The Wolf Connection

Taylor Rabe has spent over four years as a Wildlife Technician in Yellowstone National Park, working with the Wolf, Cougar, and Elk Projects. She is also an Education & Engagement Facilitator for Conservation Nation, an organization dedicated to diversifying the conservation movement by supporting conservationists from underrepresented communities and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.

In this bite-sized episode, Taylor joins us from the International Wolf Symposium in Minnesota to reflect on her experiences and relationships in Yellowstone, both human and wolf. She also shares what's next in her educational journey as she pursues her master's degree in Colorado, focusing on habituation and the effects of aversive conditioning.

Conservation Nation 

@taylorlrabe

@thewolfconnectionpod

A Handful Of Dirt

The Languages Of Life

David Ian Howe is an anthropologist, archaeologist, and host of Ethnocynology and The David Ian Howe Show. He is known for popularizing ethnocynology, the study of the relationship between humans and dogs. His work explores the history and archaeology of dogs, as well as the roles they play in modern culture.

In this episode of The Wolf Connection Podcast, we explore the human-wolf relationship before domestication, how our two species evolved alongside one another, and how that shared history continues to shape the way we perceive wolves and their relationship to our domesticated dogs.

David Ian Howe Website

@ethnocynology

@davidianhowe

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages of Life (YouTube)

Matt Barnes, a research associate with the Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative, is a range scientist, wildlife conservationist, and former ranch manager whose work focuses on reintegrating wildness into working landscapes.

Matt works with land managers to improve rangeland stewardship and has worked alongside ranchers to help prevent conflicts with large carnivores, including wolves and grizzly bears, throughout the Northern Rocky Mountains of Montana and Wyoming.

In this episode of The Wolf Connection Podcast, Matt joins us following his recent visit to Wolf Connection to talk about his experience at the sanctuary and share the latest updates from the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, including the work being done around wolves and wolf conservation in the Rocky Mountain region.

@mattk.barnes

@rockymtnwolf

Rocky Mountain Wolf Project

Shining Horizons Land Management

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages Of Life

Climate change is not just shifting temperatures, it is rewriting the rules of survival for wolves, moose, and entire ecosystems. In this episode, research ecologist Toni Lyn Morelli explains what wildlife experiences as winters warm, snow disappears, parasites spread, and habitats become increasingly fragmented. Drawing from her work at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Toni explores how animals respond to rapid environmental change and why species that seem adaptable may still be pushed beyond their limits.

We discuss the concept of umwelt, which helps us understand how animals experience the world differently from humans, as well as the effects of snow drought on cold-adapted species like wolves and moose. We examine the impact of winter ticks on moose, the importance of climate refugia, the role of habitat connectivity, and the shifting relationships between deer, moose, lynx, bobcats, and other wildlife. The conversation also explores whether species can move, adapt, or survive in landscapes divided by roads, cities, and human development.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at resilience, interdependence, and what wildlife can teach us about living through a rapidly changing world. 

Morelli Lab

Climate Refugia

2026 Western Snow Drought Was About Four Times More Likely Caused by Climate Change

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages of Life

What if the real problem is not the world around us, but the way we’ve been taught to see it? Ecologist and philosopher Matthijs Schouten explores how Western thinking shaped our separation from nature, and why that mindset still affects the way we live today. He makes the case for seeing ourselves not above the natural world, but as part of a larger community of life.

In this episode, Matthijs traces the roots of this worldview through philosophy, religion, and science, while also pointing to other traditions that offer a more connected way of understanding the world. He shares why language matters, how we can reframe our relationship with nature, and what it means to move from control to participation. This conversation is a thoughtful invitation to rediscover wonder, belonging, and reciprocity.

Homepage for Matthijs Schouten

Matthijs Schouten Portfolio

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages of Life

Jason Wise is a Certified California Naturalist, environmental educator, conservationist, trail guide, and LBGTQ activist with a Master's Degree in Environmental Policy. 

His passion is fostering a deeper connection between people and nature, and belief that access to and education about the natural world are essential for cultivating strong environmental advocates. 

Jason and I discussed how people can connect with nature in urban settings, the impact of environmental storytelling, what nature can teach us about coming together as a society, and the effects of big conservation efforts like the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing. 

Jason Journey Man

@jasonjourneyman

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages of Life 

At WildEarth Guardians, Lizzy Pennock works as the Carnivore Coexistence Attorney alongside Joanna Zhang, the Endangered Species Advocate. 

In this episode Lizzy and Joanna came on to discuss three major issues: rollbacks affecting the Endangered Species Act, the state of Montana admitting its tracking models severely overestimated the actual wolf population, and The Department of the Interior introducing a revised proposal altering ESA Rule 4(d) guidelines for grizzly bears. 

WildEarth Guardians

Rally For the Grizzly Webinar

U.S. Department of Interior Rescinds 'Harm' Definition

@wildearthguardians

@thewolfconnectionpod

The Languages of Life

Cassi Camara is a Conservation Communications Consultant who recently completed her PhD in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. 

She is also an Environmental Education Specialist for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Collectively, her work integrates research and practice across governance, policy, education, and communication, with the aim of cultivating environmentally literate citizens, across the globe.

Cassi spoke about her experience at Wolf Connection, some of the barriers in achieving environmental policy, and the positive impacts environmental education can have not only for students, but facilitators and teachers as well. 

Cassiopeia Consulting

Cassiopeiacamara.com

@thewolfconnectionpod

Rick LoBello is one of the founders and Treasurer of the Texas Lobo Coalition, while Phillip Sozansky serves as the organization's Secretary. The Texas Lobo Coalition is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the natural restoration of the Mexican wolf to its native and historic habitats in Texas.

In this conversation, Rick and Phillip explore Texas's ecological and cultural history, the mission of the Texas Lobo Coalition, and the science, challenges, and opportunities surrounding the return of Mexican wolves. They also share why they believe the time is right for this iconic species to reclaim its historic place in the Texas landscape.

Texas Lobo Coalition (Website)

@texaslobocoalition

@thewolfconnectionpod

A Handful of Dirt - Watch on YouTube

Carolyn Johnson is the Founder/CEO/Mechanical Engineer of GuardUs Innovations. Their mission is to save animals, both domestic and wild. GuardUs Innovations strives to create a world where livestock are protected and our natural predators thrive. We plan to achieve this through novel and effective non-lethal predator deterrent innovations. 

Carolyn spoke about her background as a mechanical engineer, the livestock collar which aims to protect cattle & sheep in a non-lethal way, and promoting coexistence with wild predators. 

GuardUs Innovations Website

@thewolfconnectionpod

A Handful of Dirt - Watch on YouTube