Working With Wildlife

Send us Fan Mail Cassandra Ray shares exactly how she turned her passion for animals into a career that's taken her across the globe—from zoos and wildlife rehabilitation to conservation projects in Thailand and Costa Rica. In this episode you'll learn:  🦥 How to land wildlife internships  🌍 How to travel the world through conservation  🦜 The best way to break into a wildlife career  ...

Send us Fan Mail Join me as I sit down with Kirstiana Ward, a managing lawyer from the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), to discuss her inspiring career journey and the fight for environmental justice in Australia. Kirstiana shares how she went from diving on the Great Barrier Reef to becoming a leading voice in conservation law. Highlights You Can't Miss: Landmark Legal Victories 🏛️ Lear...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready for an eye-opening episode of the Workers Wildlife podcast as we sit down with Marik Kilian, a professional snake catcher from South Africa. Often, when people see a snake, they run the other way. But Marik does the complete opposite. Dealing with the deadly on a daily basis, Marik is on a mission to change people's perspectives, reduce fear, and promote coexistence...

Send us Fan Mail le Wilson is an Australian Gold Prospector, Cultural Heritage Field Officer, and star of Aussie Gold Hunters. With a lifelong love for wildlife and adventure, Kyle blends outback grit with a deep respect for Australia’s natural and cultural heritage — a true modern-day Indiana Jones. From ranger work to gold prospecting, Kyle reveals the real-world challenges of artisanal mining —...

Send us Fan Mail Escape the cubicle and dive into the wild life you've always dreamed of! 🌊 Join Jaedon in this inspiring episode of Working With Wildlife as he chats with James Lowe, an eco-tourism business owner and passionate underwater photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa—or as he calls it, "Kelp Town." James shares his incredible journey from a self-proclaimed shy geo...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to eat seafood ethically — and can the way we farm fish actually help save the oceans? In this episode, I sit down with Wasseem Emam, an expert in aquaculture ethics with over 15 years of international experience. Wasseem has dedicated his career to transforming how the world views seafood — from the sentience of fish to the systems that farm them. we dive...

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your passion for animals into a real career, this episode is for you. Conservation biologist Kate Sheridan joins me to share her journey and the lessons she’s learned working on the frontlines of wildlife conservation. With a heart for rhino protection, Kate is passionate about helping people find their own path into working with wildlife. We co...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to dedicate your career to saving wildlife? 🐾 In this episode, I sit down with Dr Stephen van Mil — a wildlife veterinarian, entrepreneur, and TV personality — to uncover the passion, challenges, and big-picture vision behind his work. We dive into: ⭕Why Stephen does what he does, and what keeps him motivated in the face of tough challenges ⭕What makes a veter...

Send us Fan Mail What makes a story truly unforgettable? In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda French—author of The Last Crocodile Hunter and who plays a part in SE Queensland koala management—who has spent years working alongside Bob Irwin and sharing stories that inspire action for nature. We dive into: 🌿 What it was like working closely with Bob Irwin 📖 How to craft and tell a great story 🌏...

Send us Fan Mail ✈️ A Heart in Two Worlds: Vet Life and African Fiction with Johanna Squires This week, I’m joined by Johanna Squires—a veterinarian whose career has taken her far beyond the clinic walls. As the owner of her own veterinary practice, Johanna has been able to combine her passion for animals with her love for travel, flying to rural communities to provide essential care, including ne...

Send us Fan Mail Right out of high school, Monique Bast did something bold—she started her own wildlife business. While most were still figuring out what to study, Monique was booking shows, wrangling reptiles, and building a brand from the ground up. In this episode, Monique shares what drove her to take the leap so early, how she built her business, and what it’s really like working with animals...

Send us Fan Mail In this fun episode, we delve into the fascinating journey of Amy Wild, a passionate wildlife enthusiast from Perth, Western Australia. With a background in biological sciences and a flair for performance, Amy has seamlessly blended her love for reptiles, education, and entertainment to create a unique career path. Amy Wild Adventures What You'll Learn: Starting and Running a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we delve into the hidden impacts of our roadways with award-winning conservation journalist Ben Goldfarb. Drawing from his acclaimed book Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, Ben sheds light on the often-overlooked field of road ecology. He discusses how roads disrupt wildlife migration, contribute to habitat fragmentation, and lead to...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to run a reptile park from scratch—with no prior zoo experience? In this episode, we sit down with Pete Child, the passionate founder behind the Canberra Reptile Zoo, to find out. Pete shares his remarkable journey of building a hands-on wildlife attraction, the ups and downs of managing a reptile-focused zoo, and how he juggles that with running a pet and goods...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive beneath the surface—literally—with renowned underwater videographer and photographer Elisabeth Lauwerys. From the mesmerizing world of fluorescent diving to the misunderstood nature of sharks, Elisabeth shares stories and insights from years spent filming the ocean’s most elusive and captivating creatures. We chat about: • The art and challenges of underwa...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Survival, Adventure, and Beyond: A Deep Dive with Outback Mike | Michael Atkinson | Ep.22 From Air Force pilot to full-time adventurer, filmmaker, and survival expert—Michael Atkinson, better known as Outback Mike, joins us for an unforgettable episode that’s equal parts grit, wisdom, and wild storytelling. We dive into Mike’s incredible journey, from navigating life-threatenin...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how to tame a bird or build trust with a raptor? In this episode of the Working With Wildlife Podcast, we explore the fascinating world of falcons, hawks, flying foxes, Australian wildlife; and we learn about our guests awesome journey. Tessa Mckilliget, an expert in free-flight bird shows, shares insights on bonding with your bird, training techniques, and...

Send us Fan Mail How does the legal system impact wildlife conservation, and what’s it like to be a tour guide in the wild? In this episode, I talk with Matt Cornish about his unique journey balancing law and wildlife guiding. We discuss wildlife crime, conservation challenges, and his firsthand experiences leading tours through some of nature’s most incredible places. Matt also shares tips on how...

Send us Fan Mail Veterinarian Danny Cilento joins us to share his journey as a locum vet, diving into the highs and lows of the profession. We tackle big questions: What’s the reality of vet burnout? How does faith shape resilience in such a demanding career? What does it take to run a successful veterinary practice? Danny opens up about the mental and emotional toll of vet work, the unexpected le...

Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Dr. Tamielle Brunt, a leading expert on platypus conservation, to discuss the alarming challenges facing one of Australia’s most iconic species. With habitat loss, climate change, and human impact threatening the future of the platypus, Dr. Tam sheds light on the dire situation—but also shares hopeful stories of conservation effo...

Send us Fan Mail  In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Ganyah Gold, an online influencer in the wildlife careers space, and biologist whose inspiring journey and impactful work demonstrate how a career in biology can be life-changing. From fieldwork in remote locations to being a part of groundbreaking research and conservation efforts, Ganyah shares personal stories and professional insi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of unban ecology with my special guest Darryl Jones, a pioneering figure in the field and a well known Australian author renowned for his work on birds. Join us as we explore the transformative power of unban ecology, its impact on urban environments, and the moments that lead Darryl to make some of the most important decisions i...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an electrifying chat with a fearless wildlife enthusiast and online influencer known for catching venomous snakes, his love for creation, and his faith.  We explore how he turns his passion for wildlife into a profitable online venture, sharing insider tips on monetizing content while staying true to one’s mission. We go deeper on some of the personal struggles he has...

Send us Fan Mail 🦘🌿 Lets dive into the world of Australian fauna and learn about the life's journey our special guest, Mick Bender, founder of Wildlife Unleashed, a fast growing wildlife demonstration company! In this episode, we uncover the intriguing journey of building a business centered around showcasing Australia's unique wildlife. We explore challenges and triumphs, entrepreneur...

Send us Fan Mail In this entertaining podcast episode, Dr. Christina Zdenek sheds some light on the fascinating worlds of environmental science, snake venom, and grant acquisition (amongst other things). She shares also her own personal journey from one side of the world to another, and how she has made her life's passion, her life's goal.  Join us for an insightful conversation that unc...