The Wild Eye Podcast

From squirrels and potholes to hadedas and the African bush, Temba Robin has made a name for himself by finding humour in the everyday. But behind the jokes is a storyteller with a deep love for wild spaces and a gift for helping people see nature in a new light.

In this episode, Gabby goes beyond the laughs to talk about Temba’s journey, what inspires his creativity, and how comedy can be used to spark real conversations about conservation. It’s thoughtful, funny, and packed with those “only-in-Africa” stories that make you smile while you think a little deeper.

Visit Themba Robin's website: https://thembarobin.com/

Visit the YWPSA website: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/

Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode Danny and Matt share a quick update from the banks of the Mara and the amazing Enkishui Safari Camp!

Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

Learn more about Enkishui here: https://wild-eye.com/enkishui-mara-camp/

In this episode, Gerry shares a quick update from Longyearbyen as he is about to start our wonderful Svalbard Arctic for expedition.

Find out more here: https://wild-eye.com/photographic-travel/svalbard-arctic-expedition/

In this deeply personal and heartwarming episode of the Wild Eye Podcast, Gabby sits down with her 82-year-old grandfather, Terry Ashmore, a lifelong bird lover, wildlife photographer, mineralogist and chemist, with decades of stories to share. From early birding in the UK with second-hand binoculars to walking the first Kruger wilderness trails in the 1970s, Terry reflects on the magic of slowing down, watching nature with care, and living with curiosity.

He shares memories of rare bird sightings, close calls on foot, the joys of handwritten field guides, and his thoughtful, minimalist approach to photography.

With humour, wisdom, and passion, this episode is a rare glimpse into a quieter, more intentional way of experiencing the wild, and a touching reminder of the stories that deserve to be passed down

Visit the YPWSA website here: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/

Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/

Many wildlife photographers get so caught up chasing the perfect shot that they miss the very emotion that drew them to nature in the first place.

In this episode, Gerry explores the psychology of awe - that profound feeling of being dwarfed by something magnificent - and how the technical pursuit of photography can actually block this transformative experience.

From the pressure of social media validation to the "Walter Mitty moment" of choosing presence over documentation, Gerry examines when putting the camera down might capture something far more valuable than any photograph ever could.

Find your own awe on the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode, Gabby has a very insightful chat with Dr Debbie English, a companion animal vet whose journey has led her into some unforgettable moments in wildlife.

From chaotic bush rescues to pangolin care, Debbie shares the stories, challenges, and laughs that make conservation medicine so unique. She also reflects on the moments that keep her inspired and the legacy she hopes her work will leave behind.

This episode is full of heart, wild tales, and the kind of passion that reminds us why protecting our planet’s animals matters. 

Visit the YWPSA website: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/

Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode, Gerry speaks about why most photo safaris miss the mark if you're serious about your photography.

Stop asking basic questions year after year and start planning trips with actual outcomes in mind.

We talk about the difference between tourism with cameras and real photography-focused travel.

Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

Andrew just got back from four days of gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi forest, and he's breaking down what it's really like getting close to mountain gorillas. From a three-week-old baby born with tourists watching to 400-pound silverbacks walking past you like you're not even there.

He covers the reality vs expectations, why a 70-200mm lens is essential, how the guides prioritize gorilla welfare over perfect shots, and that crucial moment when you need to put the camera down and just experience it. Plus insights from spending time with the Batwa people and learning local culture.

If gorilla trekking is on your bucket list, this is what you need to know before you go.

Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/travel-expriences/uganda-travel-inspiration/

Meet Gabby Sikora - she's 17, dreams of being a wildlife vet, and accidentally built one of Southern Africa's biggest youth conservation networks. What started as a 13-year-old with a point-and-shoot camera and three friends on Instagram has turned into YWPSA - 800+ young photographers across Southern Africa using their cameras to protect what they love.

Gabby breaks down how she went from watching safari streams as a kid to partnering with Canon and working alongside organizations like BirdLife South Africa. She talks about why youth voices matter in conservation, how photography can actually help save wildlife (not just capture pretty shots), and what happens when you give teenagers real responsibility.

If you've ever wondered whether one person can actually make a difference, or if you're curious about the next generation stepping up for nature - this one's for you. Plus, Gabby's got some strong opinions about ethical wildlife photography that might surprise you.

This is Gabby's debut on Wild Eye, but definitely not her last - stay tuned for more episodes where she'll be taking the host seat and bringing you the stories that matter in conservation.

Visit the YWPSA website here: https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/

In this episode Gerry and Johan tackle the messy world of wildlife guiding ethics and social media drama. They discuss guides posting dangerous animal encounters for likes, the problem with calling each other out online, and why some people seem obsessed with pushing boundaries just to create viral content. From wild dogs biting clients' shoes to elephants walking inches from tourists, they break down where the line should be drawn and question whether the constant finger-pointing is actually helping anyone. It's a raw conversation about responsibility, privilege, and what safari experiences should really be about.

Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/