Defender Radio: The Podcast For Wildlife Advocates And Animal Lovers

Humane Canada’s Summit for Animals is approaching, and it’s sounding like it’s going to be their best yet. The annual conference is going to include in-person events in Banff, Alberta in conjunction with a broad variety of online presentations. Formerly the National Animal Welfare Conference, the Summit for Animals is reaching well beyond Humane Canada’s foundations as the federation of humane societies and SPCAs; I’ll be speaking with attorney Rebeka Breder about the Stanley Park coyotes; my boss Lesley Fox will be on a panel about fur farming; and we’re all excited at the wide range of topics and opportunities to learn. To share more about this conference, its evolution, and what attendees in person and online can expect, Humane Canada’s Natalia Hanson joined Defender Radio. Get more details on Humane Canada's Summit for Animals at https://bit.ly/3u7BbGA!  Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on so

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Liberal MP for Beaches-East York, in February introduced Private Members Bill C-247, An Act to prohibit fur farming. This Act, if passed through the House of Commons and Senate, would end commercial fur farming in Canada at the federal level. MP Erskine-Smith joined Defender Radio to discuss the bill, how private members bills work, what people can do to support it, and what other ways communities can engage on the issue at a federal level. Note: During the interview, Nathaniel mentioned the raccoon fox as an animal involved in the fur trade; he was referencing the raccoon dog, and mispoke.  LINKS: MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith: https://beynate.ca/ Send a letter supporting C-247 to your MP (Canadians only; international listeners, please send a letter to the PMO, info also available here): https://thefurbearers.com/blog/action-alert-support-bill-c-247-to-end-fur-farming/ Subscribe to Defender Radio and The Switch on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/defender-radio-a

You can save the lives of birds and keep your local ecosystem healthy by making a simple switch with the easy solutions suggested by Anouk Hoedeman of Safe Wings Ottawa. Links: Safe Wings Ottawa at http://safewings.ca/ Safe Wings Ottawa on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SafeWings/ Safe Wings Ottawa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/safewingsottawa/ 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 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/f

The Squirrel Who Stole Solstice was written and directed by Marisa King. Starring Kristi Boulton, Marisa King and Michael Howie. Original holiday carol by Julian Sark. The Squirrel Who Stole Solstice was written and Directed by Marisa King! Marisa voiced Nutty! Marisa King is an actor, director and long-time animal advocate based in Toronto, Ontario.  You can also hear her on the award-winning Alba Salix podcast as well as improvising her way through the wacky roleplaying world of The End of Time and Other Bothers, all from Fable & Folly production at FableandFolly.com. Nutzo and Mrs. DeNutzio were played by Kristi Boulton! Kristi Boulton is an actor, improviser, director and podcast producer in Hamilton, Ontario, and can be found at www.kristiboulton.com or on the socials (Twitter: https://twitter.com/kristi_boulton, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristi_boulton/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiboulton/). Kristi can also be heard on Civilized, a dark comedy improvised podcast at Civi

Gift giving is wonderful and generous, but around the holidays can generate a lot of waste. Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy (Executive Director of Society for Humane Science, TEDx speaker, UBC Professor and zero waste enthusiast) is making The Switch to zero waste gift giving!  These tips can make a big impact on local waste during the holiday season, and we'd love to hear from you! Tag @howiemichael on Instagram or email defenderradio@gmail.com with your zero waste gift giving tips and get included in a future episode! LINKS Society for Humane Science: https://www.forhumanescience.org/ Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethormandy/ Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy at TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfBc2PvVXnU 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/Defender

Frances Backhouse is a well-regarded naturalist and journalist, as well as the author of several books on beavers, including Once They Were Hats. Though known for much of her work on beavers, Frances has also written about several species of bird, women in history, and now is taking on the fascinating and majestic grizzly bear. Frances joined Defender Radio to have an in-depth conversation about her path from scientist to writer, what she’s learned about beavers and bears along the way, and how others can find their own ways to working on topics they’re passionate about.

Get details on the incredible matching gift challenge and how you can be a producer of the new trapping documentary! Learn more about the Trapped In The Past documentary project and donate now by clicking here or going to www.DefenderRadio.com/trapped. Check out the full episode featuring John E. Marriott and Kim Odland discussing this project and Giving Tuesday at https://thefurbearers.com/blog/defender-radio/trapped-in-the-past-a-new-documentary-project/ or be finding "Trapped In The Past" in the Defender Radio and the Switch podcast feed on your device. Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and/or 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).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on beh

Giving Tuesday Challenge: For the week of Monday, November 29 to Friday, December 3, 2021, all donations to this project will be MATCHED up to $10,000 - but only if we hit the $10,000 goal! Learn more and donate now at https://www.DefenderRadio.com/Trapped. I’m very excited to be able to share this episode with you, as it’s a bit of an official launch: we’re making a documentary! The Fur-Bearers is working renowned wildlife photography John E. Marriott and the Exposed Wildlife Conservancy team to create a documentary series on snares and trapping in Canada, called Trapped In The Past. The series, which is set to release November 2022, will ask hard questions about snaring and trapping in Canada, and incorporate all perspectives – including those of trappers, biologists, Indigenous leaders, and advocates. Trapped in The Past is poised to be a game changer for Canadians – and for the hundreds of thousands of animals killed for their fur every year. Check out the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs1ZWpO

Placemaking and little free libraries go hand in hand to help residents make a switch in their community. Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff of the Victoria Pocket Places Project joins The Switch to explain how the idea of placing making and community library boxes (which don’t replace libraries) can help communities become climate resilient and benefit everyone. Please note we are not discussing Little Free Libraries, a non-profit organization. LINKS Greater Victoria Placemaking Network: https://victoriaplacemaking.ca/placemaking/ GVPN’s Little Free Libraries:  https://victoriaplacemaking.ca/little-free-libraries/ Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff: https://www.teale.ca/ Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff on Social: https://www.tiktok.com/@tealepb https://www.facebook.com/Teale.Phelps.Bondaroff/ https://twitter.com/TealePB 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

The illegal wildlife trade is significantly broader and includes far more species than most people think; and Canada is seemingly playing a role. Dr. Chris Shepherd, Executive Director of Monitor Conservation Research Society, is working hard to research and expose the illegal wildlife trade around the world. In two papers he co-published regarding black bears and their illegal trade in various parts of the world, Canada had a clear connection. Links to these, which explore the bear trade in Czech Republic and Australasian countries, are available in the show notes. Dr. Shepherd joined Defender Radio to share more about Monitor Conservation Research Society, how Canada factors into the illegal wildlife trade, and what average residents can do to make a difference. Links: Find Dr. Chris Shepherd and Monitor Conservation Research Society at https://mcrsociety.org/ Bearing all Down Under: the role of Australasian countries in the illegal bear trade (https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/PC21057)  Bear trade in the Cze

Samantha Ceci is helping create biodiversity in a monocultured woodlot by switching to Hugelkultur! Sam, a Master of Resource and Environmental Management Candidate at Dalhousie University, utilized the German horticulture method to increase biodiversity – and therefore create habitat for wildlife and pollinators, reduce carbon footprints at the school and generally be a really awesome educational opportunity. Sam joined The Switch to share how she developed the project and how people around the world can utilize this traditional method. The project was made possible in part due to a grant from the WWF Go Wild School Grant. Links Follow Sam Ceci with Conservation With Sam https://www.instagram.com/conservationwithsam/ Check out the CTV News Atlantic Clip with Sam and her Hugelkultur project: https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2265227 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 Instagr

Portrayal of interactions between humans and coyotes, content analysis of Canadian Print Media 1998-2010 isn’t the most enthralling of titles. But the study below it had a significant impact on my career and how I perceive and engage with media. The paper, which appeared in Cities and The Environment ten years ago, looked into how coyote interactions with people are discussed in the media; the findings floored me in when I first read the paper, and they remain a part of media sensationalism seminars I’ve given over the last decade. Rather than try to explain what this paper was about, I’ll skip ahead to the interview with coauthor of the study Dr. Shelley Alexander of the University of Calgary. But first, I wanted to let you know that Defender Radio and The Switch are going to have an awesome giveaway starting next week! To make sure you get the details, follow me on Instagram @howiemichael and sign up to receive email updates at DefenderRadio.com or TheFurBearers.com. Links are in this week’s show notes – th

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