Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Heart Of The Wild

It’s time to give pigeons the respect they deserve.

In this episode, we’re joined by wildlife communicator, author and campaigner Lucy Lapwing to challenge the misconceptions surrounding one of the most familiar, and most misunderstood, birds.

Pigeons are far more than the “rats of the sky.” They’ve played an important role in human history, from being domesticated and selectively bred to carrying messages and helping us in times of war. They’re also remarkably intelligent, possess incredible navigational abilities, and have evolved an extraordinary relationship with us.

So why do we think of them so differently from other birds?

We explore the fascinating history of our relationship with pigeons, the science behind their intelligence and navigation, and how they’ve adapted to thrive alongside us in our increasingly urban world.

It’s a conversation about changing our perspective, appreciating the wildlife on our doorstep, and making the case for... justice for pigeons!

What if spending time with animals and getting back into nature could be one of the simplest ways to support our mental health?

Recorded live this summer from Global BirdFair 2026, we’re joined by social media nature influencers and conservationists Emily in Nature and Chris Eley to explore the powerful connection between animals, nature and our wellbeing.

We talk about why stepping away from our phones and into the natural world can help us feel more grounded, present and connected; from the calming effect of birdsong and other sensory experiences, to the simple joy of watching an animal go about its everyday life.

Because sometimes, reconnecting with the natural world is also a way of reconnecting with ourselves.

This is a conversation about animals, nature, mental health and the surprisingly simple ways the wild can make us feel better. So if you're looking to sit back, unwind, and enjoy a chat that will make you feel good, this is the episode for you.

Can a great story change the future of our planet? In this FUN, inspiring episode, we explore the extraordinary power of storytelling to reshape the way we think about wildlife, conservation, and our responsibility to protect the natural world. Joining us is Will Attenborough, founder of Green Rider, to discuss how the entertainment industry is embracing more sustainable practices and why the stories we tell on screen have the power to influence millions, inspiring action for wildlife and the planet.

Will also reflects on his own family's remarkable conservation legacy and how generations of powerful environmental storytelling has helped shape public understanding.

From behind the scenes in Hollywood to the front lines of stories that have changed the way species have evolved, this conversation is a hopeful reminder that stories don't just entertain; they can transform perspectives, spark movements, and help create a better future.

For more information on the incredible work that Will is doing with Green Rider, please visit their website at https://www.green-rider.org/ and visit them on social media @greenriderorg

What does it take to earn the trust of a wild gorilla?

Ian Redmond OBE has spent more than 50 years finding out. One of the world’s leading great ape conservationists, Ian began his career working with legendary primatologist Dian Fossey and went on to become a pioneering force in gorilla conservation and responsible wildlife tourism.

In this episode, Ian takes us deep into the world of mountain gorillas, sharing extraordinary encounters from a lifetime in the field; from working alongside Fossey and David Attenborough to guiding celebrities and rock stars through the African rainforest.

He reveals how gorilla trekking began, what it’s really like to come face-to-face with a wild silverback, and why these intensely intelligent, social animals have shaped the course of his life. We also explore our complicated cultural fascination with gorillas, including the surprising story of King Kong, and how our understanding of great apes has transformed over the past half-century.

Part adventure story, part conservation masterclass, this is a rare glimpse into the lives of gorillas from a man who has spent a lifetime getting to know, and fighting to protect, them.

Losing a beloved pet is one of life's deepest heartbreaks—but grief is also a reflection of extraordinary love. In this heartfelt episode, we're joined by renowned pet loss grief counsellor Beth Bigler, founder of Honouring Our Animals, to explore why saying goodbye to an animal companion can feel so overwhelming, and how we can move through that grief with compassion, grace, and hope. Together, we discuss the importance of honouring the unique bond we share with our animals, navigating feelings of guilt, anticipatory grief, and loss, and finding meaningful ways to keep their love woven into our lives. Whether you're grieving a recent loss, preparing for an inevitable goodbye, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers comfort, validation, and the gentle reminder that while grief changes us, the love we share with our animals never leaves us.

You'll come away feeling seen, supported, and inspired to honour your beloved companion—not only in their memory, but in the way you continue to live, love, and heal.

For more information about Beth's work and her book, visit: https://honoringouranimals.com/about/

Some stories don't end when the credits roll—they're only just beginning. Discover how one iconic film inspired a family to turn storytelling into a lifelong mission for wildlife. From the silver screen to the front lines of conservation, this is the remarkable origin story of the Born Free Foundation. Joining us is co-founder Will Travers, whose parents' work on the groundbreaking film Born Free sparked a legacy that has shaped global wildlife conservation for decades. Alongside the Foundation's inspiring journey, Will shares remarkable, true stories of animals whose lives have been transformed through Born Free's work—powerful reminders of what's possible when compassion turns into action.

For more information about the Born Free Foundation and how you can get involved, please visit: https://www.bornfree.org.uk/

Trees are more than just part of the landscape — they’re living infrastructure, climate regulators, and biodiversity powerhouses.

In this episode, we speak with Abby Seneor, founder of vegetation intelligence platform Treelyon, and explore how new mapping technologies are transforming the way we understand trees.

By tracking their lifecycles, health, and growth patterns, we are gaining powerful insights into how trees cool our neighbourhoods, clean our air, and support wildlife.

From dense urban streets to vast forests, mapping trees tree-by-tree is revealing the critical role they play in sustaining ecosystems — and why understanding them better may be key to protecting the natural world around us.

For more on Treelyon and their important work, check out their website! https://treelyon.com/

For more about the app that identifies bird sounds, visit: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org

In this uplifting and heartfelt episode, Dianna sits down with Beth Lee-Crowther, widely known as The Pet Psychic , whose remarkable ability to communicate with animals has captivated audiences across the UK, including on her TV shows on Channel 4 and ITV.

Beth shares how she first discovered her gift at a young age, recalling the moment she realised her connection with animals went far beyond the ordinary. With warmth and humour, she opens up about some of her most fascinating and unexpected animal communication experiences—revealing just how intuitive, perceptive, and emotionally aware our pets truly are.

The episode takes a personal turn when Beth gives Dianna a live reading with her dog Eloise, uncovering touching insights, surprising secrets, and deeply affirming truths about the bond we share with our animals. It’s a joyful, eye-opening conversation that celebrates connection, trust, and the quiet ways our pets reach us every day—whether we realise it or not.

Expect to laugh, feel inspired, and maybe even look at your own pet a little differently by the end. 🐾

For more information about Beth and her best-selling book, please visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everything-Need-Know-Become-Psychic/dp/1801290776

What does it take to save lives in the middle of a war zone?

In this moving episode, we explore the reality of rescuing and caring for dogs living amongst the devastation of war in Ukraine. Nikki Tibbles, the visionary founder of the Wild at Heart Foundation helping the world's stray dogs, shares her firsthand experiences on the ground, the unforgettable stories that have stayed with her, and the extraordinary resilience of both the animals and the people fighting to save them.

This is a conversation about hope in the darkest of places, the power of compassion, and why every act of kindness matters. Whether you're an animal lover or simply looking for a story that restores your faith in humanity, sit down and have a cuppa with us as this episode is one you won't forget.

For more information about the Wild at Heart Foundation and Nikki's mission to Ukraine, visit https://wildatheartfoundation.org/

Have you ever stood in the pet food aisle, overwhelmed by choice and information? With so many opinions about kibble, raw, fresh, grain-free, and homemade diets, how do you know what’s actually best for your dog?

In this episode, we sit down with a pet nutritionist Anna Webb to decode the chaos around dog diets. We explore why feeding advice feels so overwhelming, the biggest mistake well-intentioned dog owners make, and the essential nutrients every dog needs to thrive—no matter the diet.

We also tackle common questions: Do dogs really need variety? How should you evaluate commercial dog foods? And when it comes to grain-free, raw, fresh, or homemade diets—what’s helpful and what’s just hype?

Tune in for practical insights to help you feel more confident about what goes in your dog’s bowl and how nutrition supports a long, healthy life for your four-legged family member.

Modern zoos look very different from the menageries many people imagine. In this episode, we explore how zoos have evolved into centres of conservation, animal welfare, and behavioural science.

We’re joined by Jim Mackie, animal training and behavioural officer at London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoos, to unpack some of the biggest concerns animal lovers have about zoos today. From behavioural enrichment and positive training to ethical care and stress reduction, Jim explains the science and daily work that goes into improving the lives of animals in modern zoos.

We also look at the conservation role zoos play beyond their gates, highlighting real examples from Jim’s work with African wild dogs, elephants, lemurs and even salamanders; species that have benefited from breeding programmes, behavioural research, and conservation partnerships.

For anyone who has ever been skeptical about animals living in zoos, this episode offers an inside look at how zoos fit into the wider conservation landscape—and why their role may be more important than many people realise.

For more information on the work that Jim is doing, please visit:

https://www.zsl.org/

https://biaza.org.uk/

He's back! Renowned wildlife photographer Chad Cocking returns to the podcast after his fantastic first appearance on Heart of the Wild — and this time, we’re going even deeper into the stories behind the lens.

In this episode, Chad shares more of his all-time favourite wildlife encounters, from heart-pounding close calls to awe-inspiring moments.

Has he ever truly felt in danger out there? (Spoiler: the wild doesn’t always play nice.) Chad reveals how he reads animal behaviour, anticipates movement, and captures those once-in-a-lifetime shots that leave us speechless.

He also takes us behind the scenes of some of the most captivating images from his latest book, Contrasts, transporting us back to the exact moments those breathtaking photographs were captured.

If you loved his first episode, buckle up — this is the next chapter of adventure you won’t want to miss.

In this fascinating and highly informative episode, we sit down with legendary British zoologist Tim Clutton-Brock, the pioneering scientist behind the Kalahari Meerkat Project and the research that inspired the iconic TV series Meerkat Manor. For decades, his work in the Kalahari Desert has revealed the extraordinary social lives of one of the animal kingdom’s most charismatic creatures: meerkats.

We dive into the science behind the show and explore how a long-term field study of these small desert mammals became a global wildlife phenomenon. We discuss how he first became captivated by meerkats and the surprising behaviours that make them such complex social beings.

Along the way, we go behind the scenes of filming Meerkat Manor, uncovering what it was like to see real scientific research transformed into must-watch television. Packed with incredible insights, fascinating animal behaviour, and stories from decades in the field, this episode celebrates the power of long-term research and why the work of the Kalahari Meerkat Project continues to be so important for understanding cooperation, survival, and life in the wild.

For more information about the Kalahari Meerkat Project, please visit their website: https://kalahariresearchcentre.org/

Get ready for an inspiring and adventure-filled episode as we sit down with one of wildlife television’s most recognisable conservation voices, Giles Clark. Known for his work on the BBC series Tigers About the House, Big Cats About the House, and Bears About the House, Giles sits down to take us behind the scenes of a career dedicated to protecting some of the world’s most extraordinary animals.

From unforgettable encounters to the day-to-day realities of working with big cats and other endangered species, we explore what it really means to devote your life to conservation. Along the way, we dive into the moral and ethical questions that come with protecting wildlife—when to intervene, when to step back, and how conservationists navigate the complex world of rescue, rehabilitation, and public awareness.

Packed with incredible stories, honest reflections, and a contagious passion for the natural world, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments of a dream job spent fighting for the future of the planet’s most beautiful and vulnerable creatures.

For more about the conservation work that Giles is doing and the organisations that he is supporting, please visit: https://www.gilesclarkwild.com/what-can-you-do

What if we could truly understand the voices of the wild? From the complex songs of whales to the signature whistles of dolphins and the zoomies of our beloved pets, animals have rich communication systems we’re only beginning to decode. Now, advances in artificial intelligence may be bringing us closer than ever to crossing the species divide.

We’ll examine what it could mean to “talk” to animals in the future — not just interpreting their signals, but potentially responding in ways they understand. Could AI-generated sounds help reduce human-wildlife conflict? Support conservation by revealing stress, migration changes, or environmental threats in real time?

And with this new power comes profound ethical questions. If we can understand animals more deeply, how should that reshape our responsibilities toward them? Who decides how this technology is used? Could deeper communication fundamentally change how we see our place in the natural world?

Join us as we explore the science, the promise, and the moral complexity of a future where humans don’t just observe wildlife — we listen.

Step inside the world of big cat sanctuaries and discover what it really takes to care for some of the planet’s most powerful predators. In this episode, we journey into the African bush at the Simbonga Game Reserve and Warriors of Wildlife Sanctuary to explore the vital role sanctuaries play in rescuing and protecting lions, tigers, and other big cats that can no longer survive in the wild.

What does daily life look like when your neighbours are apex predators? From sunrise feeding routines to the quiet moments that reveal the personalities of these magnificent animals, we uncover the reality of living and working alongside big cats and the remarkable bonds that can form between humans and the animals they protect.

But not every sanctuary is what it claims to be. We also take a closer look at the critical differences between legitimate rescue organisations and those that operate under the guise of conservation. Learn the questions to ask and why ethical sanctuaries are essential for the future of these iconic species.

Join us for an eye-opening look behind the scenes of big cat rescue—where compassion, conservation, and responsibility collide in the heart of the wild.

For more details and ways to support the work that the Simbonga Reserve is doing, please visit: https://simbonga.co.za/wow-sanctuary

Have you ever wished your dog came with subtitles? Good news: they kind of do — you just have to know how to read them.

In this episode, expert dog behaviourist Louise Otter joins us to decode the everyday signals our dogs are sending us — from tail wags and side-eyes to zoomies, yawns, and that very specific “I need something” stare. Turns out, barking is just a small part of the conversation. Our dogs are constantly communicating through posture, movement, energy, and subtle behavioural cues.

Louise breaks down what those signals really mean, how we often misinterpret them, and how learning to “speak dog” can transform your relationship — reducing stress, improving training, and building deeper trust. Whether you’re dealing with leash drama, sofa standoffs, or the mystery of the midnight bark, this episode will help you tune in to what your dog has been saying all along.

Because when we listen better, they wag more.

For more information about Louise's dog behaviour programs, please visit: https://www.trainingandbehaviour.co.uk/about

The wait is over! Season two launches in ONE WEEK.

With new voices, bigger stories, and heartfelt moments. Set your reminders and get ready to listen. You won't want to miss it!

Our last episode of the season may also well be one of the most exciting as we venture into the heart of the South African bush with a special guest - renowned wildlife photographer and field guide Chad Cocking. With two published books and countless breathtaking images to his name, Chad has spent years capturing the untamed beauty of Africa’s wildlife.

He shares what it takes to get the perfect shot—and the stories behind the ones that got away. From life-changing encounters with iconic animals to the patience, passion, and respect that guide his craft, Chad gives us an insider’s look at the art and challenge of wildlife photography. Discover how he turned his love for nature into a lifelong pursuit of storytelling through the lens.

They may share the name “dog,” but wild dogs — also known as painted wolfs — are a world apart from the pets we know at home. In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of these endangered predators: how they differ scientifically and socially from domestic dogs, what makes their social bonds so extraordinary, and how their hunting tactics showcase some of the most sophisticated teamwork in the animal kingdom. From sightings across the African savannah to the urgent conservation efforts fighting to save them, we uncover the story of a species on the edge and why protecting them matters more than ever.

In this episode of Heart of the Wild, Tristan and Dianna dive into the growing influence of social media on wildlife and the safari industry.

Social platforms give individuals and organizations the power to reach massive audiences, creating opportunities to inspire conservation, share stories, and connect people with nature like never before. But there’s also a flip side — the pressures of online image, the risk of misinformation, and how digital trends can affect both travelers and wildlife experiences.

Together, we unpack the good, the bad, and the complex role social media now plays in shaping the way we see safaris, wildlife, and conservation.

In this episode of Heart of the Wild, Tristan and Dianna sit down with Whitney Haldeman, founder of Blonde Atlas Travel, to explore how travel can be a force for good. From choosing destinations that genuinely support conservation and local communities, to understanding the impact of responsible tourism, Whitney shares insights from her global experience in the travel industry.

We also discuss the rise of all-female travel, why ethical choices matter, and how journeys into the wild can be both empowering and transformative. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your travels more meaningful and leave a positive legacy, this conversation is for you.

Also, tune in as Whitney speaks about her experience volunteering at The Elephant Sancutary: www.elephants.com

In this episode of Heart of the Wild, Tristan and Dianna explore the remarkable world of babies and maternal/paternal care in the wild. From the very first moments of life, every species has evolved, unique ways to nurture and protect their young.

We dive into the diversity of maternal and paternal care across the animal kingdom, uncovering the surprising strategies parents use to give their offspring the best chance of survival.

Whether it’s fierce protection, tender bonding, or unexpected role reversals, this episode reveals just how extraordinary animal families can be.

In this inaugural episode of Heart of the Wild, Tristan and Dianna dive into the unique partnership between safari guides and trackers in the bushveld (an ecoregion in South Africa). Discover how teamwork, trust, and bush skills come together to find Africa’s most iconic wildlife and create experiences that will last a life time.

Heart of the Wild is a podcast dedicated to wildlife, nature, and conservation. Hosted by Tristan and Dianna, it shares stories from the field, explores the wonders of the natural world, and along the way introduces listeners to some truly interesting people.

Catch the trailer and get excited! We can't wait to share this with all of you.