Episode Description – Coffee & Conservation with Rita Santas

In this episode of Coffee & Conservation, Mike sits down with Rita Santas, conservation K9 handler and founder-owner of Dogs for Nature in Portugal.

Rita shares her journey into the world of working dogs for conservation—how she got started, what inspired her to build Dogs for Nature, and what it really takes to train and deploy K9s for wildlife protection, research, and environmental monitoring.

They dive into what conservation K9 work looks like on the ground, from field deployments to training methodologies, and the realities of building capacity in a growing but still under-resourced field. Mike and Rita also unpack the challenges facing conservation K9 programs globally—funding gaps, operational hurdles, misconceptions about working dogs, and the broader challenges facing conservation practitioners today.

Expect honest insights, practical lessons, and plenty of banter between two people passionate about dogs, conservation, and building more effective tools to protect wildlife and wild places.

Grab a coffee and join the conversation.

In this episode of Coffee & Conservation, host Mike Veale sits down with Global Conservation Force instructor Amanda Smith — whose decades-long career in UK law enforcement took an unexpected turn after hearing the powerful story of Thandi the rhino and the lifesaving work of Dr. William Fowlds. Inspired, Amanda made the bold decision to leave everything familiar behind and work her way into wildlife conservation.

Mike and Amanda talk about how her law enforcement background shaped her approach to ranger training, integrity in the field, and leadership under pressure — and how everyday people can chart their own path into meaningful conservation work. It’s an inspiring look at courage, purpose, and the ripple effect one story can have.

This week on Coffee & Conservation, we sit down with BAFTA-nominated wildlife filmmaker and GCF Conservation Ambassador Anna Dimitriadis. With credits on major series such as Big Cats 24/7 for BBC2 and PBS, and field experience spanning Antarctic ice dives, Patagonian mountains, and the Okavango Delta, Anna has built a career telling powerful wildlife stories through camera, drone, and underwater work. In this episode, she shares the moments that shaped her path, how storytelling drives real conservation impact, and why she chose to partner with GCF. A thoughtful, inspiring conversation about action, representation, and showing up for our planet.

Sophie Bland, is a wildlife conservationist, photographer, former zookeeper, and part of the Global Conservation Force Team. Recently, she joined us for her first team deployment as a GCF Field Journalist working in the field as part of snare patrols, community based ranger selection and the annual anti-poaching ranger bootcamp. Tune in for part 1! In part 2, we will pick up where we abruptly, not planned, left off!

Pour yourself a fresh cup and join Mike Veale for an inspiring episode of Coffee and Conservation, featuring Karen Odendaal, Chief Operating Officer of Zululand Conservation Trust (ZCT) and Managing Director of Manyoni Private Game Reserve. With a conservation career spanning nearly two decades, Karen has been at the forefront of rhino protection, pangolin rehabilitation, and community-based conservation efforts in KwaZulu-Natal.

In this episode, Karen shares the story behind founding the Zululand Rhino Orphanage, her leadership role in Manyoni’s range expansion projects, and her passion for connecting conservation with local communities.

Mike and Karen also discuss the impactful partnership between ZCT, Zululand Rhino Orphanage, and Global Conservation Force (GCF)—from pioneering K9 tracking for live pangolins and launching Manyoni’s in-house K9 anti-poaching unit, to GCF’s hands-on support in rhino orphan care, staff training, and ranger security preparedness.

Together, these efforts are creating a stronger, more adaptive future for wildlife conservation in South Africa.

Jaidacyn Madrigal is an environmental educator, community advocate, and sustainability storyteller whose work blends activism, and grassroots outreach. A proud graduate of California State University–Sacramento, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration with a concentration in Hospitality & Tourism Management, and a minor in Environmental Studies. She also brings a professional edge to her environmental work with certifications in Event Planning, Hospitality & Tourism Administration, and Nonprofit Administration.

Jaidacyn is a Climate Reality Leader with Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, where she presents climate change education to high school students and community groups, helping to translate science into action. Whether she’s speaking in classrooms, attending rallies, or creating educational content on her EcoGirl YouTube channel, Jaidacyn is passionate about empowering people to make eco-friendly choices in their everyday lives.

Through her work with Earth 350 San Diego and Fright for Future, she supports environmental and animal justice campaigns and uses creative outreach to mobilize younger generations. Her approach is rooted in the belief that climate action can be both practical and personal—starting with the habits we cultivate daily.

In this episode, Jaidacyn joins host Mike Veale to explore the intersection of conservation and consumer choices, offering insights on sustainable sourcing, ethical tourism, and how even small lifestyle changes can ripple out to make global impact.

Join us as we dive into the journey behind The Last Ranger with director Cindy Lee and writer David Lee. Based on true events in the Eastern Cape, the film tells the powerful story of Thandi, a rhino who survived a brutal poaching incident on Kariega Game Reserve, and the woman determined to protect these vulnerable animals. Cindy shares her path from commercials to becoming an Academy Award®-shortlisted director, while David reflects on his Hollywood career, including roles in Black Panther and Blood Diamond. This episode blends storytelling, conservation, and creativity over a cup of coffee.

On this episode of Coffee and Conservation, we’re here to guide both first-time travelers and seasoned explorers ready to dive deeper into the wonders of South Africa! Whether it’s your first journey to this incredible country or you’re looking to extend your stay and explore more independently, this episode is packed with everything you need to know.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the essentials—from preparing with the right vaccinations and packing the must-haves, to navigating the local roads and finding the best places to stay. For those eager to immerse themselves fully, we’ll share tips on how to plan a longer stay, explore off-the-beaten-path locations, and make the most of South Africa’s stunning wildlife and vibrant cultures.

And if you’re dreaming of setting out on your own, we’ve got expert advice on driving in South Africa, finding hidden gems, and soaking in the country’s top wine regions. Whether you're embarking on your very first adventure or planning to linger and explore, this episode will equip you with all the insights you need for a safe, seamless, and unforgettable journey!

In this episode, we chat with Brierley McCubbins, GCF's dedicated Field Journalist. Brierley, who has always had a passion for animals and wildlife conservation, began her path in the police academy and later found her calling while working as a zookeeper. Now, she uses her skills to document the work of Global Conservation Force's instructors and programs. Brierley discusses her journey into wildlife conservation, the role of field journalism, and her experiences with GCF. Tune in to learn about her unique journey and the important work being done to protect wildlife.

In today’s episode, we’re excited to have Jess Donnelly, the filmmaker behind the impactful documentary "Holding the Frontline." Jess will share her journey to becoming a filmmaker, including her experiences filming in the field with the Global Conservation Force. We’ll explore the challenges she faced, the inspiring stories she captured, and how you can get involved in conservation efforts. Grab your coffee and join us for an engaging conversation with Jess Donnelly!