives young conservationists a platform to tell a story while incorporating science about the threats our oceans face. Sruthi has been recognized as a National Geographic Explorer for her work in ocean conservation. She is also a youth council member of Reserva: The Youth Land Trust whose mission is to empower young people to make a difference for threatened species and habitats through story-telling, education, and conservation. During this podcast, Sruthi will share her origin story as to how she became a young conservationist and why our youth are critical to helping reshape the way we address conservation. She will also address issues with overfishing, why marine protected areas are vital for ocean health, and what simple measures we can take to help conserve our oceans. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 13 Sep 2021 | Episode 10: Gorongosa National Park | 00:56:32 | |
On today’s podcast, we will be speaking with Larissa Sousa, Associate Director for Communications for Gorongosa National Park. Gorongosa National Park is located in the Great Rift Valley in central Mozambique, Africa. Gorongosa is one of the most biodiverse places on earth with over 4,800 species identified and is home to a unique blend of thriving wildlife and 200,000 people. On July 23, 2020, the park celebrated 60 years! The park survived a civil war from 1977-1992, which led to a massive decline of wildlife. Approximately 95% of the wildlife were wiped out. But once again wildlife populations are thriving. Rewilding has been successful as painted wolves have been reintroduced into the park after being extirpated after the civil war. New species have been found that are endemic to the park, which means the species do not exist anywhere else in the world. Community is the cornerstone of the park where local people are receiving healthcare, education is ensured for children, assistance is provided for farmers, and ecotourism provides employment for the community and gives people who come to visit, a taste of Gorongosa’s magic. Bryant McGill stated: “There is a deep interconnectedness of all life on earth, from the tiniest organisms, to the largest ecosystems, and absolutely between each person.” Gorongosa National Park definitely demonstrates this interconnection of all life there. The park would not be successful if the people needs, conserving wildlife, and preserving the ecosystem did not go hand in hand. In the time we are living right now, this model gives us the expanse to see all of life is deeply connected and focusing on the whole benefits all of us more than focusing on a single facet. During the podcast, we will discover how a Girls Club is helping shape brighter futures for young girls in the community, we will learn how Goronogosa National Park helps the community co-exist with the wildlife, about the thriving wildlife in the park, game rangers, and so much more! You can learn more about Goronogosa National Park here: Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 27 Sep 2021 | Episode 11: Biomimicry | 01:01:27 | |
On today’s podcast, we will be learning what biomimicry is with Lex Amore, Director of Partnerships and Advocacy at the @biomimicryinstitute. There is a quote from Frank Lloyd Wright that seems to sum up for me how to describe biomimicry; “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature, it will never fail you.” Biomimicry is a practice that imitates or mimics nature to help find solutions to challenges we face in today’s world. If we think that life has been sustained on earth for billions of years, we can see the benefits of using nature as our role model and tap into her wisdom to help solve these challenges. Biomimicry can be used to find solutions in areas such as agriculture, construction, food waste, energy, fashion, and architecture. To quote the @biomimicryinstitute; “Biomimicry is about valuing nature for what we can learn, not what we can extract, harvest, or domesticate. In the process, we learn about ourselves, our purpose, and our connection to each other and our home on earth.” In this podcast, we will learn what biomimicry is and how it is used to develop sustainable solutions to global challenges we face. The answers to these challenges are truly right outside our window. We will also discover why learning from and mimicking nature can reveal just how intimately connected we are to nature and to each other, helping to shift our focus to one of interconnectedness. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 11 Oct 2021 | Episode 12: Damien Mander, Founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation | 00:49:12 | |
On this new Wild For Change podcast episode, we will be speaking with Damien Mander, founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. Damien was a naval clearance diver and special operations sniper for the Australian Defense Force. He completed 3 years of duty in Iraq. While traveling through Africa, he was inspired by the work of game rangers. He decided to liquidate all his assets to create the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) in 2009. The mission of IAPF is to deliver ecological stability and long-term protection of large-scale wilderness landscapes by supporting and empowering local communities. In 2017, IAPF founded Africa’s first armed, plant-based diet, all women anti-poaching unit called Akashinga – which means the Brave Ones. This unit began with 16 women who came from the local community and were trained to protect nature reserves. The goal is to employ 1,000 women protecting 20 nature reserves by 2025. Now women have the opportunity as much as men to be on the frontlines protecting the wildlife. Key accomplishments made by IAPF:
In 2019, Damien received the Winsome Constance Kindness Gold Medal. It is a prestigious award given to individuals who dedicate their lives to humanitarian and animal causes. During this podcast, we learn from Damien:
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 11 Nov 2021 | Episode 13: Amboseli Trust for Elephants | 00:58:32 | |
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we will be speaking with Dr. Vicki Fishlock – resident scientist of Amboseli Trust for Elephants in Kenya. The Amboseli Trust for Elephants is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on the long-term conservation and welfare of Africa’s elephants in the midst of human expansion, through scientific research, outreach, advocacy, and training. Dr. Cynthia Moss and her co-founder, Harvey Croze created the Amboseli Elephant Research Project in 1972 and is the longest-running elephant research program globally. Currently, over 1800 elephants are monitored over the Amboseli Ecosystem. The research covers many areas including: social organization, behavior, demography, ecological dynamics, spatial analyses and mapping, communication, genetics, human-elephant interactions and cognition. The beauty of the Amboseli Elephant Research Project is what has been learned about elephants and their family dynamics. Dr. Cynthia Moss stated; “Elephants form deep bonds with each other, which last for decades. Elephant survival is strongly affected by access to the social and ecological knowledge that older elephants hold; where to go, what to eat, how to avoid danger.” This research provides the basis that elephant familial bonds are an integral element to their continued survival, which also helps us as humans relate to another species and see the importance of ensuring their place on earth. In the podcast, we will learn how the ongoing research provides;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 21 Dec 2021 | Episode 14: The Regenesis Project | 00:54:08 | |
The Regenesis Project is a trailblazing regenerative model of inhabiting the earth so that both humans and nature can co-flourish. It is part of a global network of living labs called Ecosystem Restoration Camps that are restoring a diverse array of degenerated ecosystems and experimenting to find the best ecosystem practices. These restoration camps envision a fully functional, peaceful, abundant, biologically diverse Earth brought about through cooperative efforts for the ecological restoration of degraded lands. The Regenesis Project is the first Ecosystem Restoration Camp in the Philippines. Beyond sustainability, everything The Regenesis Project does is regenerative, from regenerative agriculture to regenerative industries. Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||
| 17 Jan 2022 | Episode 15: Marc Ayers, Illinois State Director for HSUS | 00:59:36 | |
On today’s podcast, we will be speaking with Marc Ayers, Illinois State Director for the Humane Society of the United States. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1954 to champion animal welfare and to fight the good fight against animal cruelty across the nation and the world. HSUS’ scope of animal protection is wide and ranges from animal rescues to improving state and federal legislation for animal welfare. Despite the circumstances of the pandemic in 2020,
HSUS has been a formidable force who fights for the betterment of animal welfare and Marc Ayers is a part of this force. Marc works tirelessly to create and improve legislation for animal rights in Illinois. Whether it is to ban the sale and trade of endangered wildlife parts to the fight against puppy mills and the pet stores that sell puppies from these mills, Marc never gives up the fight that all animals deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. During this podcast, we will learn;
Website: http://www.wildforchange.com Twitter: @WildForChange Facebook: /wildforchange Instagram: wildforchange | |||