Nature Talks Podcast
Episodes
Dr. Andrej A. Gajić
An internationally acclaimed scientist whose groundbreaking research focuses on the post-survival rates and diseases of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays), exploring the impact of pollution on their health and long-term conservation. With over 70 scientific publications and two influential books. Head scientist at National Geographic’s Shark Tales team and a member of the Explorers Advisory Board. His contributions extend to media and public engagement, with approximately 300 media outlets covering his research, including National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, and more. Dr. Gajić’s passion for marine life led him to found Sharklab International while still in high school.
Kelsey Prediger
A dedicated conservationist whose journey from a nature-immersed childhood to pangolin protection is both inspiring and impactful. Today, Kelsey’s mission centers on pangolin research, protection, and raising awareness. Her work focuses on combating the dire threat of wildlife trafficking by developing effective guidelines and policies. As the founder and executive director of the Pangolin Conservation and Research Foundation (PCRF), Kelsey’s efforts are instrumental in combining outreach, collaboration, scientific research, and policy to advance pangolin conservation.
Danielle Carnahan
A dedicated conservationist whose journey has been shaped by a deep passion for wildlife and environmental protection. It was during her time as a pre-veterinary student that she traveled to Thailand, where she worked in various veterinary and conservation settings, including an elephant sanctuary. Her graduate research took her back to Thailand, where she spent three months at Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES). Daniele’s journey continued with research in Nepal, focusing on improving the lives of captive elephants.
Sian Williams
A dedicated environmental advocate based in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia. For the past nine years, Sian has been at the forefront of ocean and island conservation, passionately working to protect the unique marine and terrestrial environments of this beautiful region. As an avid diver and scuba instructor, Sian combines her love for the ocean with her commitment to environmental education. She takes immense joy in teaching coral reef restoration and coral propagation, sharing her knowledge and skills to help preserve and restore vital marine ecosystems. Sian’s dedication to making a tangible impact extends to her initiative, Debris Free Friday.
Amy Meek - Kids Against Plastic
A dynamic environmentalist, & TEDx Speaker whose journey began at the tender age of 12. As the co-founder of the nonprofit charity organization Kids Against Plastic alongside her sister Ella. Since its inception, it has mobilized over 280 young people worldwide. Their efforts have led to the collection of over 100,000 pieces of plastic litter and the development of a dedicated app to track and log plastic waste.
Joshua Powell
A dedicated conservation biologist with a deep-seated passion for large carnivore conservation, human-wildlife conflict, and conservation geopolitics. His extensive research experience is complemented by his role as the Expedition Leader for Rangers Without Borders – Eurasia. Supported by National Geographic. Joshua has led fieldwork in Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Lithuania, and Poland, collaborating with local scientists and researchers from the University of Oxford, UK, and the University of Central Florida, USA. A prominent face in wildlife conservation, Joshua represents #WWFVoices for WWF International, presenting content on wildlife conservation and sustainability from around the globe.
Jack Dalton
Known as the Kid Conservationist. At just 13 years old, made remarkable strides in wildlife conservation and education. Jack’s journey began at eight years old when he learned about palm oil and deforestation and the devastating impact on his favorite animal, the critically endangered orangutan. Determined to make a difference, Jack combined his passions for YouTube, video editing, reading, and education, and in 2019, he became the Kid Conservationist. Jack also emcees fundraisers, delivers keynote speeches, and has authored a children’s book.
Katie O'Brien
A 3rd-year PhD student, Katie’s research focuses on understanding ecosystem interactions and adaptations in changing environments using genomics. She is currently working on parasite and pathogen detection using shotgun and amplicon sequencing in wildlife surveillance of Antarctic penguin populations, employing a range of skills gathered from her field, laboratory, and computational experience. Katie completed research projects on signal evolution and speciation in suboscine birds and incorporating gene flow into estimates of recent effective population size.
Dr Marisa Tellez
The Executive Director of the Crocodile Research Coalition. Inspired by an ancient Egyptian proverb, “If a woman loves a crocodile, she takes on its character,” Marisa has dedicated her life to the conservation of the world’s apex predators, particularly crocodiles. Her groundbreaking work led to her induction into the IUCN & Species Survival Commission-Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) and an appointment as Vice Regional Chair of Latin America for the CSG.
Dr Benito Wainwright
An evolutionary biologist and presenter known for his engaging work in wildlife and conservation. He has collaborated with Butterfly Conservation to create films on butterfly and moth research. His research focuses on the sensory realms of butterflies in the Amazon rainforests of Ecuador and the camouflage properties of moth wings and the butterfly brains. A passionate science communicator, Benito has authored several publications in high-impact biology journals and his work has been featured in Forbes, BBC Wildlife Magazine, and Science Times.
Dillon Jones
An evolutionary biologist and social media sensation known as DillonTheBiologist. Dillon is the founder of Learn Adventurously, an organization dedicated to helping people understand the natural world through education and hands-on experiences. His research has spanned from tracking snakes in Panama to studying endangered toads in Texas, with recent projects focusing on the evolutionary history of reptiles and amphibians. Dillon’s passion for education shines through his dynamic social media presence, where he shares fascinating facts and stories about wildlife, making learning fun and accessible for all.
Ellie Baldon
An evolutionary biologist and PhD candidate at Cambridge University. Ellie’s research focuses on the fascinating world of burying beetles, large and brightly patterned insects known for their unique reproductive behaviors. Join us as Ellie shares her journey into the depths of evolutionary biology, detailing her studies on these remarkable beetles and their role in decomposition and nutrient cycling. Through her work, Ellie provides a deeper understanding of the complex interactions within ecosystems and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Adam Cook
A passionate wildlife enthusiast and a graduate with a degree in International Wildlife Biology. From a young age, Adam’s fascination with animals was evident, impressively correcting misidentified species at just three years old. Adam shares his thrilling adventures, from tracking elephants to diving with sea turtles, and discusses his innovative research on animal behavior and conservation.
