Wild & Unprotected: A Conservation Podcast

in this episode of Wild & Unprotected host Ethan Leaman interviews Whale Guardians CEO and Co-Founder Michael Fishbach. He shares his journey from a professional tennis player to an ocean conservationist. He discusses the state of the planet, the importance of engaging people in conservation efforts, and the work of Whale Guardians. The conversation concludes with the fascinating story of the white blue whale, the only known white blue whale on the planet. We also highlight the rescue of a humpback whale, showcasing the importance of conservation work.

En este episodio de Salvaje y Desprotegido, la presentadora Catalina Smith conversa con Pablo García Salinas, biólogo marino y director de proyectos enfocado en la conservación de tiburones. Hablan sobre la singular trayectoria de Pablo, desde su fascinación infantil por los dinosaurios hasta su carrera en biología marina, sus experiencias trabajando con tiburones y la importancia de la educación y la comunicación en las iniciativas de conservación. La conversación también abarca programas innovadores para la conservación de tiburones, la investigación con tiburones azules y los desafíos de la investigación marina. Pablo comparte una anécdota humorística y alocada sobre el contrabando de esperma de tiburón para la investigación, destacando los esfuerzos de los científicos por su trabajo.

Biología marina, conservación de tiburones, educación, comunicación, tiburones azules, pez guitarra, investigación marina, Pablo García Salinas, oceanografía, educación sobre la vida silvestre

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To help support the show or be in the know for all things Wildscape see the links below:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/e054bc65-420c-439f-b3cf-2e36e28fc5e4

https://www.wildscapeproductions.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wildscapeproductions

In this episode of Wild and Unprotected, host Ethan Leaman speaks with Pablo García Salinas, a marine biologist and project director focused on shark conservation. They discuss Pablo's unique journey from a childhood fascination with dinosaurs to a career in marine biology, his experiences working with sharks, and the importance of education and communication in conservation efforts. The conversation also covers innovative programs for shark conservation, research on blue sharks, and the challenges of conducting marine research. Pablo shares a humorous and wild story about smuggling shark sperm for research, highlighting the lengths scientists go to for their work.

marine biology, shark conservation, education, communication, blue sharks, guitarfish, marine research, Pablo García Salinas, oceanographic, wildlife education

Support the show

To help support the show or be in the know for all things Wildscape see the links below:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/e054bc65-420c-439f-b3cf-2e36e28fc5e4

https://www.wildscapeproductions.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wildscapeproductions

Welcome to Season 3 of Wild and Unprotected!!

In this episode of Wild and Unprotected, host Ethan Leaman welcomes Jas Corbett, the media and communications manager for the Manta Trust. They discuss Jas's journey in conservation, the importance of media in engaging the public, and the challenges faced by women in conservation. The conversation highlights the need for positivity in conservation media, the significance of storytelling, and the collaborative efforts required to make a meaningful impact in environmental protection. In this conversation, Jas and Ethan discuss the critical importance of diversity in conservation workplaces, the positive changes and community support available for women in the field, and the need for sustained support rather than temporary initiatives. They navigate the complexities of gender dynamics, the role of allies, and the importance of learning from mistakes. Jas shares her experiences in photography and conservation, highlighting the joy it brings her, while also discussing the significant role media plays in conservation efforts. The episode concludes with a wild story from Jas about her first conservation project, showcasing the challenges faced in the field.

Support the show

To help support the show or be in the know for all things Wildscape see the links below:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/e054bc65-420c-439f-b3cf-2e36e28fc5e4

https://www.wildscapeproductions.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wildscapeproductions

In this episode of Wild and Unprotected, host Ethan Leaman speaks with Zach Bell from the Okinawa Kame Centre in Japan. 

They discuss Zach's journey to Japan and how that led him to working with the black-breasted leaf turtle known locally as the ryukyu. Ever wonder the difference how to tell the male apart from the female for a species like this? This episode covers that and much more including why the show is really named Wild & Unprotected. 

Support the show

To help support the show or be in the know for all things Wildscape see the links below:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/e054bc65-420c-439f-b3cf-2e36e28fc5e4

https://www.wildscapeproductions.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wildscapeproductions

In this episode of Wild and Unprotected, host Ethan Leaman speaks with Heidy Martinez who is a member of Minorities in Shark Sciences. 

They discuss Heidy's journey into conservation, how impactful the Minorities in Shark Sciences program is, and the importance of second chances. The conversation also touches on vaquita conservation efforts. The Vaquita is one of the most endangered animals in the world with only 8-10 individuals left in the world. 

Support the show

To help support the show or be in the know for all things Wildscape see the links below:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/e054bc65-420c-439f-b3cf-2e36e28fc5e4

https://www.wildscapeproductions.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wildscapeproductions

In this episode of Wild and Unprotected, host Ethan Leaman speaks with Nicki Boyd, curator of mammals at the San Diego Zoo. 

They discuss Nicki's journey into animal care, the importance of education and hands-on experience, and the role of zoos in wildlife conservation. Nicki shares insights about the Wildlife Explorers Base Camp, her work with red pandas and cheetahs, and the significance of community involvement in conservation efforts. The conversation also touches on the challenges of animal transport and the need for sustainable practices in wildlife protection.

Support the show

To help support the show or be in the know for all things Wildscape see the links below:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/e054bc65-420c-439f-b3cf-2e36e28fc5e4

https://www.wildscapeproductions.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wildscapeproductions

In this episode our guest host Catalina Smith steps in for the week and interviews Grey the founder of Reef Safe PR. Reef Safe is a non-profit based out of Puerto Rico focusing on helping maintain the beautiful coral reefs of the island of enchantment. 

We discuss the damage that is being done to reefs around the island, how sunscreens impact those coral, the fact that corals...are actually animals, and a wild story about mistaking a dolphin for a shark.

Support the show

To help support the show or be in the know for all things Wildscape see the links below:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/e054bc65-420c-439f-b3cf-2e36e28fc5e4

https://www.wildscapeproductions.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wildscapeproductions

In this episode our host Ethan Leaman interviews Fauz Fath-hee a coordinator for the RahVeshi Programme a project supported by The Manta Trust. 

We discuss the oceanic and reef manta rays that the RahVeshi Programme studies, how Fauz has a less than traditional path to research and conservation, and one of the most inspirational "wild stories" we have ever had on the show. 

Support the show

To help support the show or be in the know for all things Wildscape see the links below:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/e054bc65-420c-439f-b3cf-2e36e28fc5e4

https://www.wildscapeproductions.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wildscapeproductions

In this episode, Jules Hartl from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology comes back to the show...but not as a guest...as our special co-host! 

We have a chat with Christine de Silva. A shark scientist that has been featured on Shark Week for her research on the animals! She is also a PHd student at the University of Rhode Island. 

Christine shares her personal experiences while filming and what life is like as a scientist and entrepreneur, what got her into research and conservation, and a funny story about a shark getting a little too close for comfort. 

Support the show

To help support the show or be in the know for all things Wildscape see the links below:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/e054bc65-420c-439f-b3cf-2e36e28fc5e4

https://www.wildscapeproductions.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wildscapeproductions