Defender Radio: The Podcast For Wildlife Advocates And Animal Lovers

Are you an active gardener looking for ways to reduce your impact on the local environment? Rain barrels are a great, accessible place to start! Join me for a quick conversation about the known - and perhaps less known - benefits of using rain barrels around your home.  Have you had success with rain barrels, or created an innovative solution? Let me know at @HowieMichael on Instagram or by emailing Michael@TheFurBearers.com!  SHOW NOTES Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The F

Beavers are incredible animals who have complex social lives, engineer essential ecosystems, and can help us develop climate resilience. In Canada, beavers were nearly wiped out by fur trappers, but their populations slowly returned, though not to their pre-colonization levels. But in Britain, European beavers haven’t had the opportunity to return to the landscape. That’s what the Beaver Trust wants to change. A registered charity in England and Wales, Beaver Trust is seeking to restore beavers to their former range, in hopes of building climate resilient landscapes and restoring freshwater habitats. Their multi-tiered strategy includes translocation of beavers into landscapes and implementation of coexistence measures, communicating and educating on the success of the programs, and influence government policy to support ecological goals. Dr. Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Head of Restoration for Beaver Trust, joins Defender Radio to share why returning beavers to Britain matters, what tools and strategies are used

Gift giving is wonderful and generous, but around the holidays can generate a lot of waste. Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy (TEDx speaker, UBC Professor and zero waste enthusiast) is making The Switch to zero waste gift giving!  These tips can make a big impact on local waste during the holiday season, and we’d love to hear from you! Tag @howiemichael on Instagram or email defenderradio@gmail.com with your zero waste gift giving tips and get included in a future episode! This episode was originally published December 13, 2021. SHOW NOTES: Episode photo by Julia Klueva / Getty Images Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in con

Tigers are at risk of extinction around the globe. But in India, hard fought conservation has seen the population double since 2006. While this is fantastic news, it does create new challenges to face: such as how to manage poachers, and negative encounters between tigers and animals kept as livestock, and the people who live in the tigers’ range. Artificial intelligence, matched with innovative trail camera technology may be the answer to not only protecting tigers in India, but other large carnivores around the world. Published in the October 2023 edition of BioScience, 'Mitigating human-wildlife conflict and monitoring endangered tigers using a real-time camera-based alert system' outlines how the new tech (TrailGuard AI by Nightjar) works, and what implications it may have beyond tigers in India. Lead author of this paper Dr. Jeremy S. Dertien joins Defender Radio to share more about his experience working with AI and tigers, how we can see the solution be used in larger context, and what ethical issues n

Some days are hard. The world feels like it’s falling apart, forests are burning, ecosystems are breaking down, and hope can be a long, long way away. But you’re not alone in this feeling – and there are ways to manage and cope that not only support you but can make for a healthier community and planet. Climate Grief, From Coping to Resilience and Action is a new book from Dr. Shawna Weaver that dives into the realities of climate change, the grief so many of us are experiencing, and how that impacts our day-to-day lives. Importantly, Dr. Weaver shows how facing our grief is the first step toward making change for ourselves and for the planet. An experienced eco-therapist with advanced degrees, Dr. Weaver joins Defender Radio to share what led to this book, how grief is unique to everyone, and what tools we have to ensure we not only cope but become resilient and lead fulfilling lives. SHOW NOTES: Cover photo by Peter Kolejak / Getty Images Dr. Shawna Weaver's website: https://www.shawnajweaver.com/ Climate G

Giving Tuesday is a huge opportunity for non-profits and charities across the country to raise desperately needed funds to keep campaigns going. But Canadians are giving less overall to charities – and that means Giving Tuesday is even more important. Hear more about how only a few dollars or a share can make impact for people, wildlife, and the environment this year. SHOW NOTES: The Fur-Bearers Giving Tuesday Campaign: https://www.thefurbearers.com/givingtuesday.  CanadaHelps 2023 Giving Report: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/the-giving-report/ Ontario Nonprofit Network article: https://theonn.ca/2023/08/charitable-giving-has-reached-a-historic-low-in-canada-now-what Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan

Wolves are iconic, majestic and absolutely essential apex predators. But what do Canadians think about wolves? That was the primary question driving a survey developed by Drs. Valli-Laurente Fraser-Celin and Stephanie Rutherford in conjunction with The Fur-Bearers earlier this year. The final report, titled, The Social Landscape of Wolves in Canada: A National Survey, revealed fascinating results, some of which were quite unexpected. To dive into the survey results, what we can learn from them, and how they will impact advocacy, conservation, and protection for wolves in Canada, Drs. Valli-Laurente Fraser-Celin and Stephanie Rutherford join Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES: Episode art photo by John E. Marriott (https://www.wildernessprints.com/)  Dr. Valli-Laurente Fraser-Celin (Instagram: @thelivesofwilddogs) Dr. Stephanie Rutherford (Website: https://www.stephanierutherfordphd.com/, Mapping for Change project: https://www.mapping4change.org/, Book (Villain, Vermin, Icon, Kin: Wolves and the Making of Canada): h

Political leaders from across the spectrum have debated the taxation and cost of home heating in Canada recently; while noses are thumbed back and forth, there’s a couple easy steps we can all take in our homes to reduce our energy usage as we enter the chilly season. Let's talk about drafts and how to reduce them without breaking the bank! SHOW NOTES: Episode art photo by nicoletaionescu / Getty Images Natural Resources Canada Directory of Energy Efficiency Programs for Homes (https://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/programs/programs.cfm) Why it's time to hop on the energy-efficient bandwagon, CIBC article (https://www.cibc.com/en/personal-banking/smart-advice/renovating-a-home/energy-efficiency.html)  Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.

Any time spent watching chimpanzees is valuable; they show tool use, complex social structures and behaviours, and, according to the latest science, are often quite adorable. It’s no surprise that humans are fascinated by chimpanzees, as we share 98.8 percent of our DNA with them. But how humans treat chimpanzees isn’t always positive. Chimps are still poached for meat and are kept as pets or entertainment. On social media, chimps are dressed up, paraded about, and earn significant revenue for their owners and social media platforms. Tragically, these platforms have little in place to protect potentially exploited animals, and that’s something Dr. Jake Brooker wants to see change. A research associate at Durham University, working at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust, Dr. Brooker is studying the behaviour of rescued chimpanzees who were taken from the pet and bushmeat trades. In a recent article on TheConversation.com, Dr. Brooker outlined the realities chimps face as a result of social media and the ongoin

Wildlife rehabilitators are incredible people: they dedicate their time, personal or professional, to assisting wild animals who are injured or orphaned. It takes a lot to successfully navigate the provincial bureaucracies, fundraising, administration, and volunteer wrangling – let alone actually caring for the animals. I regularly stand in awe of such individuals, and as such, am thrilled to connect with Bonnie Dell, Executive Director of Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan. Bonnie joins Defender Radio to share the story of WRSOS, the challenges faced daily in providing care for Saskatchewan’s wildlife, and how people can support WRSOS, their local rehabilitator, and get involved. Episode art features Tinker, a fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) who was successfully rehabilitated and released by WRSOS! SHOW NOTES: Wildlie Rescue Society of Saskatchewan website: https://www.wrsos.org/ WRSOS on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WRSOS/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wildliferescuesos/?hl=en), YouTube (ht

Beavers are an essential animal to the North American landscape. They create and maintain wetlands that are home to at-risk and endangered species; they clean runoff from agricultural lands; they sequester carbon; they improve habitat for salmon and other fish species; and they even help mitigate wildfires. Sadly, beavers are trapped and killed across Canada and the United States for their fur, but also when their presence challenges human infrastructure. Fortunately, there are solutions that keep beavers on the land and protect human-created systems like roadways and storm water management systems. And teaching people how to implement these life-saving devices is The Beaver Institute. A US-based non-profit, The Beaver Institute aims to restore ecological balance with beavers, and offers incredible training programs that help communities coexist. To speak more to the programs, the importance of beavers, and how people can get involved with protecting beavers across the landscape, Defender Radio is joined by A

We spend our lives with dogs, sharing joy, sorrow, companionship, and often surprisingly deep friendships. But often, we can be perplexed by our best friends’ behaviours, or make assumptions about why they’re barking, rolling over, or refusing to let you have the ball after demanding that you throw it for them. For those who want to learn more about dogs – in a practical, direct way, Dr. Marc Bekoff has a solution: his new book, Dogs Demystified, an A-to-Z Guide to All Things Canine. The new book, which has a forward by Jane Goodall, is an encyclopedia of dog behaviours, technical and colloquial terminology, and pretty much anything you need to know to learn how to be a better companion to your dog, and understand their needs. Dr. Bekoff, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado and an ethologist, joins Defender Radio to share what led to this new book, why having citations on his website makes for an easier read, and how demystifying dogs can lead to a happier, hea

This is a repost from last year's popular Defender Radio Solstice Special! The Squirrel Who Stole Solstice was written and directed by Marisa King. Starring Kristi Boulton, Marisa King and Michael Howie. Original holiday carol by Julian Sark. The Squirrel Who Stole Solstice was written and Directed by Marisa King! Marisa voiced Nutty! Marisa King is an actor, director and long-time animal advocate based in Toronto, Ontario.  You can also hear her on the award-winning Alba Salix podcast as well as improvising her way through the wacky roleplaying world of The End of Time and Other Bothers, all from Fable & Folly production at FableandFolly.com. Nutzo and Mrs. DeNutzio were played by Kristi Boulton! Kristi Boulton is an actor, improviser, director and podcast producer in Hamilton, Ontario, and can be found at www.kristiboulton.com or on the socials (Twitter: https://twitter.com/kristi_boulton, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristi_boulton/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiboulton/). Kris

Ethical skincare expert Tricia Stevens of batch skincare joined The Switch to share tips on how to identify ethical and sustainable ingredients and products while choosing skincare and beauty products.  batch skincare, launched by industry experts with decades of experience, also prioritizes kindness, effectiveness, progress, fairness and giving back. The Fur-Bearers is one of the first organizations that is benefitting from the kindness of batch skincare. Right now you can save 10% on your first batch and also have that matched with a donation from batch skincare by using the code FURBEARERS10% at checkout.  Show Notes + Links Learn more about batch skincare at https://batchskincare.com/?defenderradio Use code FURBEARERS10% at checkout for your first order and you’ll save 10% plus batch will make a donation to The Fur-Bearers!  You can connect with Tricia Stevens via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-stevens-304500a/?originalSubdomain=ca Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at 

Solutions to the climate crisis are multifaceted and require innovative thinking. It also means the way we’ve been doing things, particularly with development, need to change. Imagine the vast array of asphalt, concrete, tar shingles, and metals that cover cities; they don’t absorb water, and they retain heat – the opposite of what is desperately needed in many communities. What if we took all that infrastructure and made it green? While I traditionally avoid disagreement with my heroes, Kermit had this one wrong: it’s getting easier by the day to be green. Defender Radio was joined by Dr. Anna Zakrisson, a green infrastructure researcher and science communicator to discuss what green roofs and green infrastructure can do for our cities. SHOW NOTES & LINKS: Follow Dr. Anna Zakrisson on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/doctor.annas.imaginarium), her website https://annasimaginarium.com/, or Green Roof Diagnostics at https://www.greenroofdiagnostics.com/.  The building depicted in this week's episode art

Fairtrade is a recognized sustainability term worldwide. Did you know that fairtrade practices are also applied in fashion? Kemp Edwards, sustainable business expert, President & CEO at Econic Apparel and Ethical Profiling, and Principal at Vert2Grow, joins The Switch to share how people can make a difference in the world through how they buy clothes. Show notes & Links Find Kemp Edwards through his sustainable, ethical businesses, including: Econic Apparel (https://www.econicapparel.com, https://www.facebook.com/econicapparel, https://www.instagram.com/econicapparel/)  Ethical Profiling (https://ethicalprofiling.com, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063545023269, https://twitter.com/ethicalprofile, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethical-profiling-ltd/)  Vert2Grow (https://vert2grow.com/) Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichae

It’s a common saying, that animals have no voice. But they do – they can be quite proficient at communicating their needs. It’s more that humans have forgotten how to listen. This is a reality Ellie Lamb, bear viewing guide and educator, encounters often in her work. Black bears are found across Canada, but one of their largest populations exists within British Columbia. Despite all that is known about bears and how to prevent negative encounters, thousands of them are killed in British Columbia annually by the BC Conservation Officer Service, often for accessing anthropogenic, or human-created attractants and food sources. Talking to bears – or more particularly learning how to listen to them – can be a significant step in preventing such outcomes for bears, and lead to successful coexistence. Defender Radio was joined by Ellie Lamb to discuss black bears in British Columbia, what it means to talk and listen to bears, and how coexistence can be successful in communities. SHOW NOTES & LINKS You can find E

Two fur farms in Quebec are at the centre of a complaint filed by Animal Justice after they received images from We Animals Media. The photos, captured in August 2022, show deplorable conditions for mink and foxes. The Montreal SPCA has initiated a call for a ban on fur farming in Quebec and are setting up inherently inhumane fur farms as an election issue in the province. Camille Labchuk, executive director of animal law non-profit Animal Justice joined Defender Radio to discuss the situation in Quebec, what the images revealed, how various organizations are pushing for change, and what individuals can do to make a difference. Show Notes and Links: Animal Justice Article on Quebec Fur Farms: https://animaljustice.ca/blog/quebec-fur-farm-photos-show-suffering-foxes-mink We Animals Media Photo Gallery: https://tinyurl.com/yc245upv Montreal SPCA action page in French: https://www.spca.com/fermes-a-fourrure-images/ Montreal SPCA action page in English: https://www.spca.com/en/fur-farms-images/ The Fur-Bearers A

Second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are being banned in jurisdictions around the world due to the harm they cause ecosystems and individual animals. Fortunately, rodent proofing your home or business is a humane solution that's also great for the environment! Erin Ryan, a wild animal welfare specialist for the BC SPCA shares simple ways you can make the switch to a rodent proofed home! Shownotes and links: Learn more about humane methods to manage rodents from the BC SPCA at https://spca.bc.ca/ways-to-help/take-action/urban-wildlife/humane-rodent-control. You can also hear Erin talk more in-depth about SGARs in this episode of Defender Radio: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/defender-radio/rodenticides-with-erin-ryan.  Looking for more on finding humane removal companies? Check out the BC SPCA's Animal Kind program at https://animalkind.ca. Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Micha

Farmed animal sanctuaries are a place of healing and hope. But the creation and management of a farmed animal sanctuary can be an overwhelming process with lives at stake. Sarien and Hugo Slabbert in 2019 started the charitable People Ensuring Animal Care Exists, or P.E.A.C.E., to provide vital resources in Western Canada. P.E.A.C.E. provides rescue support, resources for sanctuaries and their volunteers, and humane education for the public. They even have a podcast – Equilibrium by P.E.A.C.E. – to discuss issues from the perspective of farmed animal sanctuaries. To share the story of P.E.A.C.E., the importance of sustainable sanctuaries, and how everyone can make a difference for their local farmed animal sanctuary, Sarien Slabbert recently joined Defender Radio. LINKS: Get in touch with Sarien and Hugo at P.E.A.C.E. Canada at https://peacecanada.org.  Check out the Equilibrium by P.E.A.C.E. podcast at https://peacecanada.org/equilibrium-by-peace-podcast/ or by finding it wherever you listen. P.E.A.C.E. Cana