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Good Natured

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.

# Episode Title Description People Date
23 Rock'n'roll for wolves with Jen GaNun 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. Julia Migne, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Jen GaNun 10 Mar 2022
22 Exploring the treetops with Tim Kovar In this episode, Julia and Sofia talk to tree climber Tim Kovar about trees, inclusivity and connecting people with nature. Tim Kovar, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 17 Jan 2022
21 Culture and conservation with Miriam Supuma 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. Julia Migne, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Miriam Supuma 17 Dec 2021
20 Artivism and conservation with Sofiya Shukhova In this episode, Julia and Sofia talk to artivist Sofiya Shukhova about the complexities of the wildlife trade and finding inspiration in unexpected places. Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne, Sofiya Shukhova 08 Nov 2021
19 Becoming a field conservationist with Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh 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. Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh, Julia Migne, Sofia Castello y Tickell 04 Oct 2021
18 Polar pursuits with Tom Hart 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. Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne, Tom Hart 22 Sep 2021
17 Shifting perspectives with Sara Lil Middleton 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. Sara Lil Middleton, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 10 Sep 2021
16 Inspiring love for insects with Dino Martins In this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to Kenyan entomologist Dino Martins about his passion for insects, the importance of art, and his work engaging farmers in conservation. Dino Martins, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 16 Aug 2021
15 Nature Notes: Spotting tree kangaroos with Danny Nane 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. Danny Nane, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 04 Aug 2021
14 Nature Notes: Smelling sage with Mike Clark In this week’s Nature Note, Mike transports us to a sagebrush prairie in Montana and reconciles big spaces with small details. Mike Clark, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 30 Jul 2021
13 Nature Notes: Monitoring Scottish wildcats with Lara Semple 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. Lara Semple, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 22 Jul 2021
12 Nature Notes: Searching for Red Squirrels in Tresco with Joe Woodman 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 on the British island of Tresco. Joe Woodman, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 21 Jul 2021
11 Marine conservation with Angelique Songco Sofia and Julia talk to Filipina marine conservationist and diver, Angelique Songco! They end season 1 by discussing the evolution of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, the importance of working with different stakeholders to achieve conservation success. Angelique Songco, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 24 Nov 2020
10 Activism and Ecopoetry with Homero Aridjis On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to Mexican ecopoet, activist, and ex-diplomat, Homero Aridjis! Homero Aridjis, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 03 Nov 2020
9 Rescuing rare plants with Carlos Magdalena On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to horticulturist Carlos Magdalena, also known as the Plant Messiah. We talk about the importance of plants in our day to day life, ways to make people care about them more and his conservation work at Kew Gardens. Carlos Magdalena, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 24 Sep 2020
8 Crowdsourcing conservation with Meredith Palmer On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to ecologist Meredith Palmer about the power of citizen science, the importance of inclusivity and some of the surprising discoveries her research has uncovered in the Serengeti. Meredith Palmer, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 07 Sep 2020
7 Combatting loneliness with Jessie Panazzolo Combatting loneliness with Jessie Panazzolo On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk to Jessie Panazzolo the founder of Lonely Conservationists, an online platform which supports conservationists. Jessie Panazzolo, Julia Migne, Sofia Castello y Tickell 26 Aug 2020
6 Theatre & Conservation with Tom Bailey This week 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. Tom Bailey, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 27 Jul 2020
5 Sparking change with Purnima Devi Barman This week Sofia and Julia talk to 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. Purnima Devi Barman, Sofia Castello y Tickell, Julia Migne 14 Jul 2020
4 Saving species with Carl Jones On this episode, Sofia and Julia talk with Carl Jones, a Welsh biologist renowned for saving multiple bird species in Mauritius. Carl Jones, Julia Migne, Sofia Castello y Tickell 30 Jun 2020
3 Empowering conservation with Megan Cromp In 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. Megan Cromp 16 Jun 2020
2 Eco-anxiety with Caroline Hickman This week Sofia and Julia talk to climate psychologist Caroline Hickman about eco-anxiety, climate grief and the power of young climate activists. Caroline Hickman, Julia Migne, Sofia Castello y Tickell 02 Jun 2020
1 Community conservation with Caleb Ofori-Boateng 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. Caleb Ofori-Boateng 20 May 2020