Don't Forget Your Boots

Interview with Research Assistant Sara Marriott

In this podcast, I speak with Sara Marriott, a research assistant and Ph.D. student in Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason University. Sara blows my mind about the state worldwide fisheries, why most fish sold in America is imported (even if caught in US waters) and once and for all explains how to know if your seafood is fresh, safe, and sustainable. 

Amelia Mason of Skywatch Bird Rescue

In this podcast, I chat with Amelia Mason, the founder of Skywatch Bird Rescue, about her organization, what to do when you think you see an injured bird, and how she saved thousands of birds from Hurricane Florence.

Fair warning, this is a bit of a louder episode, with Mille and other birds chiming in periodically throughout the recording. With that in mind, I tried to edit as best as I could.

Dr Paul O'Donoghue of the Scottish Wildcat Haven

In this podcast, I sit down with Dr. Paul O'Donoghue, a wildlife biologist and the Chief Scientific Advisor of the Scottish Wildcat Haven. The Scottish Wildcat is the most endangered mammal in Britain and one of the rarest animals in the world. These Wildcats, which used to inhabit all of Great Britain, now can only be found in the Scottish Highlands, and are facing genetic extinction largely due to inbreeding with domestic cats.

Paul explains how Wildcats went from being deeply embedded and revered in Scottish culture, even appearing on clans emblems, to now going virtually extinct.

Mike Flynn of the North Carolina Coastal Federation

In this podcast, I sit down with Mike Flynn, the Coastal Advocate for the northeast regional office of the North Carolina Coastal Federation. Mike is a wealth of knowledge about environmental policy and action, particularly in the North Carolina area. During the discussion, we chat about offshore drilling, advancing oyster restoration, and implementation of a new plan called "living shoreline". 

Neagha Leonard of the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project

In this episode, I sit down with Neagha Leonard of the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project, home to the second most endangered primate in the world, the Cat Ba Langur. We talk about how it is so difficult to analyze and protect the Cat Ba Langur, what makes an animal part of a species, and why eco-tourism might not be the answer for protecting all wildlife in all parts of the world. 

Ben Stone of The Phoenix Conservancy

In this podcast, I chat with Ben Stone of The Phoenix Conservancy, who talks about how he connects with people disinterested in conservation, how he balances consideration of the amount of the ecosystem remaining, direct threats, and opportunities before engaging in any projects, and how the Trump administration has had a particularly interesting effect on his non-profit.

Craig Sholley of African Wildlife Foundation

In this podcast episode, Craig and I speak about his storied career as a conservationist, his work with Dian Fossey, the successful trend of African mountain gorillas, the role of eco-tourism in the mountain gorillas population rise, and how the African Wildlife Foundation helps both African wildlife as well as the local inhabitants on a daily basis. 

Tim Holbrook of Masonboro Reserve Oyster Co

Today I'm joined by Tim Holbrook of Masonboro Reserve Oyster Co, who, among other things, chats about why North Carolina—which could be the Napa Valley of oysters—is lagging behind Virginia in oyster production, how his farm was impacted by Hurricane Florence, and why you actually can eat oysters in months that don't have an "R".

Author, Speaker, and Conservationist Sonia Faruqi

In this episode, I talk with critically acclaimed author Sonia Faruqi, where we chat about ocean conservation, her writing process, and her newest book The Oyster Thief. 

Sam Blount of Front Line Freediving

I sit down with Sam Blount, of Front Line Freediving, one of the best dive shops in Wilmington, North Carolina. Sam is a freediving rockstar, and blows my mind on multiple occasions throughout the interview with his extensive knowledge, skills and experience.