In this episode of Life’s Tough, Explorers are Tougher, host Richard Wiese sits down with Dr. Rodrigo Medellín, known for his mission to save bats and, in turn, protect tequila production. Rodrigo dismantles long-standing myths about bats, addressing misconceptions rooted in literature, pop culture, and recent pandemic fears. He explains how vampire bats—just three of over 1,400 bat species—were unfairly demonized and highlights their minimal impact on livestock and human health.

Rodrigo shares his remarkable childhood story of raising vampire bats at age 11, a journey fueled by insatiable curiosity and family support. His career path led him to uncover the vital role of nectar-feeding bats in pollinating agave plants, which sustain the tequila industry. The discussion reveals astonishing bat migrations, the threats they face from climate change, and the cutting-edge GPS technology being developed to track their movements.

Listeners will gain practical tips on supporting bat conservation—from building bat houses to choosing bat-friendly agricultural products. Rodrigo’s passion is infectious, showing how protecting an often-feared species can have far-reaching environmental and cultural benefits.

This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales.

This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.