Conservation Optimism Podcast
Welcome to Good Natured, a Conservation Optimism podcast, where you can join us for uplifting chats that shine a light on conservation challenges. In each episode, we interview an inspiring conservationist. Our guests come from a variety of backgrounds – artists, scientists, business owners, and activists – and engage with conservation in a variety of ways. We talk about their challenges and successes, and their hopes for the future of nature. If Spotify is not available in your country you can access all the episodes here.
Season 2:
Episode 8:
In this final episode for Season 2, Julia and Sofia talk to dancer, choreographer and singer Jen Ganun about leveraging the power of rock and roll for wolf conservation in Colorado. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Episode 7:
In this episode, Julia and Sofia talk to tree climber Tim Kovar about trees, inclusivity and connecting people with nature. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Episode 6:
In this episode, Julia and Sofia talk to conservationist Miriam Supuma about traditional knowledge, birds of paradise and the role of cultural identity in preserving biodiversity. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Episode 5:
In this episode, Julia and Sofia talk to artivist Sofiya Shukhova about the complexities of the wildlife trade and finding inspiration in unexpected places. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Episode 4:
In this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to conservationist Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh about conserving chimpanzees, the importance of mentorship, and also being a woman in the field. A content warning for this episode, please note that we are discussing sexual harassment between 18.30 and 20 minutes so you can skip that part of the episode if you don’t wish to listen to that discussion. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Episode 3:
In this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to penguinologist Tom Hart about the dynamics of polar ecosystems and creating a sense of home in remote places. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Episode 2:
In this episode, Julia and Sofia talk to plant ecologist Sara Lil Middleton about seeing beyond the “green carpet” to understand grasses and climate change and her work to promote equality and diversity in the biological sciences. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Episode 1:
In this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to Kenyan entomologist Dino J. Martins about his passion for insects, the importance of art, and his work engaging farmers in conservation. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Nature Notes 4:
In this week’s Nature Note, Danny shares his childhood experience with endangered Matschie’s tree kangaroos in Papua New Guinea’s first protected area. The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Nature Notes 3:
In this week’s Nature Note, Mike transports us to a sagebrush prairie in Montana and reconciles big spaces with small details. The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Nature Notes 2:
In this week’s Nature Notes mini-episode, we hear from Lara Semple about how monitoring Scottish wildcats led to the most exciting text she ever received. The transcript for this episode is available here.
Nature Notes 1:
Join us for our very first Nature Notes mini-episode to hear from DPhil student Joe Woodman. You’ll get to hear all about his experience searching for red squirrels in the British island of Tresco. The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Season 1:
Episode 1:
On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to Caleb Ofori-Boateng about his inspiring work conserving amphibians in Ghana and learn about the concept of conservation evangelism. Full transcript available here.
Episode 2:
On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to climate psychologist Caroline Hickman about eco-anxiety, climate grief and the power of young climate activists. Full transcript available here.
Episode 3:
On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk with the founder and CEO of Key Conservation, Megan Cromp. Key is a transformational new app that aims to help empower conservationists around the world. Full transcript available here.
Episode 4:
On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk with Carl Jones, a Welsh biologist renowned for saving multiple bird species in Mauritius. We discover that saving a species is not that straightforward as Carl discusses the challenges he faced along the way and we get a glimpse of his vision for the future of nature.
Episode 5:
On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk with Indian conservationist Purnima Devi Barman about her fight to protect the greater adjutant stork, the importance of involving women in conservation and the power of creating new traditions! Full transcript available here.
Episode 6:
On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to British theatre maker and director Tom Bailey about the ways he integrates conservation topics in his pieces, the inspiration behind his work and the importance of creativity to reach different audiences. Full transcript available here.
Episode 7:
On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to Jessie Panazzolo the founder of Lonely Conservationists, an online platform which supports conservationists. We discuss the importance to save those who are saving the world, the feeling of impostor syndrome and the liberation that comes with being able to share stories of difficulty and failure.
