Hi there. Nick here from Conservation Careers, and welcome to the podcast.

How can we restore biodiversity while balancing the needs of people and wildlife? And what can large carnivores teach us about coexistence and environmental harmony?

Today’s guest is Jonny Hanson, environmental social scientist, conservationist, and author of Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves, and Bears. 

Jonny brings a unique perspective to conservation, blending natural and social sciences, peace-building techniques, and his experiences across Western Europe and North America.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating topic of large carnivore reintroductions, their ecological and symbolic impacts, and the challenges of coexistence. Jonny shares his innovative approaches to conservation, lessons from his career journey, and practical advice for aspiring conservationists.

It’s a thought-provoking, multidisciplinary, and inspiring podchat.

Enjoy!

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Sign up here to receive Jonny's quarterly newsletter. Watch his Coexistence TEDx talk here. And pre-order his Coexistence book here.

How do you transform landscapes, restore biodiversity and reconnect people with nature - all at scale? And what does it take to build a pioneering conservation initiative from scratch? 

Today’s guest is Frans Schepers, co-founder and Executive Director of Rewilding Europe. Frans has dedicated over a decade to leading rewilding efforts across Europe, turning ambitious ideas into tangible results.  

Under his leadership, Rewilding Europe has become a frontrunner in nature recovery, combining innovation, entrepreneurship and practical conservation to breathe life back into our landscapes. 

In this episode, we explore the origins of Rewilding Europe, how it works and the steps involved in rewilding a landscape. Frans also shares career advice for aspiring conservationists, discusses the future of rewilding and explains why he remains hopeful about nature’s incredible power to bounce back. 

It’s an inspiring, forward-thinking, and opportunity-driven podcast. 

Enjoy! 

How can campaigning lead to transformative leadership in conservation? And what role do cross-sector partnerships play in scaling biodiversity impact?

Today’s guest is Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England and one of the UK’s most prominent voices in nature conservation.

He’s been described as ‘the most effective of Britain's eco-warriors’ and ‘one of the top ten environmental figures of the last thirty years.

From his early days at Friends of the Earth to advising global leaders and now steering Natural England, Tony shares insights from a fascinating career dedicated to protecting our natural world.

In this episode, we explore Tony’s journey from campaigning to governance, the critical role of partnerships in delivering conservation at scale, and what’s needed to reverse biodiversity decline in the UK.

Tony also shares his perspective on skills needed in modern conservation careers and why practicality is key to making a lasting impact.

It’s a thought-provoking, inspiring, and solutions-focused podcast.

Enjoy!

Today’s guest is Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission (England). Sir William shares his rich experience in forestry management, conservation, and the evolving mission of the ForestryCommission since its founding in 1919.

In our chat, we discuss the Commission's role in afforestation, timber production and wildlife conservation, and the importance of balanced woodland management.

Sir William also shares his views on the economic and environmental significance of forests, practical insights for aspiring conservationists and what to expect from upcoming National Tree Week.

It’s a passionate, informative, and inspiring podcast about trees, landscapes, and how each of us can play a part in conservation. Enjoy!

What does it take to lead one of the world’s largest conservation organisations through a time when 41% ofUK species are in decline?

And how can today’s conservation leaders inspire millions to fight for biodiversity?

Today’s guest, Beccy Speight, CEO of the RSPB, offers her insights into what it takes to manage over 1.2 million members and 200 reserves across the UK.

In this episode, we discuss the RSPB’s mission, the role of effective leadership, and Beccy’s own career path from local government to conservation leadership.

Beccy shares the biggest challenges she faces, her hopes for the RSPB over the next decade and what advice she’d give to anyone looking to enter the conservation sector.

It’s an inspiring, insightful, and mission-driven podcast.

Have you ever wondered how your backyard or garden can help to save wildlife? Or why something as simple as leaving your leaves where they fall can make a big difference for local ecosystems? And what role does media, from television to online platforms, play in conservation efforts? 

Today’s guest is David Mizejewski, a naturalist, author, and television presenter with the National Wildlife Federation. David has spent years educating the public on how small, everyday actions can protect wildlife and the environment.  

He’s here to talk about his exciting career and the Leave the Leaves campaign, which encourages homeowners to repurpose their fallen leaves to support biodiversity. 

We’ll discuss his career journey, why TV is such a powerful tool for conservation, and how you can get involved with wildlife-friendly initiatives in your own backyard. Plus, we dive into David’s experiences on popular TV shows like Conan, RuPaul’s Drag Race and Good Morning America and how he uses media to inspire people to take action. 

It’s an inspiring, educational, and practical podcast. Enjoy! 

Have you ever felt like an outsider or imposter in your career? Or wondered where (or even if) you can fit and belong?

We're biologically hard-wired for connection, and research shows that it's vital to our physical and mental wellbeing.

But when it comes to our careers, we often think we need to go it alone.

In this special episode, we discuss the importance of community in our careers as conservationists, and how it's often key to our happiness, impact and wellbeing.

Joining our host Dr Nick Askew is Dr Fernando (Nando) Mateos-González of Bioblogía and Kristi Foster, Head of Programmes at Conservation Careers.

We talk about our own personal experiences with community and how community has shaped our careers.

We also share some of the many benefits of community - from finding professional opportunities to having a sense of motivation, belonging and meaning.

Lastly, we talk about our warm, friendly online community within the Conservation Careers Academy, where you can enjoy access to jobs, training and community support.

It's an open, honest and lighthearted chat as the three of us reconnect and enjoy some community time together.

We hope it will encourage other conservationists to enjoy more benefits from community.

If you're looking for your tribe, this episode is for you.

Enjoy!

Today’s guest is Romulus Whitaker, a renowned herpetologist and conservationist often referred to as the"Snake Man of India."

Romulus shares his lifelong passion for snakes, conservation and the incredible biodiversity of India's rainforests.

In this episode, we discuss what drew Romulus to snakes, especially the King Cobra, his experiences in the rainforest and the significance of water and forest conservation.

We also delve into how Romulus started several conservation projects, including the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, and the importance of inspiring future generations.

Finally, we also discuss his new book, Snakes, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll, which tells the story of a boy who would become one of the greatest conservationists of his generation.

It’s a fascinating, insightful and inspiring podchat.

Enjoy.

Today’s guest is Becky Park, the Programme Manager for the Osprey Leadership Foundation.

They work to inspire young people about the natural world and to help them to develop into conservation leaders who can make a real difference, at both a grassroots and international level.

We discuss the foundation's origins, its mission in conservation and leadership training, and how it connects the UK with countries along the Osprey migratory flyway, such as The Gambia.

Becky shares a fascinating story about community, leadership, and the passion that drives impactful conservation work.

We also delve into Becky's career, her role, and the challenges she faces, including the balance of remote work and family life.

It’s an inspiring, informative, and insightful podcast.

Enjoy.

Why do so many people get into conservation because of a love of animals, only to discover that it’s all about people?

And why if you’re interested in working as a social scientist particularly, should you focus on improving on your softer skills, especially if you want to get ahead in your career?

We discuss these questions and many more with today’s guest Dr Laura Thomas-Walters.

Laura is the Deputy Director of Experimental Research for the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. She describes herself as an environmental social scientist with a focus on behaviour change who works closely with governments and NGOs to enact change through research.In this episode, we delve deep into the fascinating world of conservation science and climate change communication.

Laura shares her journey into conservation, driven by a passion for big, cuddly animals, and how it evolved into a focus on behaviour change and climate activism.

We explore the multifaceted nature of Laura's research, from demand reduction in the wildlife trade to linking extreme weather events with climate change.

We also discuss the importance of cultural awareness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the challenges of transitioning between academia and government work.

Finally, Laura also provides valuable insights into the soft skills needed for conservation social science and offers advice for aspiring conservationists on how to navigate the complexities of this field.

It’s a social-scienceing, climate-communicating, behaviour-changing podchat. Enjoy.

Today we explore the world of conservation and diversity with digital storyteller Taurean Meacham.

Working for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Taurean is the Program Coordinator for the Diversity Joint Venture for Careers in Conservation.

In this episode we delve into Taurean's work to improve diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in conservation and beyond.

We'll hear about how he survived a workplace mass shooting and subsequently retired from the United States Navy to become a stay-at-home dad and full-time college student.

We also discuss how his military background is helping him provide a unique perspective on fostering diverse and inclusive communities within conservation.

Finally, we explore Taurean's work in conservation and environmental stewardship, his efforts in social justice and the valuable insights he offers for aspiring conservationists, perhaps like you.

It's a story of resilience, of dedication and of the power of diversity in conservation. Enjoy.