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/

Rachel Love Nuwer-the good, the bad, the poached

Given the freedom to roam as a child, Lisa Jayne (L.J.) Cameron spent much her childhood alone in nature with animals. Little wonder then that this ex-marketing woman would, years later come to found and run the first sanctuary in Australia dedicated to disabled and abused animals. In this episode of MHP, this compassionate woman tells her story-from being trampled by horses, to being inspired by a being called Mr. Waddles. She discusses the rehabilitation work she does for those in her care, shares her frustration in finding a forever home and muses on the joy of raising some beautiful humans and saving some incredible lives.Lisa Jayne Cameron is the founder of the Storybook Farm-Sacred Animal Garden. Along with her family L.J runs this little farm with a big heart-the first of its kind sanctuary in Austraila for disabled and special needs animals, plus an educational farm for children.To learn more about the wonderful work of L.J, her family and the sanctuary, please visit her facebook page Storybook Farm-Sacred Animal Garden.

Lisa Jayne Cameron-Rebuilding Lives and Communities

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

James Stanton-Cooke: Getting Half Cut

With a childhood fascination for aquariums and a passion for music, it’s little wonder that Ocean Conservation Research founder Michael Stock-er has made championing the sounds of our oceans his life’s work.In this episode of MHP, this humble jazz fan shares some of those childhood memories. He talks about why he set up OCR, using Kurtosis as a measuring tool, his role as a translator- and why 911 impacted our oceans.  Michael also shares some of his favourite sounds and reveals the one sound he wants us all to hear.Michael Stock-er is a naturalist, acoustician, musician and the founding director of Ocean Conservation Research is a not for profit centre made up of scientists, engineers and ocean advocates dedicated to improving the environmental health of our oceans. With a focus on marine-bioacoustics, Michael has published and presented numerous research papers and articles to governments and organizations around the world and is the author of the fascinating book: Hear Where We Are : Sound, Ecology, and Sense of Place (Springer 2013)You can find out more about Michael and OCR on the great resource website  www.ocr.orgAnd hear from more great people at www.myhomeplanet.org and www.twig.fm

Michael Stocker-A Time to Listen

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

Joel Hanna-The Power of The Big Little Brush

From having never held a seed in her hand to now planting 1 million trees-For The Wild founder Ayana Young’s life has certainly evolved.In this episode of MHP this restoration ecologist shares her story-from a suburban, Orange County upbringing to tent living in her beloved forest. On the way she’s gathered on Wall Street and travelled to the ‘safest’ place on earth.Ayana speaks of her greatest love affair. She explains what she thinks is the real ask should be in environmental campaigning and how a forest miracle was responsible for the remarkable 1 Million Redwoods project she now finds herself creating.Ayana Young is the co-founder of For The Wild, a not for profit, dedicated to preserving the integrity of Earth’s natural communities. She recently launched the most successful farm project in Kickstarter history-1 Million Redwoods Project- planting millions of trees, and companion plants to mitigate climate change and species loss. She is also the host of the very popular For The Wild podcast and a member of our very own twig.fm.Find out more at www.twig.fmYou can learn more about Ayana, For the Wild and the 1 Million Redwoods project at www.forthewild.world

Ayana Young-Messages From The Mountains

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.

Tshering Lama O'Gorman-Heroine of The Himalayas

She may have grown up in an idyllic part of the world, but for Harriet Spark, her teenage years were difficult and unfulfilling.In this episode of MHP, this graphic designer and environmental warrior explains a how taking a dive into the unknown changed her life and made her appreciate what she does and doesn’t need to be happy.She talks about crazy crown of thorns, living on an uninhabited island, her passion for conservation through creative communication, her love of grumpy turtles and why straws really do suck.Harriet Spark is a graphic designer, dive instructor and ocean advocate. She founded Grumpy Turtle Designs-choosing to work with earth conscious businesses and campaigns. She’s also spearheaded several environmental initiatives, the lasts being Operation Straw which sees volunteers meet up each weekend for ‘strawkels’-helping to clean up Manly Cove and gather vital research on the amount of plastic waste (specifically straws) located there.  My Home Planet is MHP is now a proud member of  Twig.fm-a digital channel of extraordinary podcasts by women for the planet. Please check out all the other great podcasts on the channel at  www.twig.fm

Harriet Spark-Making Promises to Grumpy Turtles

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

Dermot O'Gorman-Optimism In Challenging Times

Ethical fashion wasn’t something Edwina Walsh (or most children) have on their minds growing up. And while always interested in clothes she didn’t really consider a career in fashion either as a young girl in Melbourne.Yet a successful fashion career she made, one which led her to work with global brands, study in New York and ultimately start her own ethical fashion label called Bamboo Monkey.In this episode of MHP this wonderful earth advocate discusses her fashion evolution. She chats about the highs and lows of the fashion world; how our clothes are produced, what happens to them once we get bored and why she’s not afraid to admit to her ignorance about our most commonly used fabric. Edwina also shares the life changing impact that a trip to Bangladesh had on her, how she became a bamboo monkey and why she calls herself a ‘climate realist’.Edwina Walsh is the founder of the eco-friendly fashion brand Bamboo Monkey, an ultra-modern range of luxurious lifestyle wear designed for the everyday woman, made from extra soft bamboo and cotton blends. Edwina also mentors women as part of the Global sister’s project, helping them launch their own businesses and is a keen supporter of many other like-minded initiatives. Fortunately for us too, Edwina is a Twig.fm ambassador.You can find out more about Edwina, her company and those she supports at www.bamboomonkey.com.au

Edwina Walsh-Becoming A Bamboo Monkey

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

LoraKim Joyner-Love and Birds in Times of War

While looking forward to doing field work with dingoes in Australia, the evolutionary and environmental biologist  Dr. Arian Wallach wasn’t quite prepared for the darker side of conservation. In this episode of MHP Arian discusses everything from the bittersweet findings of her PhD research, to the benefits of introduced species (just don’t call them invasive), the cultural importance of apex predators and the concept of environmental fascism.She explains why she’s excited about the upcoming Compassionate Conservation conference, the value of paw prints, why conservation is really about us and what the dingoes have taught her. Arian Wallach is a Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Compassionate Conservation, at the University of Technology Sydney where she researches the ecological role of large predators in modern novel ecosystems.She was awarded a Churchill Fellowship and in 2015 allowing her to travel to investigate the ecological effects of losing and recovering the Earth's largest predators. Arian is also part of the team hosting the 2017 International Compassionate Conservation Conference which takes place 20 - 24 November in the Blue Mountains of NSW, Australia. You can learn more about Arian and her work at https://www.uts.edu.au/staff/arian.wallachAnd the conference at 2017 International Compassionate Conservation Conference

Arian Wallach-Through the Prism of the Dingo

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

Imogen Taylor-Creating The Next Wilderkids

Even with a childhood spent in the heart of New York City, Nina Simons knew from an early age that nature was her spiritual path.In this episode of MHP, this generous visionary thinker and leadership expert tells how and why she liberated her stuffed animals, followed the sage advice of her parents and has been transformed by theatre, nature and humanity.Nina shares her journey as co-founder of the first-of-its kind Bioneers conference and initiative (now in its 27th year), the importance of cultivating women’s leadership, the wisdom of indigenous elders, what lights her up, and her desired gifts to humanity.Nina Simons is a remarkable award winning social entrepreneur and visionary. She is the co-founder of Bioneers and the co-founder and co-facilitator of Cultivating Women’s Leadership trainings. She is the editor of the anthology Moonrise: The Power of Women Leading from the Heart and her next book will be out later this year.The Bioneers Conference takes place this October 20-22nd in San Rafael, California and to learn more about Nina and the conference, please visit bioneers.org and of course www.myhomeplanet.org for more planet hero podcasts.

Nina Simons-Bringing Gifts to Humanity

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

Shawn Heinrichs-Our Planet's Bright Light

One of Dorothée Sophie Royal’s first encounters with nature was giggling at a rose when she was only a few days old. And while she didn’t always consider herself a plant person, life had other ideas for this author, artist and moon time medicine maker. In this episode of MHP, Doro chats about her unusual upbringing, how she went from a degree in Political Science to hosting a popular organic food show, working for the Bioneers initiative, and founding MoonTent Co. She tells of her experiences at Standing Rock, the importance of exploring ancestry, shares what she wants to teach her son and explains why snacks are a great motivator to climb a mountain. With a deep passion for Mother Earth, Dorothée celebrates the feminine. She acknowledges how much plants have to teach us, and tells why she’s no longer afraid of the ‘p’ word.Dorothée Sophie Royal is a writer, artist and medicine maker. She founded MoonTentCo as a space of self-care for women of power. She also hosts a monthly podcast called MoonWise that invites listeners to tune into nature's cycles within and without. you can learn more about Dorothée and her magical work at moontent.co and myhomeplanet.org

Dorothée Sophie Royal- Moontime Medicine Maker

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

Jeff Hansen-Pirate of Compassion

From Astrophysics to Geophysics, some might call Joanna Young an underachiever.But in this episode of MHP, this Fairbanks resident shares her true achievement as a relentless optimist for our planet, while working as a Glaciologist in Alaska.With a childhood spent in the cold of Canada, a love of the outdoors, and a passion for mentoring young girls in the Girls on Ice program, it’s little wonder that Joanna jumped at the recent opportunity to travel to Antarctica with 75 other women scientists, on the impressive inaugural Homeward Bound voyage.In this podcast, she chats about this 10-year planet changing initiative, marvels at visiting her very own version of Disneyland and discusses the impact that women in leadership can, do and will make on the future of our mother earth.She also shares her secret to making a great cocktail, tells what it’s like to jump in to frigid waters with thousands of onlookers and explains why there really is no debate about climate change.Joanna Young is a Geoscientist, PhD candidate and environmental educator. When she’s not studying the impacts of climate change on glaciers in Alaska, she’s mentoring young girls as the Co-founder of Girls on Ice Alaska.  Joanna is also part of the inaugural Homeward Bound leadership, strategic and science initiative which aims to heighten the influence and impact of women in science, in order to influence policy and decision making as it shapes our planet.You can learn more about this Joanna and her important work athttp://joannayoung.strikingly.com

Joanna Young-A Glaciologist in Disneyland

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

Gene Baur-Welcome To The Happiest Place On Earth

By his own admission, Sean Willmore was living a pretty good life as an Australia bush ranger. So what caused this contented man to sell his car, re-mortgage his house and take off around the world?Always on the go, in this episode of MHP, Sean chats about this monumental decision and why he’s dedicating his life to helping protect the protectors of wildlife  who are standing on the thin green line. He tells some heart breaking statistics and stories of fellow rangers plights and explains how his foundation supports these wildlife defenders and their familiesHe shares his admiration for his dear friend Jane Goodall and why explains why ‘integrity’ and ‘serendipity’ are two of his favourite words.Bush ranger, conservationist and documentary film-maker Sean Willmore is the founder of The Thing Green Line Foundation. Traveling over 12 months to 23 countries to uncover the perils facing wildlife rangers and their families, Sean created the documentary The Thin Green Line in 2007. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the film and the foundation and this July you can host a free screening of the film and also stand up for rangers on world ranger day July 31st. For Details and more information about Sean and his fantastic work go to  https://www.thingreenline.org.au.www.myhomeplanet.org

My Home Planet Podcast

My Home Planet Podcast

Get Started

Download the App