Wild & Unprotected: A Conservation Podcast

in this episode of Wild & Unprotected host Ethan Leaman interviews Whale Guardians CEO and Co-Founder Michael Fishbach. He shares his journey from a professional tennis player to an ocean conservationist. He discusses the state of the planet, the importance of engaging people in conservation efforts, and the work of Whale Guardians. The conversation concludes with the fascinating story of the...

En este episodio de Salvaje y Desprotegido, la presentadora Catalina Smith conversa con Pablo García Salinas, biólogo marino y director de proyectos enfocado en la conservación de tiburones. Hablan sobre la singular trayectoria de Pablo, desde su fascinación infantil por los dinosaurios hasta su carrera en biología marina, sus experiencias trabajando con tiburones y la importancia de la educación...

In this episode of Wild and Unprotected, host Ethan Leaman speaks with Pablo García Salinas, a marine biologist and project director focused on shark conservation. They discuss Pablo's unique journey from a childhood fascination with dinosaurs to a career in marine biology, his experiences working with sharks, and the importance of education and communication in conservation efforts. The conversat...

Welcome to Season 3 of Wild and Unprotected!! In this episode of Wild and Unprotected, host Ethan Leaman welcomes Jas Corbett, the media and communications manager for the Manta Trust. They discuss Jas's journey in conservation, the importance of media in engaging the public, and the challenges faced by women in conservation. The conversation highlights the need for positivity in conservation medi...

In this episode of Wild and Unprotected, host Ethan Leaman speaks with Zach Bell from the Okinawa Kame Centre in Japan.  They discuss Zach's journey to Japan and how that led him to working with the black-breasted leaf turtle known locally as the ryukyu. Ever wonder the difference how to tell the male apart from the female for a species like this? This episode covers that and much more including w...

In this episode of Wild and Unprotected, host Ethan Leaman speaks with Heidy Martinez who is a member of Minorities in Shark Sciences.  They discuss Heidy's journey into conservation, how impactful the Minorities in Shark Sciences program is, and the importance of second chances. The conversation also touches on vaquita conservation efforts. The Vaquita is one of the most endangered animals in the...

In this episode of Wild and Unprotected, host Ethan Leaman speaks with Nicki Boyd, curator of mammals at the San Diego Zoo.  They discuss Nicki's journey into animal care, the importance of education and hands-on experience, and the role of zoos in wildlife conservation. Nicki shares insights about the Wildlife Explorers Base Camp, her work with red pandas and cheetahs, and the significance of com...

In this episode our guest host Catalina Smith steps in for the week and interviews Grey the founder of Reef Safe PR. Reef Safe is a non-profit based out of Puerto Rico focusing on helping maintain the beautiful coral reefs of the island of enchantment.  We discuss the damage that is being done to reefs around the island, how sunscreens impact those coral, the fact that corals...are actually animal...

In this episode our host Ethan Leaman interviews Fauz Fath-hee a coordinator for the RahVeshi Programme a project supported by The Manta Trust.  We discuss the oceanic and reef manta rays that the RahVeshi Programme studies, how Fauz has a less than traditional path to research and conservation, and one of the most inspirational "wild stories" we have ever had on the show.  Support the show To hel...

In this episode, Jules Hartl from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology comes back to the show...but not as a guest...as our special co-host!  We have a chat with Christine de Silva. A shark scientist that has been featured on Shark Week for her research on the animals! She is also a PHd student at the University of Rhode Island.  Christine shares her personal experiences while filming and what l...

In this episode, we sit down with Simon Jones, the Founder and CEO of Helping Rhinos, a UK-based organization dedicated to developing habitats, protecting rhinos from poaching, and educating the world on their importance. Simon shares his personal experiences and encounters with these magnificent creatures, insights into the incredible work being done at rhino orphanages, and the inspiring story o...

We depart from the normal guest type on this weeks episode of Wild & Unprotected. As everyone knows media is an incredibly important part of conservation. Telling a story in a way that captivates is often what drives people to get involved. In this weeks episode we talk with Ivey Kennedy a photographer who has a passion for wildlife.  We discuss the impact of social media in conservation, Ivey...

In this episode we talk with Jessica Carroll from the Cassowary Conservancy. After this episode it's easy to see how Florida is home to some of the wildest birds on the planet.    Ethan & Jessica talk about the nicknames the cassowary have (like murder bird), having to do a swab on a bird, and a very special announcement!    Support the show To help support the show or be in the know for all t...

In this episode we are headed to Rincón Puerto Rico to talk with Evan Tuohy the Co-Founder of Isla Mar Research Expeditions.  Ethan & Evan talk about their student marine biology programs, turning beer bottles into concrete for coral reef restoration, diving 160 feet down into the ocean, and how it was to stumble upon manatees mating.  Buckle up because it's a WILD episode.   Support the show...

Season 2 kicks off with a species we never expected to be a part of the show! In this episode our hoss Ethan Leaman meets with Terrance Lee the Deputy Director of the Red Panda Network In this episode we talk about mistaking red pandas for children, Disney's Turning Red and the impact on conservation of the species, women in conservation, and how its important to take a community based conservatio...

 It's the season finale! In this episode co-hosts Ethan Leaman and Koji Sumalde meet with Javier Fabrega from Marsh Sessions.  In an episode that's a little different than most this episode dives deep into outdoors and fishing culture. Tune in to learn about fishing culture in Florida, the recent Marsh Fest event, and how we can work together with the fishing industry to make an impact in conserva...

 In this episode co-hosts Ethan Leaman and Koji Sumalde meet with Andres Sáenz and Tesa Blowey of from Toucan Rescue Ranch. Andres is the Vet Supervisor and Tesa is the Release Site Supervisor for Toucan Rescue Ranch. Tune in to hear about the new Howler Money program TRR has just recently launched, a surprise special guest, and what an animal medical emergency is like during the middle of the sho...

 In this episode co-hosts Ethan Leaman and Koji Sumalde meet with Dr. Larry Wood from the National Sea Turtle Foundation. Learn all about Dr. Wood, his journey to leading the program, and how animals can make an impact on everyone.  To support Dr. Wood and National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation please visit  https://savetheseaturtle.org/ Support the show To help support the show or be in the know...

 In this episode co-hosts Ethan Leaman and Koji Sumalde meet with Jordan Lerma of Cascadia Research Collective. This episode is jam packed. Talking about whether or not college educations should still be a thing in 15 years to boat yoga…and everything in between. This episode has it all.  The “wild” stories part of the show will make you smile, shed a tear, and say what is this show…all in one seg...

 In this episode co-hosts Ethan Leaman and Koji Sumalde meet with Dení Ramírez of Whale Shark Mexico. Thank goodness for Starlink. Recording from a boat off the coast of Solomon Islands makes for one of the crazier locations a guest has recorded from. Learn about starting an NGO, Ultrasounds on whale sharks, and what life is like after 20 years in conservation. To support Whale Shark Mexico please...

In this episode co-hosts Ethan Leaman and Koji Sumalde meet with Susan Inman from 100 Miles.  Politicians having their pockets lined, lemur poop, and a conservation journey that goes across the U.S make this episode one not to miss. This conversation goes up the Georgia Coast to really learn what 100 Miles (an advocacy group in Georgia) does to preserve the beautiful hundred miles of coastline.  T...

In this episode co-hosts Ethan Leaman and Koji Sumalde meet with Becca Bryan from Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge.  Anyone ever feel like their personal journey could never lead them to conservation work? Our conversation with Becca proves that no matter what your route is...if you are passionate then you can be a part of conservation programs for a living. We go over the journey Becca took...

In this episode co-hosts Ethan Leaman and Koji Sumalde meet with Dr. Guy Stevens of Manta Trust. Anyone want to learn about Mantas...and talk about butt stuff? Guy is the  CEO and Co-Founder of Manta Trust. We talk about his journey to becoming the CEO of Manta Trust, all of the dives he has gone on with mantas, and what comes out of a mantas butt?  Support the show To help support the show or be...

In this episode co-hosts Ethan Leaman and Koji Sumalde meet with Dominica Mack and Josey Sharrad from IFAW Australia.   Get ready to laugh you're a** off in this episode.  This episode is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish as we discuss the current state of koalas in Australia. IFAW is incredibly involved in conserving the population of the koala species and in this episode we talk about po...

In this episode co-hosts Ethan Leaman and Koji Sumalde meet with Peter Clark of Tampa Bay Watch.  Peter is the Founder of Tampa Bay Watch in Florida. In this episode we go over the programs that Peter and Tampa Bay Watch have put in place to make an impact in the local community. We also discuss the new discovery center that TBW has opened and the impact that has on exposure on education.  Support...