Animals & Us with Natalie Stockdale (Kintsugi Heroes)

Ian Redmond describes himself as a naturalist by birth, fascinated by nature from childhood despite growing up in the English countryside far from the tropical wildlife he dreamed of. A chance letter to Dian Fossey in 1976 changed everything: he arrived at Karisoke Research Center in the Virunga Mountains as a research assistant and dog's body, encountering gorillas on his second day in the field....

Jillian grew up obsessed with the ocean and marine life, sparked by an encounter with a nurse shark at age 8 in Florida. As she became a marine scientist, she noticed a stark disconnect: people hated and feared sharks intensely despite knowing nothing about them. Rather than accept this narrative, she committed to becoming a voice for these animals, diving with them, documenting their behaviour, a...

Rick Fenney recounts how a reluctant choice to study veterinary science in 1966 led to a life of adventure across Australia's most remote regions. After failing second-year vet school in Brisbane, he was driven to complete his degree and repay a government cadetship. As a young government vet in the Kimberley and Pilbara, he improvised surgeries in hospital mortuaries and treated everything from c...

Catherine Grady spent five months in Mongolia this year — central grasslands, the Altai Mountains, and the snowy west — quietly setting camera traps for one of the most elusive predators on Earth: the snow leopard. In this episode of Animals and Us, host Natalie Stockdale sits down with Catherine, a young American wildlife conservation biologist freshly arrived in Australia, for a beautifully grou...

Episode Summary Megan Hensley grew up outside Sacramento with animals as her closest companions — the kids at school didn't get her, but the animals always did. After dropping out of high school at 15, a stint in the US Army, conservation work that brought her to Australia, and a chance apprenticeship with a compassionate farrier, Megan found her calling: the care and welfare of donkeys. Nearly 20...

Episode Summary What can a tiny insect teach us about resilience, community, and the art of slowing down? When Russell Zabel first caught a swarm of bees in a chaff bag in the late 1960s, he didn’t realise it would spark a 50-year journey of discovery. In this episode of Animals & Us , Natalie Stockdale sits down with Russell to explore the fascinating world of Australian native bees. From the...

Nan Hauser grew up in Pennsylvania and Bermuda, surrounded by animals and inspired by her nature-loving grandmother. With a background in nursing and midwifery, Nan applies science and compassion from human healthcare to whale research, combining accurate methodology, emergency care, and a passion for helping both people and animals. A whale researcher in the Cook Islands and Bermuda, Nan investig...

Shane Gehlert grew up in Adelaide with lots of freedom. He explored sheep stations, rode motorbikes, camped, and developed a lifelong love of animals while enjoying the Australian outback and wildlife. Living on a property with alpacas, goats, and chickens, Shane’s bond grew deeper after caring for a baby goat called Rosie. This experience sparked his curiosity about the lives and intelligence of...

Darryl grew up on a little farm near Wagga, making his own fun among animals. He became patient and observant, allowing animals to do their own thing, which shaped his curiosity. As a child, Darryl’s fascination with animals grew. Digging up burrowing frogs and watching blue tongues in his mother’s garden inspired his interest. He emerged with a desire to learn more and observe. At fifteen, Darryl...

Dr Sarah Pye was born in Gibraltar, spent 13 years sailing in nature with her family, then moved onto a boat, learning from animals, weather, and the world around her. She has always loved animals. Night watches at sea, meeting dolphins and whales, resulted in her developing a deep appreciation for hands-on animal encounters that shaped her views on nature. Sarah travelled widely, started her own...

Ron King used to be a highly successful media executive. Then, after COVID he began a search for joy which led him to rescuing donkeys and creating Oscar’s Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary This Vimeo link sums up his journey:    https://vimeo.com/monument/dk Through his love of donkeys, he found his path to joy and the difference between things he enjoys and things that bring him jo...

Lya Battle Bonilla is the Founder of Territorio de Zaguates, a sanctuary in Costa Rica with over 15 years of experience. More than 1,800 rescued dogs now live in freedom, safety, and love.  What started as a small rescue effort from her own home slowly grew into a lifelong mission, to give every dog, no matter their story, a chance to heal and to be happy.  From a very young age, she cou...

In this episode of Animals and Us , we meet Dr Ian Douglas , a pioneering veterinarian whose career spans five decades, continents, and countless animal lives improved through his dedication to welfare and education. From his beginnings in Scotland to his long-standing leadership with Vets Beyond Borders , Ian’s work has shaped international animal health programs across India, Bhutan, and the Pac...

Alison grew up in a big Mauritian family in Australia, always surrounded by cousins, sleepovers, warmth and laughter, with family playing a central role throughout her childhood. When she was ten, abuse by a family member changed her sense of safety and shaped her early years, bringing complexity and hardship that affected her growth and identity. Over four years, Alison coped by shrinking herself...

Caroline Brunne grew up in a large, fun-loving, close-knit Mauritian family in Australia. At age ten, she experienced four years of abuse by a family member, learning early about trauma responses like fawning and shrinking herself to stay safe in her own home. During her teens, Caroline struggled to cope and kept her secret for years. At 16, she disclosed the abuse to two family members amidst com...

Michael was born blind and grew up in Chicago and California. His early years lacked access to braille, but he learned math in his head and stayed curious about science. Michael got proper braille education in fourth grade. With his mother’s support and a new resource teacher, he caught up in school, joined the Boy Scouts, and developed skills in leadership. Michael first learned about guide dogs...

Sandy Steers is a biologist, energy healer, writer, and entrepreneur. With a degree in biology, she has led 14 trips to the Galapagos Islands; run the environmental educational nonprofit, Friends of Big Bear Valley, for 24 years; and written hundreds of high-engagement educational social media posts describing the lives of the local bald eagles.  During her previous career as a computer syste...

In this episode of Animals and Us, we’re joined by Michael de Haan – a Certified Money Behaviour Coach, author, and former financial planner – who shares a deeply personal story about finding purpose and healing through the bond with his rescue dog, Missy. Michael has spent over 25 years in the financial services sector, where he now focuses on coaching, education and advocacy – particularly aroun...

In this episode of Animals and Us , we’re joined by Dr Nan Bray – marine scientist turned ethical wool producer – who’s redefining what it means to care for both animals and the land. Based in the Tasmanian highlands, Nan runs White Gum Wool, a farm where sheep are not just livestock but respected members of a social and ecological community. Nan shares how her science background informs a radical...

In this episode of Animals and Us , we’re joined by Nigel Allsopp – military veteran, former police dog handler, historian, author, and President of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation. Nigel’s career spans more than three decades across New Zealand and Australian military and police forces, with deep expertise in canine operations and animal behaviour. After serving with the Royal New...

In this episode of Animals and Us, Natalie speaks with Dr Amanda Beer, licensed psychologist, educator, and Executive Director of Wolf Connection – a sanctuary and wilderness retreat in California where rescued wolves play a vital role in trauma recovery and personal transformation. Amanda’s work sits at the intersection of clinical psychology and the natural world. With a PhD in Counselling Psych...

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of abuse, sexual assult, suicide, death, grief, and loss. Please consider whether listening may impact your wellbeing. If you need support, reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14. Rachel’s story is one of resilience shaped by both visible and hidden traumas. Outwardly, Rachel grew up in a loving and privileged home, with supportive parents, a sister, an...

Sue grew up in New Zealand loving horses, always asking for a white pony and feeling happiest when spending time riding and caring for her first ponies and her horse, Lady. As a child with autism and ADHD, Sue felt awkward around humans but found peace and confidence with horses, using time in nature to manage  her feelings and emotions. Bullied at school and struggling with human interaction...

Julie grew up in the bushland of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, where her love for animals began with a rescued kitten at age two and a childhood spent exploring nature. That early connection with the environment led her to study Environmental Biology and complete a PhD on bird migration. After working for years in veterinary and zoo settings, Julie moved to Townsville and began volunteeri...

Juliette grew up near Kuringai Chase National Park surrounded by animals. She spent childhood days outside climbing trees, watching wallabies, collecting cicadas, and caring for strays she brought home. She is a creator, artist, author, and all-round joy spreader. Her wonderfully colourful career that includes being a professional clown, a fun manager at a children’s playland, and training other b...