How the Wildlife Forensic Academy is training the next generation of crime scene investigators for nature, with Dr Greg Simpson.

Hi, Nick here from Conservation Careers and welcome to the podcast.

Today we're exploring a lesser-known but vitally important side of conservation: wildlife forensics.

My guest is Dr Greg Simpson — a vet, public health specialist, conservationist, and Managing Director of the Wildlife Forensic Academy in South Africa.

Greg brings a fascinating blend of experiences — from veterinary clinics and public health to conservation education and wildlife crime scene investigations.

In this conversation, we unpack what wildlife forensics actually is — and why it’s becoming such a crucial tool in fighting wildlife crime and protecting biodiversity.

We also explore the work of the Wildlife Forensic Academy — the world’s first institution of its kind — which delivers hands-on, field-based training for students, rangers, researchers and professionals.

You’ll hear about the Academy’s unique approach, its growing global partnerships, and how you can get involved.

Finally, Greg shares personal insights into his role, career journey, advice for aspiring wildlife vets or forensic scientists — and his vision for scaling the Academy's impact across the world.

Before we get started, I wanted to give you a quick heads up that whether you’re just beginning your journey in conservation or looking to progress further, we’ve built three membership levels designed to support you at every stage.

CC Free gives you full access to our library of career guides and templates, along with bespoke job alerts from the world’s biggest conservation job board here at Conservation Careers.

For deeper support, CC Pro unlocks access to all listings our website and adds our private members’ community — a friendly, career-boosting space with training, events, expert guidance, and even the chance to join these podcast interviews live and put your own questions to our guests.

And coming soon, CC Pass will give you full access to all our premium training courses. That includes programmes such as the Certificate in Rewilding, Project Management & Design, Fundraising, Communications, Community-Based Conservation, Marine Conservation, and our career development courses — with more added over time.

If you’d like to explore any of these options, everything is available at conservation-careers.com, and we’ll pop a link below for you.

Righty, let’s jump into today’s podchat with Greg.

Enjoy.

Links

• Our memberships
• Wildlife Forensic Academy

Hi there, Nick here from Conservation Careers and welcome to the podcast.

If you’ve ever wondered how conservation can be truly inclusive, collaborative and community-led — this episode is for you.

Today I’m joined by Helen Gibbons, an expert in community-based conservation and our current Expert in Residence at Conservation Careers. With over 25 years of experience working for leading organisations like the Gorilla Fund, WWF, Greenpeace and the Maasai Mara Conservancies, Helen brings a wealth of insight into how conservation can and should work with people at its heart.

Together, we explore what community-based conservation really means — not just in theory, but in practice. We talk about trust, respect, and partnerships — and why supporting communities to lead their own conservation efforts is often the key to lasting impact.

Helen also shares stories from her incredible career, along with advice for people looking to work in this space — including the skills, experiences and mindset that really matter.

It’s a conservation, community, and career episode.

Enjoy.

Links

• Certificate in Community-Based Conservation
• Helen Gibbons on LinkedIn

When was the last time a piece of art changed how you thought or felt about the natural world? Today’s guest is Rory McCann — a conservation artist and muralist who uses large-scale, community-driven art to inspire awareness, connection, and action for nature.

In this conversation, Rory shares what it’s like to create wildlife-inspired murals, and how involving schools and communities in the creative process can help people fall in love with wildlife.

We explore the power of art in conservation, education and behaviour change — and how Rory’s own journey, shaped by childhood arthritis and a deep love of nature, led him to forge a creative career outside the traditional path.

Whether you’re a career switcher, student, artist or conservationist, this is a beautiful reminder that there’s no one way to make a difference.

It’s a bold, personal, and inspiring episode.

Enjoy.

Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-mccann-artist/

https://www.instagram.com/rorymccannart/

https://www.facebook.com/RoryMcCannMurals

https://rorymccannmurals.com/about/

Scotland is a land of breathtaking beauty — from its rugged coasts and misty glens to its rich biodiversity and wild spaces. But like all places we love, it needs care, commitment and community to keep it that way.

In this episode, we’re joined by Barry Fisher, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, the environmental charity on a mission to inspire action for a clean, green, sustainable Scotland.

Together we explore what makes Scotland so special — especially for wildlife — and why it can’t be taken for granted. Barry shares the charity’s current strategy, how they work with partners across government, schools, businesses and communities, and how they’re tackling issues like biodiversity loss, climate change, and waste.

We also explore Barry’s personal journey — from youth development to leading a national charity — and what it’s really like to be a CEO in the conservation space. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of leadership, what success looks like for him, and the pivotal career moments that shaped his path.

Whether you’re based in Scotland or just love the idea of community-powered environmental action, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and real-world examples of conservation in action.

It’s a reflective, practical, and optimistic episode. 

Enjoy.

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org

Have you ever felt stuck, burnt out, or unsure of your next move in your career?

In this episode we’re joined by Kristi Foster, Head of Programmes at Conservation Careers and an experienced careers coach. Kristi has been a guiding force for hundreds of conservationists — helping them overcome internal barriers like imposter syndrome, burnout, and decision paralysis.

Together, we explore what coaching actually is — and what it isn’t — clarifying how it differs from mentoring, consulting or therapy, and what makes it such a powerful tool for growth. 

We discuss the unique challenges conservationists face today, from burnout to imposter syndrome to uncertainty, and how coaching can bring you clarity, confidence and direction. 

Kristi also walks us through what happens in a typical coaching session, including some of the tools and exercises she uses to help people unlock breakthroughs. 

And finally, we explore how to know if coaching is right for you — and what it takes to get the most from the process.

Whether you're a student, switcher, seasoned professional or someone in-between, this conversation will help you understand the power of coaching to support your growth and success in the sector.

It’s an open, honest, and practical conversation — and if you’d like to explore whether coaching could be right for you, there’s a link in the description to find out more.

Enjoy

Want to learn more or book a coaching session? Visit -> https://www.conservation-careers.com/support/clarity-coaching/

How rewilding is helping nature and people thrive in Portugal and beyond, with Pedro Ribeiro.

If you’ve ever wondered what rewilding really means – or what it takes to make it happen on the ground – this episode is for you.

We’re joined by Pedro Ribeiro, our Expert in Residence here at Conservation Careers, for a practical and inspiring look at rewilding in action.

Pedro shares what rewilding looks like across the Portuguese landscape – from restoring large grazers like horses, to supporting vultures and other scavengers, tackling invasive species, and rebuilding healthier ecosystems.

We also discuss Pedro’s career journey into rewilding, his work with communities and landowners, the kinds of jobs emerging in the field – and how you can get involved through our new Certificate in Rewilding training programme.

It’s a grounded, hopeful, and insight-packed conversation – and a “boots-on-the-ground” look at rewilding.

Enjoy.

Dr Marisa Tellez knew from a young age that she was destined to work with the world’s apex predators—particularly crocodiles. While her peers played with dolls, she immersed herself in books, documentaries, and wildlife centres, determined to one day turn her fascination into action.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Tellez, Executive Director of the Crocodile Research Coalition, to explore her remarkable journey from the suburbs of Los Angeles to the lagoons of Belize. Along the way, we uncover how her early love for reptiles led her into parasitology, science communication, and community-led conservation.

Marisa shares how local attitudes toward crocodiles in Belize have transformed through education and engagement, and we dive into what it’s really like to live and work among these often-misunderstood creatures. We also talk about threats facing crocodilians and what it takes to build a career in conservation as a woman, a leader, and a lifelong learner.

This is a podcast about passion, persistence, and predators—and why building empathy for crocodiles might just help save them.

What happens when you stop fearing sharks — and start listening to them?

In this inspiring episode, we dive into the extraordinary world of Cristina Zenato – a trailblazing shark behaviorist, cave explorer, and professional diver who has spent over three decades in the Bahamas.

As Director of Training for the Underwater Explorer Society and Founder of the non-profit People of the Water, Cristina has dedicated her life to understanding and protecting the ocean's most misunderstood creatures.

Join us as we explore her fascinating journey from her roots in Italy and the Congo to the depths of underwater caves and the intimate world of sharks. Cristina shares powerful stories of connection, resilience, and redefining success, while offering rich advice for anyone dreaming of a career in marine conservation.

Whether you're intrigued by the emotional intelligence of sharks, curious about cave diving, or navigating your own conservation career path, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and raw inspiration.

Enjoy.

Dr Dave Johnston, Director of Professional Development at the Wildlife Conservation Society, shares why education is essential to conservation.

In this episode, we explore how zoos and aquariums scale conservation impact, how Dave built a fulfilling career through teaching, and what effective conservation education really looks like.

We explore:

• Why zoos and aquariums are ideal hubs for conservation learning
• How Dave pivoted from animal care to conservation education
• What makes professional development effective
• Why empathy, storytelling and respect are critical in engaging learners
• And how you can start or grow your career in conservation education

It’s an energising, thoughtful and hopeful conversation.

🔗 Learn more about WCS: https://www.wcs.org

🎓 Explore Conservation Careers: https://www.conservation-careers.com

In this episode, Dr Stephen Green joins Nick Askew to share the story behind the MSc Conservation Project Management – a skills-based master’s programme co-created by Newquay University Centre and Conservation Careers.

Together, they reflect on the first year of delivery, the importance of employer-aligned training, and the transformative impact of the Conservation Careers Kickstarter course. It’s a practical, personal and inspiring look at how to build careers – and courses – that make a difference.

Find out more here - https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/courses/msc-conservation-project-management/