Episode 16 – 2025 Season Overview ft. ABA President Steph Horner
Hello! It’s been a minute since our last episode, so to kick things off Philip does some catching up ABA President on how 2025 went at the sanctuary. There is much to discuss, from celebrating the miracle that is flushing toilets to... Read more

The Bear Den 2 Update + Wojtek & Winnipeg

Join Philip as he gives a teaser of what’s to come in the next season of The Bear Den, and we hear the stories of two renowned and inspirational bears, Wojtek & Winnipeg!

The Bear Den Artwork is by Asha Kaur

Contact: [email protected]
Find... Read more

Episode 15 – Founder Tales: Pieces of the Sanctuary ft. Klari Lea (Part 4)
In the second part of Philip’s chat with Klari we learn more about the bears, the people and when people work together we can make a difference (and her rock collection!).

The Founder Tales series documents the history of the... Read more

Episode 14 – Founder Tales: Seeds of Hope ft. Klari Lea (Part 3)

Co-Founder Klari Lea joins Philip to talk about her passion for animal advocacy since childhood, meeting her husband, fellow co-founder, Bill Lea, and their arrival at the sanctuary. Klari talks about the early days of the wildlife sanctuary, and how the core... Read more

Episode 13 – Never Cry Wolf: A Chat with Voyageurs Wolf Project Team Lead Tom Gable

Philip chats to Tom Gable, Project Team Lead for the Voyageurs Wolf Project. With over a decades worth of experience working in Voyageurs National Park, Tom has a wealth of knowledge on wolf research and conservation. They talk about... Read more

Episode 12 – Snapshot: Interview w/ Naturalist, Wildlife Photographer & Author Stan Tekiela

Philip is joined by Stan Tekiela, who discusses his 40+ year career working in the wildlife field. For over 20 years, Stan has visited the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary and led countless photo workshops in that time. Together Philip and Stan cover... Read more

Episode 11 – Founder Tales: Taking over from Vince (Part 2)
ABA Co-Founder Karen Hauserman continues her story detailing Vince’s declining health and her first meeting with Bill and Klari Lea, and how the three of them went on to form the ABA. Karen also reflects on bears she met over the years, her... Read more

Episode 10 – Founder Tales: Meeting Vince (Part 1)
Philip is joined by ABA Co-Founder Karen Hauserman in the first of a two-parter! They chat about how the property was in the “before times”, before the sanctuary was founded. Karen details how she came to the Northwoods and her first meeting with Vince in... Read more

Episode 9 – Out on a Limb
In 2016, Philip pulled a book off the shelf entitled “Out on a Limb” by Benjamin Kilham. Benjamin Kilham has rehabilitated hundreds of black bears cubs in New Hampshire. Walking with them in the forest has helped him detail bear communications, vocalisations, body language and other behaviours,... Read more

Episode 8 – Myths & Misconceptions
There are many myths and misconceptions about the North American black bear. Join Philip as he reviews the myths and counter these with the facts. This episode dives into folklore, misunderstood behavior, and scientific truths, all in an effort to separate fact from fiction including topics on... Read more