Don't Forget Your Boots

Sandra Shaw Homer, Author of Evelio’s Garden: Memoir of a Naturalist in Costa Rica

In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Sandra Shaw Homer, an environmentalist and author, with a recent book called Evelio’s Garden: Memoir of a Naturalist in Costa Rica. We spoke about writing, travel, conservation, and her life as an ex-pat for 29 years in Costa Rica.

Sandra is incredibly inspirational and has an amazing story to tell, filled equally with beauty and sorrow. Below are links to where you can pick up a copy of Evelio's Garden as well as her previous books. 

Evelio’s Garden on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Evelios-Garden-Sandra-Shaw-Homer/dp/1646693248/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1576966182&sr=1-1

Sandra Shaw Homer on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sandra-Shaw-Homer/e/B00LLWLGOA/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Sandra Shaw Homer on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7884051.Sandra_Shaw_Homer?from_search=true

John Platt of The Revelator

In this episode, I speak with John Platt (there is no relation between us, he just has the best last name ever) but he is a renowned environmental journalist covering endangered species, climate, and pollution-related issues. There was a bit of an audio issue at minute 23, and again at 29:00, as my recorder crapped out halfway through the podcast, however, John, the quintessential professional was recording the whole time and sounds great throughout.

We cover a lot, and talk about what is causing the species to become more endangered at a faster rate, why some environmental issues need to reach beyond economic solutions, the importance of emotion in storytelling, and staying positive in the era of Trump.

Thanks, and again, if you can, please rate, review, and subscribe, it helps a lot! 

Jona of Gate 1 Uganda

In this podcast, I spoke with our tour guide, Jona, as my wife and I were on our honeymoon in Uganda. 

A lot of people don’t know much about Uganda, myself included, so I made sure to take the opportunity to ask Jona just about all the questions I had amassed since the trip began. We talked about a lot- rhinos, Uganda being safe, Kimberly Endicott, Ebola, economic drivers, the depiction of Uganda and Africa in general in the media, and conservation efforts.

Julie Vanassche of Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary

In this podcast, I speak with Julie Vanassche of the Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary, the only wildlife sanctuary in Liberia.

While we talk other animals, much of our conversation is about pangolins, the most trafficked animal in the world.

Pangolins are desired locally for bushmeat (which is embedded in the culture) and internationally in many Asian countries, which tend to believe their scales have medicinal value.

Overall, quality isn't great since her internet on location is spotty. We tried recording it a few different ways, but this is the best we were to get. My hope is we can do another one in the future but, since Julie is so busy, I wanted to upload this one sooner rather than later.

Will Harlan of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

In this episode, Will explains the difference between National Parks and National Forests, why environmental conservation shouldn't be a partisan issue, and some surprising conservation wins in the Trump administration. We also talk about the state of Red Wolves, one of the most endangered animals in the world, trail running, and his bestseller Untamed: The Wildest Woman in America and The Fight For Cumberland Island. 

Enrique Ortiz of the Andes Amazon Fund

This week I speak with Enrique Ortiz of the Andes Amazon Fund. Enrique talks about the forest fires, the current state of the Amazon and addresses some common misconceptions about the Amazon. 

 I met Enrique because the digital agency I work with, Yoko Co, redid his website, AndesAmazondfund.org. If you are or an association, non-profit, or any organization with a passion beyond pure profit, and need a new site or ongoing marketing efforts, drop us a line, we’d be happy to help!

 

Nancy Fahey of the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project

In this episode, I speak with Nancy Fahey of the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project. We talk the life span, gestational period, and migratory patterns of Loggerhead sea turtles, why North Carolina and Virginia, in particular, are imperative for the preservation of sea turtles, and why we might be seeing some really good trends for the populations of these majestic creatures.

 

In our conversation, Nancy mentions a few resources for people local to the North Carolina area to call if they come across a sea turtle or a sea turtle nest, which I have dropped in below. Hope you enjoy the podcast!

 

Local to Wrightsville beach:      1 833 4 Turtle

North Carolina Hotline:              252 241 7367

David Stein of the Prairie Rivers of Iowa

In this episode, I talk with David Stein of the Prairie Rivers of Iowa. While some of his work is specific to Iowa, there are a lot of national takeaways and we talk about overall watershed health and what plants farmers and local landowners can grow that will actually benefit the soil and pollinators. 

Stefanie Brendl of Shark Allies

In our interview, Stefanie and I speak about her up-close experiences of diving with sharks, the unfair depiction of sharks in the media, and shark finning trends and potential solutions. You can follow Stefanie and SharkAllies on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the links are below— 

 

• https://www.facebook.com/SharkAllies/

• https://www.instagram.com/sharkallies/

• https://twitter.com/SharkAllies

Chris Duke of the Madagascar Project

In this podcast, I speak with Chris Duke of the Phoenix Conservancy Project, who is heading up the newly formed Madagascar Project. 

 

We speak about Madagascar, a country that a lot of people, including conservation groups kinda write off as a lost cause. In particular, Chris is working to protect something called the Lost Forest of Ivohboro that wasn’t discovered until 2016. 

 

Chris also explains that while Madagascar is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, it is still one of the most undervalued ecosystems, even to other conservation groups. 

 

Below are the links for the spices that would directly help the rainforest: 

  

 

Voatsiperifery
• https://spicetrekkers.com/products/spices/wild-voatsiperifery-pepper-madagascar
• https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Wild+Voatsiperifery+Pepper+-+Madagascar&ref=nb_sb_noss
Vanilla
• https://www.kerry.com/about/sustainability/sustainable-vanilla
Also, here is the link for the Crystal Jewelry Fundraiser which proceeds goe directly to the local Madagascar people.
• https://www.gofundme.com/f/crystal-jewelry-fundraiser?fbclid=IwAR3hwrW4MiQYvMPuRJ9r3oHwJN9db3Fk3Zj4O4vtDMmlilhnF_X6BghMwTM