My Home Planet Podcast

RACHEL LOVE NUWERWitnessing the burning of stock piled ivory, meeting the world’s last male northern white rhino, going under cover as a prostitute and drinking cocktails with an illegal wildlife buyer might seem like a far cry from a childhood spent in Biloxi, Mississippi but for science journalist Rachel Love Nuwer, these experiences are just part of the job.In this episode of MHP Rachel talks about her acclaimed first book, Poached and some of these interesting yet heartbreaking adventures. She discusses the complexities around the illegal wildlife trade and explains just why she’s so willing to take risks in order to change global mindsets.Rachel Love Nuwer is an award-winning journalist reporting on numerous topics from science and travel to food and adventure . She writes for for the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC Future and many others and has just published her first book-Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking you can find out more about Rachel at http://www.rachelnuwer.com/

Thankfully It’s not every child who is unfortunate enough to witness the total destruction of their backyard playground, but for Beards On co-founder James Stanton-Cooke, the experience, quite understandably left a lasting impression.In this episode of MHP, this mild mannered, deeply committed environmentalist discusses that difficult story. He also chats about his almost career in baseball and being grouped in South America. He talks about magical snakes and menacing salmonella and explains how sometimes the best conversations start when your half cut.James Stanton-Cooke is an Environmental campaigner and Sydney Coordinator for Lock the Gate Alliance. He is also the co-founder of Beards On, a Not For Profit environmental organisation, whose goal is to encourage men to grow a beard and start a conversation about conservation. As a Rainforest Trust Australia partner, Beards On has so far been able to help conserve over 18 million acres of forest through its numerous fundraising campaigns including Half Cut, a fun conversation starting initiative for men to grow then shave half their beard. A celebration of this achievement will be held at 4 Pines Brewery, in Brookvale, NSW on August 31st. To learn more about Half Cut, James and Beards On other great initiates please visit Beardson.org

Most of us take brushing our teeth for granted. But for many people, around the world and close to home, access to dental hygiene is a luxury. In this episode of MHP Joel Hanna, founder of the social enterprise Big Little Brush shares his own story of dental neglect and how this opened his eyes to impacts the impacts of poor dental health on individuals and communities. He explains the saintliness of his mum, tells of the joy in helping others and why his children might just end up without friends at their birthday parties.Joel Hanna’s day job is as the Agile Team Facilitator at Xero Australia. His other job is as the co-founder of Big Little Brush- a social enterprise that sells sustainable bamboo toothbrushes. Launched late 2017 100% per cent of the BLB profits helps fund primary health programs in Indigenous communities around Australia.You can learn more about Joel and Big Little Brushe at: https://www.biglittlebrush.org/ and https://medium.com/@BigLittleBrush_And hear from more great people at myhomeplanet.org and twig.fm

While growing up at the foothills of the Himalayas, Tshering Lama O’Gorman couldn’t imagine that she’d find herself years later living in the biggest city in Australia.As the program director for the Australian Himalayan Foundation though, she returns to Nepal frequently and sees the changes -both good and bad, to her homeland- first hand.In this episode of MHP, Tshering discusses her career for for NGO’s around the world. She shares the critical work of the AHF on the ground and with their focus on education, health and the environment. She explains the issues affecting her beloved Snow Leopards, the importance of community conversations around the impacts of climate change, and what she hopes her son will learn about nature. Tshering Lama O’Gorman is the Program Director of the Australian Himalayan Foundation. She’s worked for several NGO’s globally including as a senior manager for the WWF. Tshering has a master’s degree in natural resource management and another in human geography. She lives in Sydney, Australia.Just a note-while I mention in the podcast that there are about 3500 snow leopards left in the wild, there are some reports that there could be as many as 7000.

Dermot O’Gorman grew up with nature right outside his front door. So, little wonder then, that his first job was with National Parks in Australia. An epiphany though and a deep desire to solve meaningful global environmental challenges led him out of the local wilderness and into an impressive career with the WWF. In this episode of my home planet, this patient (especially with interview technical difficulties) and thoughtful man chats about his formative years-how he followed his passion for conservation and why, sometimes career advisors don’t give the best advice.Dermot discusses the ways in which WWF has evolved in the past 50+ years, the four major challenges he thinks humanity faces and how technology might help with some of those. He explains the reasons behind why the organization partners with businesses which have some of the biggest carbon foot prints in the world, and why, in the face of seemingly overwhelming global problems he remains optimistic.Dermot O’Gorman is the CEO of WWF Australia. After a graduating from the London School of Economics, he began working with WWF in 1998 in the UK. During his remarkable career, he has served as the CEO of WWF China and Pacific. Passionate about the big picture of conservation and Delivering solutions at scale Dermot strives to find common ground between communities, other NGO’s, businesses and government to help work towards a healthier planet for us all. This will be the last My Home Planet podcast for this year. Thanks for listening in, your support for the show is really appreciated. I’ll be back in late January with more new interviews with remarkable people dedicated to our beautiful planet.To find out more about Dermot and the WWF Australia go to www.wwf.org.au and learn more about extraordinary podcasts by women for the planet at www.twig.fm

LoraKim was dreaming of birds from a young age, which might explain her chosen first career as a veterinarian specialising in avian medicine, a career which has taken her on a journey of love, loss and re-connection across the Americas.In this episode of MHP LoraKim chats about her new book Conservation in Time of War: A transformational journey through beauty and tragedy. The book is a heartfelt memoir filled with joy, sadness, humour and everything in between. She describes her first impressions of Guatemala during the height of a civil war, hearing the voice that would determine her life’s direction, falling in love with country, human, bird and soccer, and how she hasn’t always followed her father’s sage advice. She shares her experiences working to conserve her beloved birds against horrific odds and how she honours them.Rev. LoraKim Joyner is a Unitarian Universalist minister. She currently she serves as a community minister in Multispecies Ministry and Compassionate Communication, in White Plains, New York. She is the Director of One Earth Conservation and Ministry, where she works as a wildlife veterinarian and human dimension consultant in Latin American avian conservation. You can learn more about LoraKim and her wonderful book at www.oneearthconservation.orgAnd listen to more interviews with big planet heroes at www.myhome planet.org and learn about more great planet podcasts at www.twig.fm

Imogen Taylor is on a mission, one which has taken her on a journey from a successful career in law to now writing and illustrating meaningful books for children, and in this episode of MHP she explains why she wants to save endangered wildlife, with a little help from her readers. Imogen discusses her latest book, the first in a series that features a delightful group of young wildlife warriors called The POWeS, she shares some of the complexities around writing of wildlife poaching for young people, and explains why she’s quite a fan of youtube. Having been fortunate enough to travel around the world herself, Imogen reflects upon her deep desire to instil a love of wildlife and wild places in children, which includes visiting schools and creating meaningful life changing books. Imogen Taylor is an author and illustrator of children’s books. A qualified lawyer , she left her job at a top UK law firm to settle in Australia, and dedicate her life to helping the planet through her stories. She volunteers at the charity Animal Works and donates a portion of her book sales to other wildlife organizations. Her latest book is The POWEs And The Disappearing Tusks, and she has just launched a new podcast called Wilderkids. You can find out more about her, the books and the podcast at www.the-powes.com

You’d be hard pressed to find a greater friend to our oceans and all who inhabit them than Shawn Heinrichs. In this episode of MHP, this brilliant award-winning cinematographer and conflict zone journalist shares his insights from the front line of planet survival- from his mixed emotions scuba diving for the first time, to the moment when he went from being an arm chair activist to ocean warrior. Shawn talks about the challenges of reaching the 99%, celebrating the feminine, the importance of saving even just one life, swimming with mermaids and his one real regret. Using his impressive artistic skills as a force for good, Shawn is dedicated to changing the hearts and minds of local communities, world governments and the public- on the plight of not just of sharks, whale sharks and his beloved manta rays, but on our life-giving oceans completely. His work is far from over though and he continues to shine his bright light on behalf of all the beings in the seas. Shawn Heinrichs is an Emmy award winning cinematographer, photographer, investigative journalist and marine conservationist. His films and work have gone viral, have been used to help protect ocean species under CITIES, and impact public understanding of key issues such as shark finning. He is also featured in the film Racing Extinction, and is the is the founder of Blue Sphere Media, a production company specializing in underwater, adventure and conservation filmsShawn serves on the International Board of WildAid, on the Board of Shark Savers, is an Associate Director of Manta Trust, and an Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP). In 2011 he was named the Oris Sea Hero of the Year.You can learn more about Shawn and his incredible work at http://www.bluespheremedia.com

As Sea Shepherd celebrates 40 years on the frontline of marine conservation, defending, conserving and protecting our oceans, Jeff Hansen explains why he doesn’t want any more birthday presents. In this episode of MHP, this mild-mannered ocean warrior chats about everything from chronic fatigue to concussion grenades, albatrosses and Antarctica. He shares his memories of that first trip at sea-the camaraderie between crew, volunteers and supporters, he explains the serious new risks that Japan poses to whales, how the Jolly Roger came to be, why his small list of Sea Shepherd wins is so huge and why he hopes Sea Shepherd won’t be around in another 40 years. A qualified Electronic and Computer Engineer, Jeff Hansen is the Managing Director of Sea Shepherd Australia. Jeff lives in Perth, Western Australia where, in his spare time he and his wife Marina rescue and rehabilitate wildlife. He features in the new film Operation Jeedara, a documentary about protecting the Great Australian Bight. You can learn more about Jeff and the work of Sea Shepherd Australia at seashepherd.org.au and the work of Sea Shepherd globally at seashepherd.org

As a child Gene Baur had no idea that he would go on to create what many people believe is ‘the happiest place on earth’.In this episode of MHP this ultra marathon runner shares his journey- from growing up in the Hollywood Hills to co-founding Farm Sanctuary, a remarkable sanctuary for farm animals across America. While Gene tells some heart breaking stories from a life advocating on behalf of animals, he also reflects on the remarkable transformations that both humans and other animals make once they start living the farm sanctuary life.Along the way, this infectiously positive man muses on the magic of music, the incredible benefits of a plant based diet, what the animals have taught him and why big corporations jumping on the plant based bandwagon isn’t all bad. Hailed as ‘the conscience of the food movement” by Time magazine, Gene Baur is the president and Co-founder of Farm Sanctuary. His advocacy work on behalf of farm animals has lead to changes in U.S animal welfare and cruelty laws. As an author, his 2008 book Farm Sanctuary, Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food was a national best seller, and his latest book is called Living The Farm Sanctuary Life: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Mindfully, Living Longer, and Feeling Better Ever Day. Gene continues to be at the forefront of positive activism for animals, people and the planet. You can learn more about Gene and the wonderful work of Farm Sanctuary at www.farmsanctuary.org

As a child Suzanne Rogers was fascinated by the interactions between humans and non-human animals. With a career in animal welfare, she’s had plenty of time to observe not just animal behaviour but human behaviour as well. So with a deep desire to understand human behaviour towards animals, Suzanne founded the Human Behaviour Change for Animals Initiative.In this episode of MHP, Suzanne discusses the Initiative and shares her insights into the complexities around human behaviour change not just for animals but for ourselves as well. She chats about everything from her love of TED talks, why she dislikes bad TV and the impact the film Blackfish had on audiences worldwide. And she also explains how sometimes education and awareness doesn’t always lead to behaviour change.Suzanne Rogers is an animal welfare consultant, equine behaviourist and the founder of Human Behaviour Change for Animals. A former science journalist with a degree in microbiology, Suzanne has worked for numerous animal welfare organizations including World Animal Protection. She is also the co-founder of Change For Animals Foundation and founder of Learning About Animals. You can learn more about the wonderful work of Suzanne Rogers at http://www.hbcanimalwelfare.comhttp://www.learningaboutanimals.co.uk

From surviving a fall into an ice crevice in the South Pole to being the first amateur cyclist to complete the three Grand Tours in a single season, it’s no wonder that Keith’s last name starts with Tuff.In his day job, Keith heads up The B Team, a not-for-profit initiative created by a broad group of global business leaders, in order to catalyse a better way of doing business, for the wellbeing of humans and the planet.In this episode of MHP, Keith talks about the challenges and opportunities for businesses today, why the plan A of capitalism isn’t working, and how business can be a force for good to help drive much needed changes required for our planet’s future. He also shares his passion for the outdoors, reveals some of the epiphanies he’s had along the way and professes his profound devotion to our beautiful earth. A former investment banker Keith Tuffley is the Managing Partner & CEO of The B Team and the Founder and Chairman of NEUW Ventures SA based in Lausanne, Switzerland., Keith also sits on the board of several charities, including The Great Barrier Reef Foundation.You can learn more about Keith and the work of the B Team at www.bteam.org,

Bonnie Wyper has had a busy life. With careers in fashion, radio, advertising, real estate and art, she’s found her calling as co-founder of Thinking Animals United, a powerful animal advocacy initiative.In this episode of My Home Planet, Bonnie shares her childhood love of the country and what drove her to advocate for non-human animals. She discusses why the upcoming Rethinking Animals Summit is so important, shares some surprising things she’s discovered about humans, and why we may just be the dumbest species out there.Bonnie Wyper is the Founder and President of Thinking Animals United. She has an advanced Certificate in Psychology of Animal Behavior and Conservation and she is working with the NGO Major Group at the UN to insure the conservation, protection and welfare of animals is included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.You can learn more about Bonnie, the upcoming Rethinking Animals Summit (May 6-7th in New York City) and Thinking Animals United at www.thinkinganimalsunited.org