Defender Radio: The Podcast For Wildlife Advocates And Animal Lovers

April Griffith is helping her and other libraries across America become hubs for climate education and solutions. April is the Library Director at Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library and served as an advisor to the American Library Association for their Resilient Communities programming guide for libraries. Has a library program in your community benefited you or the environment? Let us know by commenting or sharing a post on social and tagging us, or by including it on a review on the Facebook page or Apple Podcasts. Links Eureka Springs Carnegie Library: https://eurekalibrary.org American Library Association Resilient Communities Program: https://www.ala.org/tools/programming/climatechange 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), TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by T

Want to suggest topics for The Switch or Defender Radio? 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), TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch and Defender Radio podcasts are 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 Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Doom Scrolling or doom surfing is the tendency to keep looking at social media or other internet sites and read negative or bad news, despite the impact it has on our psyche or emotional state. It is postulated online that this tendency has worsened during the pandemic. As animal and climate advocates we are easily and quickly exposed to large volumes of negative, often traumatic, images and information. Identifying if we are doom scrolling – and then how to take a break – is a vital self-care tool for any advocate. To discuss this and how to switch off doom scrolling in our lives, The Switch was joined by Stephanie McMahon, MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and certified wildlife rehabilitator. More reading: Stephanie McMahon: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/stephanie-mcmahon-north-bay-on/894131 Cleveland Clinic: Everything you need to know about Doom Scrolling and how to avoid it: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-doomscrolling-and-how-to-avoid-it

Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy, Executive Director of Canadian Society for Humane Science, UBC professor, lecturer and zero waste enthusiast joins The Switch to share her insights on ecofriendly menstrual products, including silicone cups, washable pads and underwear and more.  More reading: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/2019/10/31/organic-eco-friendly-menstrual-products/ https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/best-eco-friendly-sustainable-sanitary-brands-products https://www.thecut.com/2018/03/the-coaches-who-want-to-guide-you-through-your-period.html https://theconversation.com/menstrual-cups-are-a-cheaper-more-sustainable-way-for-women-to-cope-with-periods-than-tampons-or-pads-165513 Menstrual Coach and Educator followed by Defender Radio in preparation for this interview: https://www.theelephantinthewomb.net/period-coaching Did we miss something? Have more to add to the conversation? Send us an email at info@TheFurBearers.com or tag Defender Radio on social and we may include your suggestions and insights in

I have watched a LOT of content in the last year and a half. But little of it has hit me in the heart and mind as thoughtfully and powerfully as the Oscar-nominated animated feature WolfWalkers. I’ll rewind, briefly. Earlier this year, friends of mine Christopher and Cynthia of the Not About Lumberjacks podcast, suggested that I try connecting with a filmmaker they knew – Tomm Moore. He’s an environmentalist, has made these incredible films and is an all-around interesting fellow, they said – a great interview for Defender Radio. While connecting with Tomm and his team at Cartoon Saloon to arrange a chat, I immersed myself in his work, namely the trio of Irish folklore-based films he’d helped create. All the films are outstanding and I strongly recommend them, but WolfWalkers leapt off the screen for me. By the way – spoilers ahead! WolfWalkers is described by IMDb.com as the tale of a young apprentice hunter and her father journeying to Ireland to help wipe out the last wolf pack. But everything changes when

Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff is encouraging his community to switch off gas leaf blowers. According to Teale, gas leaf blowers contribute to noise pollution, produce excessive and dangerous exhaust emissions, and re-suspend dust, all contributing to negative health and environmental impacts. You can learn more about Teale’s campaign against gas-powered leaf blowers in his community of Saanich, BC, at https://www.teale.ca/ban-leaf-blowers. Teale’s site contains numerous citations and links, which we won’t reproduce here, so please, check it out! You can follow Teale on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@tealepb), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Teale.Phelps.Bondaroff/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/TealePB), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tealephelpsbondaroff/). 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), TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@howiemichael

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNROD) announced last week they would be killing up to 35 coyotes in Vancouver’s Stanley Park in response to more than 45 bites and negative encounters in the preceding 10 months. The Fur-Bearers were active on this issue when it became public in December 2020 and have remained involved, advocating for long-term coexistence solutions. This podcast features two interviews. The first is with The Fur-Bearers’ Executive Director Lesley Fox, in which we discuss the actions taken by The Fur-Bearers, the opportunities missed by governing agencies, and where our focus will be moving forward regarding wildlife in Stanley Park, as well as our need to grieve for the coyotes, affected people and how we can show who coyotes truly are. The second interview is with psychotherapist (qualifying) and certified wildlife rehabilitator Stephanie McMahon, who speaks to the grief many of us feel following this situation, the importance of allowing t

The idea of walking into a flat earth convention makes my tummy hurt. For Dr. Lee McIntyre, it was an exercise in curiosity explored in the introduction of his new book, How To Talk To A Science Denier. Dr. McIntyre is an author, a research fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University and an instructor in Ethics at Harvard Extension School. An award-winning teacher, McIntyre has penned several popular titles on the philosophy of science and anti-science sentiments and strategies. His latest, published by MIT Press this year, is a dive into science denial in the modern era. How to Talk to A Science Denier combines Dr. McIntyre’s own experiences and thoughts with a well-executed explanation of what, somewhat ironically, science and history can tell us about the current state of science denial. The book itself covers subjects ranging from climate denial to conspiracy theory, flat Earth to anti-vaccine and more. However, as I learned by reading the book and through my conversati

The Switch is a new bi-weekly show on the Defender Radio Podcast feed, produced by The Fur-Bearers and hosted by Michael Howie.  This show will feature short - about 10-minute-long - interviews with people who are making a difference in combatting climate change and protecting wildlife and their habitat through daily choices. These solutions are meant to be accessible, meaning available to most people living in Canada regardless of who they are and their socioeconomic situations.  Upcoming episodes include subjects like: Blowing Away Gas Leaf Blowers Reducing by Refilling Ecofriendly Menstruation Products Hugelkultur for Biodiversity Plastic Waste and PPE Choices Animal Agriculture and Climate Change / Impact on Wildlife and Habitats The Role of Libraries in Climate Change DIY Ecofriendly Cleaning Products (from audience suggestions) ...and more! Subscribe to or follow the Defender Radio podcast feed wherever you listen to get updates as new episodes are available. Currently, the publication schedule is alt

There are few mammals who are as outwardly tough and intimidating as Gulo gulo, the wolverine. These solitary individuals are considered a species of special concern federally and threatened in some jurisdictions like Ontario and are notoriously difficult to monitor or track for scientific purposes. But modern technology is changing that. The combined use of digital photography and videography with unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, is creating opportunities to track and hone in on the specific areas that wolverines may be using as a home base. With that knowledge, researchers and managers are able to create land-use recommendations that protect the much needed space of wolverines, and ultimately help individuals, as well as the entire species, thrive. A recent project undertaken by ecologist and wolverine researcher Nikki Heim with UAV professional Alex Taylor utilized this method in the spring of this year. A quick disclosure: The Fur-Bearers did provide partial funding for this project. You can read more

More than two dozen incidents of coyotes scratching and biting people have occurred in Vancouver’s Stanley Park since December 2020. You’ve likely seen media coverage of this – and yes, much of it has been wildly sensational with a great deal of guess work. But the truth is difficult to find in this series of events. Factually, we’re aware of many pieces of evidence: coyotes are a natural part of the landscape in Canada and British Columbia; Stanley Park is not just a park, but a massive forest and ecosystem; prior to 2020, only a handful of bites or interactions had occurred with coyotes; and, as everyone agrees, these behaviours are concerning. In much of the media coverage, however, entire swatches of fact are left out, such as the massive shift in human use of the park following the start and progression of the coronavirus pandemic, or the apparent lack of enforcement of feeding bylaws and park use restrictions. This coverage also leaves out the nuance often necessary in a conversation about evidence and

The name Takaya may ring a bell if you follow wildlife news. He was the lone wolf who lived on Discovery Island and other islands in the Salish Sea, an archipelago on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. The word, Takaya, means wolf in the Indigenous language of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Cheryl Alexander, a conservationist, photographer and educator, spent several years forming a distanced, but unique relationship with Takaya. Neither interfered with the other, but Cheryl was able to gain deep insight to Takaya’s life. Through this time, Cheryl witnessed a government set on killing Takaya; media villainzing him after an encounter with campers; his perseverance through dangers both human and environmental; and his tragic death at the hands of a hunter. A 2019 documentary, Takaya: Lone Wolf, captured the hearts of many as his story, as told by Cheryl, beamed around the world. And in a 2020 book, Cheryl has loving assembled her photos, thoughts and anecdotes of Takaya, along with her own journey of discovery

Having a chipmunk come up, sniff your finger cautiously, then nip a treat and run off is magical; I won’t lie – it’s pretty remarkable. But the consequence of that single moment of joy for a person can lead to devastating impacts to ecosystems, communities and individual animals. Be it for a close-up experience, because of a perception of hunger and need, or even incidental feeding from outdoor pet food or bird feeders, most folks who feed wildlife do so with goodness in their heart. This episode isn’t about blaming or shaming – because that simply doesn’t work. It’s about understanding the complexity of nature and animal behaviour, and the role – often negative – humans end up playing. You only need to look to British Columbia’s black bears to see the significant impacts of failing to take down bird feeders or be aware of the impact of unintentional and intentional feeding – hundreds of bears killed every year by conservation authorities. You can identify feeding in a significant number of cases when coyotes

Host Michael Howie brings you updates on The Fur-Bearers' Read-a-Thon event happening soon and how to register, as well as a look (and the need for your participation) in a new series coming to your Defender Radio podcast feed!  Episode art for this week from the collection created by Michelle Lee of Broadview Design for The Fur-Bearers' Read-A-Thon event. Michelle Lee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broadviewdesign/ Register for the Read-a-Thon or donate now: https://TheFurBearers.com/read Follow Defender Radio on Instagram: https://instagram.com/howiemichael Follow Defender Radio on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefenderRadio/ Read-a-Thon tutorial videos: https://thefurbearers.com/our-work/outreach-education/events/read-a-thon/  

Parachutes for Pets in Calgary is a grassroots organization that is working to build community supports to protect the connection between people and their companion animals. Their programs include providing pet hampers that have food and supplies, vaccine and wellness clinics, emergency pet packs and more. Often, their services are called upon when people are leaving abusive situations and need support to keep their pets with them. I connected with Melissa David, founder of Parachutes for Pets, to discuss the evolution of the organization, the needs they address and how you can support them – or create supports in your own community. Learn more about Parachutes for Pets at https://www.parachutesforpets.com/ Ending Violence Association of Canada: https://endingviolencecanada.org/ National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/ Domestic Violence Resources (Canadian Association of Social Workers): https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/resources/domestic-violence-resources Mental Health Services in Canada

Urban Resource Institute, America’s largest domestic violence residential service provider. and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, recently released the results of their national survey. The PALS survey, part of URI’s People and Animals Living Safely, clearly showed the fear for safety of pets is a critical component in a persons’ decision in leaving abusive situations. The findings are staggering – with 97% of respondents saying that keeping their pets is an important factor in deciding to seek shelter, and 50% saying they would not consider shelter for themselves if they could not take their pets with them. To discuss the important findings in this survey, I was joined by Danielle Emery, URI’s Director of People and Animals Living Safely program. Read the PALS report: https://urinyc.org/palsreport/ Learn more about Urban Resource Institute: https://urinyc.org/ Ending Violence Association of Canada: https://endingviolencecanada.org/ National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/ Domest

There’s been a lot of talk about the wildlife trade since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic hit the global stage in early 2020. While much of the attention has been paid to locales overseas, the United States is also involved in the wildlife trade; in fact, more than $2 billion of items – over 400,000,000 items - were imported in 2014 alone. Faunalytics, a non-profit that conducts research and shares knowledge to help advocates help animals effectively, took 15 years of data from legal wildlife import data and analyzed it. The results are staggering. I was joined by Karol Orzechowski, Faunalytics’ content director, to discuss the wildlife trade report, the Canadian connection, and what we can all do to make a difference. Read the Faunalytics report: https://faunalytics.org/wildlife-imports/ Follow Defender Radio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howiemichael Follow Defender Radio on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefenderRadio/ Learn more about The Fur-Bearers: https://thefurbearers.com/

Old growth logging is in the news cycle again, with the Fairy Creek blockade on Vancouver Island being the latest in the persistent debate on how to manage old growth trees. Much of the media coverage is glossing over the intricacies of old growth logging – why is it more valuable, why is it a risk to ecosystems and endangered species, and what tools exist for community members speaking out. Charlotte Dawe, conservation and policy campaigner at the Wilderness Committee, joined Defender Radio for a primer on Old Growth forests and logging and how advocates can have their voices heard. Episode cover art of old growth cuts in BC photo provided by Wilderness Committee Wilderness Committee Old Growth Tools and information: https://www.wildernesscommittee.org/oldgrowth Extinction Story Map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/706a64b95cbb4d9b9b6d2af60cc03b4e The Narwhal: Fairy Creek Blockades (feature article): https://thenarwhal.ca/topics/fairy-creek-blockade/ Defender Radio Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Def

Defender Radio is back after a pandemic-related hiatus. New episodes will be launching this month so stay tuned! In this update, hear from host/producer Michael Howie on the hiatus and changes in his personal life, how the show will be changing (only a little), and how you can help find new topics, special features and more. Follow The Fur-Bearers on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FURfree/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/furbearers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/furbearers/ Sign up for email updates: https://thefurbearers.salsalabs.org/enewssignup/index.html  

Getting governments to change isn’t easy; often, there are roadblocks in the path to communicating an issue, particularly ones related to non-human animals. There are tools out there, however, that are making it easier and more effective for Canadian parliamentarians to hear from constituents and learn more about issues related to animals in Canada. Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Liberal MP for Beaches-East York, sponsored House of Commons Petition e-3096, drafted by The Fur-Bearers calling on the federal government to end fur farming; he’s also one of the founding members of the Liberal Party’s Animal Welfare Caucus and a new all-party format of the animal welfare caucus. Nathaniel joined Defender Radio to discuss Petition e-3096, the parliamentary process behind petitions and why some aren’t as effective, as well as providing background on the animal welfare caucus and how all Canadians can ask their MP to get involved in this important educational initiative. Sign Petition e3096: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca