Conservation Careers Podcast
Episodes
The Power of Wildlife Forensics in Conservation | Dr Greg Simpson
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How the Wildlife Forensic Academy is training the next generation of crime scene investigators for nature, with Dr Greg Simpson.Hi, Nick here from Con...
Community-Based Conservation in Action | Helen Gibbons
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hi there, Nick here from Conservation Careers and welcome to the podcast.If you’ve ever wondered how conservation can be truly inclusive, collaborat...
Painting Conservation: Rory McCann on Using Art to Connect People and Wildlife
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time a piece of art changed how you thought or felt about the natural world? Today’s guest is Rory McCann — a conservation artis...
Keeping Scotland Beautiful: Leadership, Nature & Community with Barry Fisher
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Scotland is a land of breathtaking beauty — from its rugged coasts and misty glens to its rich biodiversity and wild spaces. But like all places we ...
Is Coaching Right for You? With Kristi Foster of Conservation Careers
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt stuck, burnt out, or unsure of your next move in your career?In this episode we’re joined by Kristi Foster, Head of Programmes at...
What Rewilding Really Looks Like | Pedro Ribeiro, Rewilding Expert in Residence
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How rewilding is helping nature and people thrive in Portugal and beyond, with Pedro Ribeiro.If you’ve ever wondered what rewilding really means –...
Crocodile Conservation with Dr Marisa Tellez
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Marisa Tellez knew from a young age that she was destined to work with the world’s apex predators—particularly crocodiles. While her peers play...
Diving Deeper: Cristina Zenato on Sharks, Conservation & Purpose
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you stop fearing sharks — and start listening to them?In this inspiring episode, we dive into the extraordinary world of Cristina ...
Why Conservation Needs Educators | Dr Dave Johnston, Wildlife Conservation Society
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Dave Johnston, Director of Professional Development at the Wildlife Conservation Society, shares why education is essential to conservation. In thi...
Designing Your Conservation Career: MSc Conservation Project Management
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr Stephen Green joins Nick Askew to share the story behind the MSc Conservation Project Management – a skills-based master’s pro...
Building a Brand for Nature with Sara Kenny | Communications and Marketing Manager at Biodiversify
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re joined by Sara Kenny – Communications and Marketing Manager at Biodiversify – for a rich conversation on the power of messaging, the...
Three Decades of Nature Recovery with Craig Ralston | Senior Reserve Manager, Natural England
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What can three decades in one wild place teach us about conservation?In this episode, we sit down with Craig Ralston - Natural England Senior Reserve ...
This One’s for the Insects | Dr Kate Umbers, Invertebrates Australia / Insect Conservation Lab
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if we gave as much love to insects as we do elephants?In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Kate Umbers – Senior Lecturer in Zoology at Western...
From Africa to the World: Leading WWF’s Global Conservation Mission | Daudi Sumba
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How systemic transformation, inclusive leadership, and a vision for a nature-positive future are shaping WWF’s global conservation strategy, with ou...
Passion, Pangolins & Community Power | Beryl Makori, Pangolin Project
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Conservation Careers Podcast, we meet Beryl Makori, Conservation Manager at The Pangolin Project in Kenya.Beryl shares the rema...
Conservation Leadership Across Continents: Dr Howard Nelson | Fauna & Flora / University of Cambridge
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How One Caribbean Biologist is Shaping the Future of Conservation From Cambridge to the Tropics.In this episode of the Conservation Careers Podcast, w...
Leading with Purpose: Inside Nick Bubb’s Mission at Tusk
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How Nick Bubb Combines Fundraising, Empowerment, and a Life of Adventure to Guide One of Africa’s Leading Conservation Charities, Tusk.What’s it l...
Revolutionising Ecotourism: Daniel Kaul on Conscious Travel for Conservation
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How Conscious Explorer is Transforming Travel Into a Powerful Force for Conservation and Community Development, With Daniel Kaul.Can travel be more th...
Protecting Egypt’s Turtles: Micol Montagna on Marine Conservation and Citizen Science
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hi there. Nick here from Conservation Careers, and welcome to the podcast.What’s it like to study and protect turtles in the stunning waters of Egyp...
Reinventing Your Career: Midlife Transitions and Purpose With John Tarnoff
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How Career Coach John Tarnoff Helps Professionals Navigate Change, Find Purpose, and Build Meaningful Careers in Conservation and Beyond.What if midli...
Rewilding Britain: Rebecca Wrigley on Restoring Nature and Empowering Communities
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to rewild a nation? How can restoring nature also regenerate communities and economies? And what’s the future of rewilding as a ca...
Podcast | From Intern to Conservation Leader: Richard Grimmett’s 40-Year BirdLife Journey
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lessons From Four Decades of BirdLife International: Richard Grimmett on Conservation Success and Challenges.How does a passion for birds turn into a ...
Building Bridges for Conservation: Dr Jonny Hanson’s Vision for Rewilding and Coexistence
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hi there. Nick here from Conservation Careers, and welcome to the podcast.How can we restore biodiversity while balancing the needs of people and wild...
Rewilding Europe: Frans Schepers on restoring nature at scale
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you transform landscapes, restore biodiversity and reconnect people with nature - all at scale? And what does it take to build a pioneering con...
From campaigning to chairing: Tony Juniper’s journey in nature conservation
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can campaigning lead to transformative leadership in conservation? And what role do cross-sector partnerships play in scaling biodiversity impact?...
The power of trees: Sir William Worsley on conservation, climate and careers in forestry
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission (England). Sir William shares his rich experience in forestry management, con...
Leading Europe's biggest conservation charity | Beccy Speight
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to lead one of the world’s largest conservation organisations through a time when 41% ofUK species are in decline?And how can toda...
The role of media in modern conservation | David Mizejewski
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how your backyard or garden can help to save wildlife? Or why something as simple as leaving your leaves where they fall can ma...
The importance of community in our careers
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt like an outsider or imposter in your career? Or wondered where (or even if) you can fit and belong?We're biologically hard-wired fo...
Snakes, rainforests and rock ‘n’ roll | Romulus Whitaker
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Romulus Whitaker, a renowned herpetologist and conservationist often referred to as the"Snake Man of India."Romulus shares his life...
Inspiring young conservation leaders | Becky Park
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Becky Park, the Programme Manager for the Osprey Leadership Foundation.They work to inspire young people about the natural world an...
Exploring the human side of conservation practice | Dr Laura Thomas-Walters
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why do so many people get into conservation because of a love of animals, only to discover that it’s all about people?And why if you’re interested...
From Navy to conservation diversity leader | Taurean Meacham
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we explore the world of conservation and diversity with digital storyteller Taurean Meacham. Working for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, T...
The power of words in wildlife conservation | Jon Monsoon
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why do so many people get into conservation because of a love for animals, only to discover that it's all about people? And why, if you’r...
From bartender to Gorilla guardian | Greg Cummings
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How Passionate Individuals Can Transform Their Careers and Save Wildlife, With Our Guest Greg Cummings.How can someone transition from being a bartend...
Switching careers from IT to conservation | Clare Roberts
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you switch careers from working in IT and Quality Management for 20 years to making a real impact in conservation? That’s exactly what t...
Connecting to conservation from the corporate sector | Raoul Bollen
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How corporate professionals can contribute to conservation efforts, with our guest Raoul Bollen.How can corporate professionals contribute to conserva...
Navigating Conservation Challenges in Africa | Ademola Ajagbe
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Africa use partnerships, science, and sustainable finance to tackle the biodiversity crisis, with our guest Ademol...
Dr Carrie Goucher | How to stop wasting precious time in mediocre meetings!
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meetings are a core part of our working lives, and yet studies have found that 50% of time spent in meetings is often wasted.When viewed as a whole th...
Dr Stephen Green | Course Leader MSc Conservation Project Management
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you considered going back to university and doing a Master's Degree in order to become more employable within the sector? Perhaps you’v...
Cristianne Close | Deputy Global Conservation Director WWF International
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re speaking with the Deputy Global Conservation Director at WWF International, Cristianne Close. Cris describes herself as ‘...
How to plan for a gap year or career break? Julia Rogers | EnRoute Consulting
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt like escaping the rat race and travelling the world? Seeking impact, adventure and new experiences? Perhaps volunteering for nature...
Biodiversify-ing businesses and beyond with Michael Burgass (Director of Biodiversify)
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Increasingly, the private sector is taking a growing interest in their impact on wildlife, and this could lead to a much-needed step change in conserv...
Lise Aangeenbrug | Chief Program Officer at the National Park Foundation
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you raise nearly $100,000,000 per year to protect and conserve America’s 420+ National Park Sites? Sites important for recreation, educa...
Burnout in conservation
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt like you’re energetically exhausted, mentally distant from your job, or less able to produce results at work? There’s a chance ...
Patience Thody | Deputy Chief Executive The Wildlife Trusts
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve spent time in the UK and visited a local nature reserve, then chances are you’ve been to a site managed by one of the 46 individual Wild...
How important are volunteers in conservation? Rhoda Ludford - Volunteering Development Consultant with the RSPB
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How important are volunteers in conservation? What are the different types of work you can do as a volunteer, and how can it benefit your career?...
Charu Mishra | The world’s foremost expert on snow leopard conservation
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We ran a live event in partnership with Conservation Optimism, to explore and celebrate the work of Dr Charu Mishra - the world’s foremost expert on...
Dr Rebecca Jefferson | The power of social science for conservation
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why should more conservationists learn to study people? To better understand them as individuals, communities and societies, alongside their co...
How to raise more funding for wildlife conservation
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What can Coca-Cola teach us about how to better save wildlife, in Australia and beyond? And why should more governments set up charitable foun...
The Importance of Communications for Conservationists
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why is communications so important for conservationists? What communications skills are employers are looking for? And how can you start developing th...
Podcast | Laura Dempsey | Collaboration, Education & Innovation (Volunteers for Future)
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What role do schoolchildren play in conservation efforts? Why target them specifically, and how do you successfully establish and grow a ...
Renewing biodiversity through a people-in-nature approach (RENEW) with Professor Kevin Gaston
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do people and nature interact? How does nature benefit people? Which interactions have the greatest impacts, and how can research into these quest...
How to save species, sites and ecosystems with Nina Seale from Synchronicity Earth
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In conservation, some issues tend to get a lot of attention from the donors when other, equally important issues, can be ignored. What do you do in ...
Podcast | How to follow your passion as a career switcher … Developing The Soil Centre with Tara Phillips
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a BIG idea that grabbed your attention and got you excited? And if you have, did you know how to start turning your idea into realit...
How can Aquariums support conservation efforts?
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us will have visited aquariums and marvelled at the marine life on display. But what role can an Aquarium have in supporting conservation eff...
Celebrating Episode 100 of the Conservation Careers Podcast
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special conversation we're celebrating the 100th episode of the Conservation Careers Podcast! The CC Podcast was launched on 21st June 2018, a...
How to rescue dying national parks with Dr Niall McCann | National Park Rescue
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest in this episode is a good friend and someone I’ve wanted to get on the show since day one. Described as the real-life Indiana Jones...
The Conservation Pathway Programme
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this very special episode of the podcast, we take you behind the scenes of our NEW Conservation Pathway Programme. The Conservation Pathway Program...
From corporate to conservation: How Edward found his purpose
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do you switch careers from something entirely unrelated to wildlife and start to carve out a role for yourself in the conservation sector? How do ...
Dr Malcolm McAdie | Wildlife Veterinarian
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Can you picture yourself rescuing, rehabilitating or even releasing individuals from a Critically Endangered species in the wild? Or translocating wol...
Dr Helen Gath | Durrell Conservation Academy
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What role do zoos play in conservation, why is diversity important and how can you get upskilled to have more impact? We discuss these topics in ...
Stella Diamant | The Madagascar Whale Shark Project
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Stella Diamant is a passionate conservation biologist who founded the Madagascar Whale Shark Project, introduced a code of conduct for whale shark tou...
Lucy Standing | Co-Founder of ‘Brave Starts’ helping the over 50s to switch careers
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re speaking with Lucy Standing, who’s the Co-Founder of Brave Starts which offers career change and start-up business programm...
Melissa Hobson | Ocean Writer and PR Consultant
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re speaking with ocean writer and PR freelancer Melissa Hobson. Mel is passionate about communicating how we can all make a difference...
Valérie D'Hoedt Meyer | IUCN Academy Director
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re speaking with Valérie D'Hoedt Meyer, who is the Director of the IUCN Academy. Launched in September 2021, the IUCN Academy see...
Ben Stockwell | Senior Rewilding Officer at Citizen Zoo
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re interested in conservation, then you’ve probably heard the term rewilding. Over the past decade or so it has represented a growing ...
Career switch success stories from the class of 2022
01 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you keen to switch your career into conservation in 2023? Perhaps you’re feeling a little stuck in a job you’re not fully happy with, and you ...
Take our 5-day Career Challenge
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What will 2023 have in store for you? Today I'm launching a five-day New Year / New Career challenge to unlock your ideas and help guide you in 2023....
2022 Reflections
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our final podcast episode of 2022! As we look ahead to a new year, we're reflecting on what we loved about 2022, and what we're excited abo...
Dr Stephen Browne | The Royal Commission for AlUla (Saudi Arabia)
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rewilding and restoration is an increasingly exciting and popular area of conservation. Whereby land is returned to a more natural state in a bid to l...
Daniel Kaul | Natucate
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you love learning about the natural world and have a sense of travel and adventure? Do you wish you could get out from behind a screen, step out ...
Felix Cybulla | Conservation Standards Trainer
07 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A key to success within conservation is the ability to design high-quality projects to protect species, habitats and sites. But only a small proport...
Megan Cromp | Key Conservation
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had an idea that you think is great and wish you'd done something about it? Well, today's guest is making her great idea for helping ind...
Kate Evans | Elephants for Africa
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re speaking with Dr Kate Evans - Founder and Director of Elephants for Africa. She is an award-winning behavioural ecologist an...
Jade Brudenell | Conservation Collective
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When wildlife is in decline the world over, how do we raise more funds for conservation, and ensure these funds are spent to have the greatest impact ...
Elena Zurli from Environmental Grants
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To have an impact as a conservationist, you need fundraising skills in order to turn your ideas into reality. In a sector dominated by charities, th...
The Human Swan | Sacha Dench (Conservation Without Borders)
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How can storytelling help to tackle some of the biggest issues of our time, like climate change and biodiversity loss? And what role can migratory bir...
Helping the UK Government conserve nature | Dr Gemma Harper (Chief Executive of the JNCC)
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I’m speaking with Dr Gemma Harper - the Chief Executive of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, or JNCC for short. JNCC is a pub...
Happiest times as conservationists
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are our happiest times as conservationists? At Conservation Careers we help thousands of people start or switch their careers into conservation, ...
Long-term solutions for people and wildlife | Anna Hixson (Institute for Ecological Civilization)
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How can we tackle some of the biggest challenges facing us as a global society, for the betterment of people and wildlife? Can we rebuild and transfor...
The conservation story of Orangutans | Leif Cocks (The Orangutan Project)
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that Orangutans are the most intelligent beings on the planet after humans? Perfectly adapted to their environment, they pass on their ...
Helping businesses operate sustainably | Tara Mikhael (Deloitte LLP)
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In recent years business leaders and board rooms across the globe have put sustainability and environmental towards the very top of their priorities. ...
10 career changing moments
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Could a single moment change the entire course of your conservation career? At Conservation Careers, we often talk about what steps to take for a suc...
Breaking down barriers to entry | Lynn Mento (Conservation Nation)
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re revisiting an important discussion within conservation, and something which may affect you. Namely, barriers to entry which ma...
The good, the bad and the ugly in conservation
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The media is full of images and stories of the wonderful side of conservation, including field work, research, travel, being outdoors and working clos...
Restoring life on Earth | Andrew Cottam (Restor.eco)
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We know that carbon in the atmosphere is increasing at an unsustainable rate, and that half of all native tress on earth have been felled. Thi...
Cade London | Diversity Joint Venture for Careers in Conservation
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is the diversity deficit in conservation, and how can we tackle it? In this episode we speak to Cade London, Associate Advisor, Office of Diversi...
How to get things done
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With limited time available, and a need to have purpose and impact through our careers, how do we get the right things done well? How we choose tasks,...
The Power of Communications for Conservationists
05 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Last year, Sir David Attenborough said that saving the planet is now a communications challenge. And within conservation there is a growing realisatio...
Making the most of conservation events (for your career)
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Conferences, meetings, festivals, community gatherings, networking events and more... Today there are MANY in-person and virtual conservation events t...
I wish I knew sooner
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If professional conservationists could go back in time and replay the clock what useful information would they have learnt sooner, that would have he...
How to get conservation experience?
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Getting experience - whether volunteering, interning or even starting your own project - can do a lot for you in the early stages of your career. It c...
Dr Hugh Safford | Forest Fires & Conservation
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As conservationists, one thing we’ve seen a lot of on the news in recent years is forest fires. Huge blazes in Australia, California, the...
Nancy Thomson | Thomson Environmental Consultants
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever considered working as an environmental consultant? Do you know what one is and does, and what skills they are looking for? To...
How to survive academia (& enjoy it!)
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re discussing what it’s like to study and work within academia, how to survive it, enjoy it and more..! Joining our host Dr ...
James Bartram | President of IUCN Canada
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What would have happened if we’d started engaging young people in the conservation movement much earlier? Would we be seeing more action, impact an...
Professor David Hill CBE | The Environment Bank
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re talking to a hugely inspiring figure within the UK ecology scene, who enjoys disrupting the market, and doing things differently. ...
Making Conservation Better
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re delving deeper into the conservation sector and exploring what conservationists need to be better at, in order to save mor...
Marnix van Holland | WWF
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever met someone and feel like you’ve known them for years? You just clicked? That happened with today’s guest for me. Marnix van Ho...