Defender Radio and The Switch – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Defender Radio and The Switch

Michael Howie / The Fur-Bearers

Science

Frequency: 1 episode/11d. Total Eps: 407

Defender Radio and The Switch bring experts and solutions to wildlife advocates and animal lovers around the world. Hosted by award-winning journalist Michael Howie, Defender Radio and The Switch are produced by The Fur-Bearers (TheFurBearers.com) and released weekly. Learn more at DefenderRadio.com

Read moreCollapse

Site

RSS

Apple

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - nature
19/08/2026
#82
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
18/08/2026
#63
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
17/08/2026
#51
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
16/08/2026
#35
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
15/08/2026
#76
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
14/08/2026
#62
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
13/08/2026
#46
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
12/08/2026
#27
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
09/07/2026
#75
🇨🇦 Canada - nature
05/06/2026
#81

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

See all

http://www.thefurbearers.com/
62 shares
http://www.Patreon.com/DefenderRadio
61 shares
http://www.TheFurBearers.com/Updates
24 shares

https://www.instagram.com/howiemichael
114 shares
https://www.instagram.com/furbearers
96 shares
https://www.instagram.com/exposdwc
7 shares

http://www.facebook.com/DefenderRadio
63 shares
http://www.facebook.com/FurFree
62 shares
https://www.facebook.com/DefenderRadio/
24 shares

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all

RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 48%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

The Ursa Project with Katie Graves

Season 10 · Episode 26

Monday, August 12, 2024 • Duration 37:19

Hundreds of black bears are killed in British Columbia every year; often, the issue leading to government agents killing bears is attractants such as unsecure garbage that bears may want to explore or eat. While there is much to be said and debated about this situation, one thing is clear: communities need solutions. And that's where the Ursa Project comes in.

Founded in Nelson, BC, in 2022, the Ursa Project was created by concerned citizens who wanted to see the bears of their community protected, not killed simply for looking for food. To date, the non-profit has made inroads in getting new waste management tools, increasing education, and providing an important voice to represent the needs of bears in local decision-making. To share more about the origins, work, and goals of the Ursa Project, Defender Radio is joined by founding member Katie Graves.

SHOW NOTES

Ursa Project's website: https://www.theursaproject.ca/
Ursa Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789619325665220/
Ursa Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ursaprojectnelson/

FREE coexistence door hangers: https://thefurbearers.com/resources
The Fur-Bearers' Attractants page: https://thefurbearers.com/attractants
The Fur-Bearers' BC Black Bears page: https://www.thefurbearers.com/bcblackbears

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 social media via Instagram (www.instagram.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 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).

Read moreCollapse

Signs of Life with Sarah Cox

Season 10 · Episode 25

Monday, July 22, 2024 • Duration 31:08

More than 5,000 wild species are at risk of extinction in Canada right now – it's an overwhelming, staggering number, and it begs the question: what are we doing about it?

Environmental journalist Sarah Cox explores this question with hope and curiosity in her new book, Signs of Life: Field Notes from the Frontlines of Extinction. Featuring interviews and experiences with advocates, researchers, Indigenous peoples, and even the Canadian military, Sarah explores several species at risk of extinction in Signs of Life, and what's being done by different people to make an impact.

Signs of Life is a must read for wildlife and environmental advocates in Canada, or anyone interested in how we can make an impact on climate change. Sarah joins Defender Radio to share more about what motivated her to write Signs of Life, how she manages the difficult narratives she shares, and how people of all walks of life can make a difference for the future.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode art photo by Frank Fichtmüller / Getty Images

Sarah Cox's website: https://www.SarahCox.ca

Signs of Life from Goose Lane Publishing: https://gooselane.com/collections/nature/products/signs-of-life

A Forever Home for Hooves with Michelle Singleton

Season 10 · Episode 17

Monday, April 29, 2024 • Duration 39:34

The search for home is something most people can relate to, at some point in their lives. Regardless of circumstance, that need for the place that is yours, surrounded by the people you love, and the sense of wellness that comes with it, is a universal desire. And it's not just for humans.

Animals bred and kept as livestock – or farmed animals – have similar feelings and needs. And one incredible group of people is helping make sure that a forever home exists for those they can help. A Home For Hooves Farm Sanctuary is a haven for animals on Vancouver Island, where pigs, goats, horses, chickens, and other domestic animals can live out their days with love, peace, and serenity.

The first Canadian farm sanctuary to be accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, A Home For Hooves was founded in 2017 and cares for over 170 animals. To share the story of how the sanctuary was born, how the location is managed to protect wildlife and the sanctuary animals, and how a big pig named Cyrus led to an even bigger move, Defender Radio is joined by A Home For Hooves founder and director Michelle Singleton.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode photo shows Sanctuary residents Penny and Buddy. Photo provided by A Home For Hooves.

A Home For Hooves website: https://www.homeforhooves.org/

Meet the Animals: https://www.homeforhooves.org/meet-the-animals.html

Sponsor an Animal: https://www.homeforhooves.org/sponsor-an-animal.html

A Home For Hooves on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahomeforhoovesfarmsanctuary/

The Case Against The Ontario Spring Bear Hunt

Season 7 · Episode 10

Thursday, January 23, 2020 • Duration 37:36

Well, there's no nice way to put it: the Ontario government wants to make permanent the spring season for killing black bears.

There's a whole lot of reasons the Ontario spring bear hunt shouldn't exist at all, let alone be made a permanent fixture. To explore the myriad of reasons it's a bad idea and more completely outline the harm this hunt can and does cause, I was joined by bear expert Mike McIntosh of Bear With Us Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre here in Ontario.

TAKE ACTION: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/action-alert-spring-bear-hunt-ontario-could-become-permanent

Fact Check TVO article: https://www.tvo.org/article/are-ontarios-hunting-rules-about-managing-wildlife-or-making-money

Bear With Us Sanctuary & Rehab Centre: https://bearwithus.org/

Defender Radio Patreon: www.Patreon.com/DefenderRadio

Defender Radio Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio

Defender Radio Instagram: www.Instagram.com/HowieMichael

Defender Radio Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DefenderRadio

Read moreCollapse

Bill 156 Is Bad For Animals

Season 7 · Episode 9

Friday, January 10, 2020 • Duration 23:03

Bill 156 is dangerous for animals.

This legislation, introduced in late 2019, targets those who find their ways onto animal agricultural facilities and document disregard for animal welfare or individuals who are working on farms and become whistleblowers in the face of blatant animal cruelty. It even targets those who protest or bear witness for animals on their way to slaughter. It is billed as a way to protect the security of farmers and food production, but if that was the intent it would focus on the farms – not those who find problems with them.

Animal agriculture isn't an area I spend a lot of time researching outside of its relationship to wildlife conflict; some of the dear people in my life are passionate about this subject, however, and I witnessed their distress in the face of this legislation. That's why I wanted to talk to Camille Labchuk, Executive Director at Animal Justice. We get into what this legislation will actually mean and how animal lovers and activists can take action against it. We also discuss the PAWS act – Ontario's new animal welfare legislation that replaces the enforcement actions of the Ontario SPCA.

Animal Justice: www.AnimalJustice.ca

Cover art: www.WeAnimalsMedia.org

Defender Radio Patreon: www.Patreon.com/DefenderRadio

Defender Radio Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio

Defender Radio Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DefenderRadio

Defender Radio Instagram: www.Instagram.com/HowieMichael

An Important Announcement

Season 7 · Episode 8

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 • Duration 08:46

There's no interview this week but I do want to share with you a brief version of the 20-year history behind The Fur-Bearers' quest to regain charitable status and what that could mean for the animals and for you!

Here are some relevant links:

Donate Now: http://thefurbearers.com/charity

Intuit Tax Article: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/what-charitable-status-would-mean-you

Defender Radio Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio

Defender Radio Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DefenderRadio

Defender Radio Instagram: www.Instagram.com/HowieMichael

Read moreCollapse

Casavant on communicating complaints

Season 7 · Episode 7

Friday, November 22, 2019 • Duration 38:29

We've all been angry at a situation and let it out on social media. It makes sense: that's a place our friends and community can gather from afar and acknowledge our feelings and join in the process of venting. The trouble these days, however, seems to be when that's all we do when we have legitimate concerns about policies or the actions of others, particularly those in a position of authority.

When it comes to complaining, there's not necessarily a right way, but there certainly are effective ways, especially when we want to see change as a result of our concerns. Whether it's someone trespassing on property, a community member feeding wildlife inappropriately or a complaint about how a public official conducted themselves, it's important to understand that without proper communication, little may change.

That's why I connected with Bryce Casavant, the former Conservation Officer who faced disciplinary action for refusing to kill two innocent bear cubs. With his mixed background of military and law enforcement, as well as his PhD studies at Royal Rhodes and new role with Pacific Wild, Bryce was the ideal candidate for this interview. We discussed government complaints processes, how and when the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act can be utilized, and the reality that many people in our communities may face very real fears or wade through the tides of others' privilege to exercise their rights.

Pacific Wild: www.PacificWild.org

Defender Radio Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio/

Defender Radio Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DefenderRadio

Defender Radio Instagram: www.Instagram.com/HowieMichael

Defender Radio Patreon: www.Patreon.com/DefenderRadio

Ecological Grief And Why Scientists Need To Be Allowed To Cry

Season 7 · Episode 6

Friday, November 1, 2019 • Duration 24:25

Tim Gordon is an Exeter University PhD student working on some fascinating solutions to help fish on coral reefs in Australia using sound. As cool as this research is, that's not what brought Tim's work to my attention: it was a short letter published in the journal Science. Titled, Grieving environmental scientists need support, Gordon co-wrote the letter with colleagues Andrew Radford and Stephen Simpson. It is a call for cultural change in the scientific community. Researchers are witnessing the loss of ecosystems and species, something that can cause anyone to experience grief. But traditionally, scientists are considered impartial and dispassionate observers. This dissonance can be outright harmful, and Gordon and his colleagues believe the scientific community must begin discussing and addressing these problems – or as he puts it, allowing scientists to cry.

Tim joined me all the way from the northeastern coast of Australia to share his views on the subject, his personal efforts to live with the heavy emotions he feels working on the great barrier reef as its existence hangs in the balance and, because I was curious, how he's helping Nemo find his way home.

Read 'Grieving environmental scientists need support': https://science.sciencemag.org/content/366/6462/193.1

Tim Gordon's Exeter University page: http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/index.php?web_id=Tim_Gordon

"Helping Nemo Find Home" three-minute thesis video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eixMvMdF_cg

Crisis Services Canada: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/

Suicide Prevention (USA): https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Defender Radio Patreon:

Keeping Black Bears Safe In Autumn

Season 7 · Episode 5

Friday, October 25, 2019 • Duration 31:17

Bears are hungry. Like super duper hungry. This time of year they're getting ready for hibernation and are spending most of their time getting all the calories they can – and that means it's extra important to manage attractants and do what we can to keep them from hanging out in our neighbourhoods. Even if we individually like having the bears in our yards, other neighbours may not – and having them grow comfortable around people can and will lead to other conflict. And despite available solutions, in BC it often means they are killed by conservation officers.

The North Shore Black Bear Society is working tirelessly within their community and others in BC to get municipal by-laws in place and push for greater education and enforcement from governments. Their own work on education is also impressive, including traditional and social media, classroom visits and more. To help us understand what bears are up to, the importance of changing our behaviours to protect them, and what attractants we may not be thinking about this time of year, Luci Cadman of the North Shore Black Bear Society joined Defender Radio.

Learn more about North Shore Black Bear Society: https://northshorebears.com

Defender Radio Patreon: www.patreon.com/DefenderRadio

Defender Radio Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio

Defender Radio Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DefenderRadio

Defender Radio Instagram: www.Instagram.com/HowieMichael

Read moreCollapse

The Wilderness, Wildlife and Human Interaction Symposium

Season 7 · Episode 4

Friday, October 18, 2019 • Duration 19:35

We need change in how we view wildlife and the management of species and their homes. Outdated science and traditions need to be updated with current data and effective traditional ecological knowledge. But how do we start?

With a paradigm shift – and that's what the Cochrane Research Institute and Cochrane Ecological Institute are hoping to create with their Wilderness Wildlife and Human Interaction Symposium. Taking place Saturday, November 2 at the Cochrane RancheHouse, this one day event features speakers including Dr. Gilbert Proulx, Bryce Casavant, Joe Englehart, Lesley Fox (my boss) and others. There will also be a documentary viewing, an artisan market, silent auction, book signings and more. It's going to be a great day – and to help share more about why the symposium is needed, what visitors can expect to take away and what inspiring change really means Defender Radio was joined by Cochrane Ecological Institute spokesperson Lisa Dahlseide.

GET TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wilderness-wildlife-and-human-interaction-elements-of-ethical-co-existence-tickets-68316341015

Support Defender Radio with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/defenderradio

Read moreCollapse

Defender Radio and The Switch – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Defender Radio and The Switch – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

Instagram33

Facebook32

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

Instagram33

Facebook32