Heart Of The Wild

Have you ever stood in the pet food aisle, overwhelmed by choice and information? With so many opinions about kibble, raw, fresh, grain-free, and homemade diets, how do you know what’s actually best for your dog? In this episode, we sit down with a pet nutritionist Anna Webb to decode the chaos around dog diets. We explore why feeding advice feels so overwhelming, the biggest mistake well-intentio...

Modern zoos look very different from the menageries many people imagine. In this episode, we explore how zoos have evolved into centres of conservation, animal welfare, and behavioural science. We’re joined by Jim Mackie , animal training and behavioural officer at London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoos , to unpack some of the biggest concerns animal lovers have about zoos today. From behavioural enrichmen...

He's back! Renowned wildlife photographer Chad Cocking returns to the podcast after his fantastic first appearance on Heart of the Wild — and this time, we’re going even deeper into the stories behind the lens. In this episode, Chad shares more of his all-time favourite wildlife encounters, from heart-pounding close calls to awe-inspiring moments. Has he ever truly felt in danger out there? (S...

In this fascinating and highly informative episode, we sit down with legendary British zoologist Tim Clutton-Brock , the pioneering scientist behind the Kalahari Meerkat Project and the research that inspired the iconic TV series Meerkat Manor . For decades, his work in the Kalahari Desert has revealed the extraordinary social lives of one of the animal kingdom’s most charismatic creatures: meerka...

Get ready for an inspiring and adventure-filled episode as we sit down with one of wildlife television’s most recognisable conservation voices, Giles Clark. Known for his work on the BBC series Tigers About the House , Big Cats About the House , and Bears About the House , Giles sits down to take us behind the scenes of a career dedicated to protecting some of the world’s most extraordinary animal...

What if we could truly understand the voices of the wild? From the complex songs of whales to the signature whistles of dolphins and the zoomies of our beloved pets, animals have rich communication systems we’re only beginning to decode. Now, advances in artificial intelligence may be bringing us closer than ever to crossing the species divide. We’ll examine what it could mean to “talk” to animals...

Step inside the world of big cat sanctuaries and discover what it really takes to care for some of the planet’s most powerful predators. In this episode, we journey into the African bush at the Simbonga Game Reserve and Warriors of Wildlife Sanctuary to explore the vital role sanctuaries play in rescuing and protecting lions, tigers, and other big cats that can no longer survive in the wild. What...

Have you ever wished your dog came with subtitles? Good news: they kind of do — you just have to know how to read them. In this episode, expert dog behaviourist Louise Otter joins us to decode the everyday signals our dogs are sending us — from tail wags and side-eyes to zoomies, yawns, and that very specific “I need something” stare. Turns out, barking is just a small part of the conversation. Ou...

The wait is over! Season two launches in ONE WEEK. With new voices, bigger stories, and heartfelt moments. Set your reminders and get ready to listen. You won't want to miss it!

Our last episode of the season may also well be one of the most exciting as we venture into the heart of the South African bush with a special guest - renowned wildlife photographer and field guide Chad Cocking . With two published books and countless breathtaking images to his name, Chad has spent years capturing the untamed beauty of Africa’s wildlife. He shares what it takes to get the perfect...

They may share the name “dog,” but wild dogs — also known as painted wolfs — are a world apart from the pets we know at home. In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of these endangered predators: how they differ scientifically and socially from domestic dogs, what makes their social bonds so extraordinary, and how their hunting tactics showcase some of the most sophisticated teamwork in...

In this episode of Heart of the Wild, Tristan and Dianna dive into the growing influence of social media on wildlife and the safari industry. Social platforms give individuals and organizations the power to reach massive audiences, creating opportunities to inspire conservation, share stories, and connect people with nature like never before. But there’s also a flip side — the pressures of online...

In this episode of Heart of the Wild, Tristan and Dianna sit down with Whitney Haldeman, founder of Blonde Atlas Travel, to explore how travel can be a force for good. From choosing destinations that genuinely support conservation and local communities, to understanding the impact of responsible tourism, Whitney shares insights from her global experience in the travel industry. We also discuss the...

In this episode of Heart of the Wild , Tristan and Dianna explore the remarkable world of babies and maternal/paternal care in the wild. From the very first moments of life, every species has evolved, unique ways to nurture and protect their young. We dive into the diversity of maternal and paternal care across the animal kingdom, uncovering the surprising strategies parents use to give their offs...

In this inaugural episode of Heart of the Wild, Tristan and Dianna dive into the unique partnership between safari guides and trackers in the bushveld (an ecoregion in South Africa). Discover how teamwork, trust, and bush skills come together to find Africa’s most iconic wildlife and create experiences that will last a life time.

Heart of the Wild is a podcast dedicated to wildlife, nature, and conservation. Hosted by Tristan and Dianna, it shares stories from the field, explores the wonders of the natural world, and along the way introduces listeners to some truly interesting people. Catch the trailer and get excited! We can't wait to share this with all of you.