Explore every episode of the podcast Defender Radio and The Switch

When Berta, a five-year-old livestock guardian dog, was killed in a snare near her family's home outside Williams Lake, BC, her family was devastated.

Victoria Savile, Berta's owner, is a hunter and longtime resident who never knew active snares could be set so close to her home. Now, she's calling for better public warnings and stronger trapping regulations.

On this episode of Defender Radio, Victoria shares Berta's story, the impact on her family, and why she hopes speaking out will prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.

SHOWNOTES

The Fur-Bearers article: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/dog-killed-in-bc-trap-as-safety-regulations-considered/

Pets in Traps: https://thefurbearers.com/our-work/commercial-trapping/trapping-incidents/

How to Release Your Pet From A Trap Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n45s9ynd3E

Moon's Law: https://thefurbearers.com/moonslaw/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

British Columbia is the birthplace of the Bear Smart program – an approach that's now influencing communities internationally. But across the province, encounters between black bears, grizzlies and people can still lead to bears being killed. We know many of these encounters are preventable. Decades of research have helped us understand why conflicts occur and what communities can do to reduce them. So why isn't this knowledge being put into practice?

Earlier this year, freedom of information requests by The Fur-Bearers revealed a provincial Bear Smart program in disarray. In September, delegates at the Union of BC Municipalities convention called for provincial funding and staffing to be restored. With a provincial election approaching, what happens next remains uncertain, while the consequences for bears continue.

Dr. Lana Ciarniello, a bear researcher whose 30-year career includes helping establish BC's Bear Smart program, joins Defender Radio to discuss the challenges bears face in British Columbia, the policy changes that could give communities and bears a better chance at coexistence, and what her recent research reveals about rehabilitating and releasing orphaned grizzly bears.

SHOW NOTES

Photo by Jillian Cooper / Getty

Dr. Lana Ciarniello at Global Bear Conservation: https://globalbearconservation.org/About/leadership_page/40

Dr. Lana Ciarniello ResearchGate profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lana-Ciarniello

Study: Evidence for a metabolic trap and habituation limiting post-release survival of orphaned grizzly bears: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/411161478_Evidence_for_a_metabolic_trap_and_habituation_limiting_post-release_survival_of_orphaned_grizzly_bears

Plain language article on study: https://www.frontiersin.org/news/2026/08/03/orphaned-grizzly-cubs-released-wild-rarely-make-it-improve-chances

The Fur-Bearers article on Bear Smart: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/status-of-bear-smart-surprises-bc/

The Fur-Bearers article on UBCM response: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/clear-message-from-ubcm-reactivate-bear-smart/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Fishers – Pekania pennanti – are secretive, forest-dwelling members of the weasel family found across parts of British Columbia. But the Columbian population in BC's central interior is small, isolated, and facing serious pressure from habitat loss, wildfire and trapping.

Rich Weir is a senior wildlife biologist with Artemis Wildlife Consultants who has spent much of his career studying fishers and other carnivores in British Columbia. His research has helped us better understand where fishers live, how their populations are connected, and what they need to survive. 

Rich Joined Defender Radio to talk about what makes fishers unique, what new genetic research is telling us about the Columbian population, and what needs to happen to help these animals recover.

SHOW NOTES

Episode art of Fisher in Olympic National Park (reintroduced from BC in 2008-10), by Jess Hoffman, National Park Service

Learn more about Rich Weir, his publications and Artemis Wildlife Consultants: https://artemiswildlife.com/

Learn more about the BC Fisher Habitat Working Group: https://bcfisherhabitat.ca/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Hamilton's urban tree canopy currently sits at about 18 per cent, and the City has set a goal of increasing that to 40 per cent by 2050.

That matters for people — but it also matters for wildlife. Trees provide food, shelter and movement corridors for many of the fur-bearing animals who share our urban neighbourhoods, from squirrels and raccoons to skunks and other species.

A new pilot project from the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Naturalists' Club is helping grow that habitat by bringing free, professionally planted native trees into backyards in lower-canopy neighbourhoods.

To learn more about the program, I spoke with Jen Baker, General Manager at the Hamilton Naturalists' Club, and Louise Thomassin, Senior Project Manager, Forestry and Horticulture with the City of Hamilton.

SHOW NOTES

Hamilton Naturalist's Club: https://hamiltonnature.org/
City of Hamilton' Urban Forest Strategy: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/environmental-plans-strategies/urban-forest-strategy
HNC Backyard Tree Planting Pilot: https://hamiltonnature.org/backyard-tree-planting/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

For more than 60 years, researchers have been studying generations of yellow-bellied marmots in Colorado, creating one of the longest-running studies of wild mammals in the world. Dr. Julien Martin is a professor of biology at the University of Ottawa and one of the researchers now leading that project, studying how marmots respond and adapt to changes in their environment.

But keeping a decades-long research project going takes more than good science. When traditional research funding became uncertain, Julien and his colleagues tried something a little different: they launched OnlyMarms, an OnlyFans account dedicated entirely to marmots.

What followed was a surprisingly successful experiment in science communication, fundraising and the internet's apparently limitless appetite for charismatic rodents.

In this episode of Defender Radio, we talk with Dr. Julien Martin about the value of long-term wildlife research, what marmots can teach us, and what happens when scientists have to get creative to keep their work going.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode Art of Kite the Yellow-Bellied Marmot by Laura Green / Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory

Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Marmots Page: https://sites.lifesci.ucla.edu/eeb-rmbl-marmots/

RMBL Marmots on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rmblmarmotproject/

OnlyMarms main page: https://onlymarmssolana.org/

Dr. Julien Martin's OnlyMarms GitHub: https://juliengamartin.github.io/onlymarms/

UCLA Coverage of OnlyMarms: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/onlymarms-rodents-are-baring-a-bit-of-fur-for-science

Winner of Fat Marmot Week Coverage: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/fat-marmot-week-9.7327200

Dr. Julien Martin's University of Ottawa page: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-science/professors/julien-martin

The Fur-Bearers' Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager Tijana S and Science Communicator and Researcher Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin join the Defender Radio podcast to talk Jimothy, wild animal welfare science, how our use of space impacts wildlife, and a new study on coexistence stats worldwide. Plus a bit of fun and laughter as host Michael Howie is taught more about science, as always.

SHOW NOTES:

Screengrab of Jimothy by Instagram user c1vrgr1 with permission.

Etymology: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/language-and-linguistics/etymology
Entomology: https://entsoc.org/about/what-is-entomology
Ethology: https://www.britannica.com/science/ethology

More about Jimothy: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/jimothy-captured-our-hearts-now-we-need-to-give-him-space/

More about grizzly bears and how our space impacts them: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/sharing-space-with-bears-how-our-behaviour-shapes-encounters/

Sci Comm article, Whose Welfare Counts? The Science of Wild Animal Welfare: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/whose-welfare-counts-the-science-of-wild-animal-welfare/

Sci Comm article, Human–Wildlife Conflict: Insights from 220 Studies in 47 Countries: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/human-wildlife-conflict-insights-from-220-studies-in-47-countries/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Over 21,000 people were evacuated from Summerland, British Columbia, when the Bald Range fire rapidly grew to over 156 square kilometres. Among the thousands of homes that were impacted or destroyed by the wildfire is Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society.

The volunteer-run organization, led by founder Eva Hartmann, focuses on water birds, bats, reptiles, and small mammals like beavers, otters, and muskrats. When the call to evacuate came in Eva and her partner chose to enact the Interior Wildlife evacuation plan – and saved all the animals in their care. Tragically, the Interior Wildlife facilities were destroyed by the wildfire. Now, the Interior Wildlife team is launching a fundraiser to rebuild when the time is right, and get back to helping wildlife who need it most.

To share more about Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, the impact of the wildfires, how the team is managing, and what's next,  Defender Radio is joined by volunteer Ryan Elisabeth Cope.

SHOW NOTES

Cover image by E. Hartmann/IWRS

Donate to IWRS Rebuilding Effort: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/interior-wildlife-rehabilitation-society/

Learn more about IWRS: https://interiorwildlife.ca/

Find IWRS on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/p/Interior-Wildlife-Rehabilitation-Society-100064551319807/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/interiorwildlife/?hl=en)

BC 2-1-1 Wildfire Resources: https://bc.211.ca/wildfires/

BC SPCA Wildfire Animal Support: https://spca.bc.ca/bc-wildfire-animal-support/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

When we talk about wildlife, we often talk about it as though it belongs somewhere else.

A forest. A park. A protected area. Somewhere north of us, away from the roads, neighbourhoods, shopping centres, and backyards where we spend most of our lives. But nature is not somewhere else. It's everywhere.

Coyotes on city streets, raccoons in backyards, skunks under sheds, birds crossing parking lots, insects searching for flowers — all are living in landscapes we have shaped, divided, paved, and rearranged. So what does that mean for them? And what does it mean for us?

Dr. Lenore Fahrig, a highly-cited landscape ecologist at Carleton University joins Defender Radio to discuss what habitat loss and fragmentation mean for wildlife, how fur-bearing animals move through cities, and what we can do as individuals and in our communities to create more essential connectivity.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode art by Ken Duffney / Getty

Dr. Lenore Fahrig's Lab page: https://carleton.ca/fahriglab/

Dr. Lenore Fahrig's Bio page: https://carleton.ca/biology/people/lenore-fahrig/

Study – Nature-based solutions for urban biodiversity: Spatial targeting of retrofits can multiply ecological connectivity benefits: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204624001683

Podcast interview on above study: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/defender-radio/biodiversity-and-urban-connectivity/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Defender Radio host Michael Howie is joined by colleagues Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin and Tijana (Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at The Fur-Bearers) to talk about studies covering drones and British Columbia's endangered species, plus a chat about what kind of space wildlife needs this time of year. 

SHOW NOTES

Episode artwork of an edangered Vancouver Island Marmot by James Telford / iNaturalist / CCBY4.0 (modification included cropping and display text).

Learn more about Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelivesofwilddogs/
Articles on TheFurBearers.com: https://thefurbearers.com/tag/drvallifrasercelin/

Articles and Studies referenced:

When Drones Disturb Nature: What Wildlife Research Is Telling Us: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/when-drones-disturb-nature-what-wildlife-research-is-telling-us/

Species at Risk in British Columbia: What 17 Years of Data Reveal: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/species-at-risk-in-british-columbia-what-17-years-of-data-reveal/

Dear Grizzly Bear 142, Mother of a Train-Struck Cub (by Cleo Shedden): https://thefurbearers.com/blog/dear-grizzly-bear-142-mother-of-a-train-struck-cub/

The Lost Words by Robert McFarlane: https://houseofanansi.com/products/the-lost-words

How to Pronounce Arthropod: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/pronunciation/english/arthropod

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

It feels like yesterday – and a lifetime ago – that the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world. I don't know about you, but I'm still dealing with that experience, and I see the impact of it around me regularly. What's most upsetting, perhaps, is that experts are sending clear messages: it's not if, but when the next pandemic will hit.

A major source for potential virus spillover is fur farms, of which there remain dozens in Canada today, despite a British Columbia mink fur farm ban announced in 2021. Dr. Neil Vora, a former CDC epidemiologist, Executive Director of the Preventing Pandemics at the Source Coalition and Orchestrator in Residence at Integral, and passionate conservationist, is one of many people pushing for change. Dr. Vora joins Defender Radio to discuss the risks of fur farms, how Canada and other nations can embrace One Health policies, and how our relationship with nature is at the core of it all.

SHOW NOTES

Photo of a mink on a Canadian fur farm by We Animals

Dr. Neil Vora's website: https://neilvora.com/

Preventing Pandemics at The Source: https://www.preventingfuturepandemics.org/

Ban fur farming or risk a new pandemic (The Guardian, by Dr. Neil Vora): https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/24/fur-farming-pandemic-risk

Marking the end of fur farming in British Columbia: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/marking-the-end-of-mink-farming-in-british-columbia/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

This time of year is glorious for all of us – and for the wild neighbours with whom we share our communities. From black bears and coyotes to skunks and squirrels, wildlife is out and about, finding new den sites, food sources, and introducing their families to the world around them – even in cities. Sadly, human infrastructure and behaviours can lead to tragic outcomes for many animals; and that's why dedicated wildlife rehabilitators across the country need your help.

Joining us to talk about spring wildlife and their families, the surprising biodiversity of major cities like Toronto, and how you can help your local wildlife rehabilitator is Nathalie Karvonen, Executive Director and Founder of the Toronto Wildlife Centre.

SHOW NOTES

Episode art of a Toronto raccoon by bukharova / Getty Images

Toronto Wildlife Centre website: https://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/

Toronto Wildlife Centre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torontowildlifecentre/

Impacts of Wildlife Feeding Along RBG Trails: https://www.rbg.ca/impacts-of-wildlife-feeding-along-rbg-trails/

Paris has successfully cut noise pollution, but urban birds still can't sing at their natural pitch: https://theconversation.com/paris-has-successfully-cut-noise-pollution-but-urban-birds-still-cant-sing-at-their-natural-pitch-280229

Ontario Gov page on Wildlife Rehab: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-wildlife-rehabilitator

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Defender Radio host Michael Howie is joined by colleagues Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin and Tijana S. (Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at The Fur-Bearers) to talk about The Fur-Bearers' recent time at the Humane Canada Summit for Wildlife, two studies reviewed for our article, and how communication is a key aspect to wildlife coexistence.

SHOW NOTES

Episode artwork by Brittany Crossman / Getty

Learn more about Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelivesofwilddogs/
Articles on TheFurBearers.com: https://thefurbearers.com/tag/drvallifrasercelin/

Articles and Studies referenced:

Humane Canada recap – https://thefurbearers.com/blog/recap-humane-canadas-2026-summit-for-animals/

Study: Helping Landowners Live with Beavers – https://thefurbearers.com/blog/study-helping-landowners-live-with-beavers/

Why Nocturnal Wildlife Gets Less Love – https://thefurbearers.com/blog/why-nocturnal-wildlife-gets-less-love/

Surprising ways skunks help your ecosystem – https://thefurbearers.com/blog/surprising-ways-skunks-help-your-ecosystem/

Raccoons at Noon? Don't Panic. – https://thefurbearers.com/blog/raccoons-at-noon-dont-panic/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

We want to look into the future for Defender Radio and The Switch – and that means hearing from you! We've put together a short (really) survey that will take fewer than 5 minutes and can help us know in which direction to go. It includes episode length/frequency, guest mix, accessibility, and more. Click here to open the survey now.

To show our appreciation, we're also offering a $100 Visa Gift Card that will be randomly drawn and awarded to a survey taker (must be 18+, live in Canada excluding Quebec, and provide name/contact information in the survey to participate). 

Click here to get started or visit DefenderRadio.com/survey. Thank you.

SHOW NOTES:

Artwork by Enrico Staine / Getty Images

Take the survey at https://questionnaire.simplesurvey.com/f/s.aspx?s=dd56341d-a112-4f66-a58e-8fad38458f63&ds=zX2P67oC1l

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Animal law is a topic of growing interest to Canadians, advocates, and legal experts. While there are some great people doing great work related to animal law in Canada, there haven't been any university-associated programs on it – until now.

Angela Fernandez, a long-time University of Toronto law professor, is taking on the project as the director of the University of Toronto Animal Law Program. To share what the vision for the program is, what prospective students may learn, why there's a need for the program, and how it could reshape law in Canada, Professor Fernandez joins Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES:

Cover image by Siva Kumar Nimmadala / Getty Images

Animal Law Program at UofT: https://jackmanlaw.utoronto.ca/animal-law-program

Animal Law Program on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106565344/admin/dashboard/

Animal Law Program on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uoftanimallaw/

Dr. Angela Fernandez's UofT bio page: https://jackmanlaw.utoronto.ca/people/angela-fernandez

Animal Justice Law Conference: https://www.alaconference.ca/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

September is fashion month, with massive week-long events in major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Milan and Paris. And the question on many peoples' minds is: will we be seeing fur, or will more designers choose to go fur-free?

PJ Smith, Director of Fashion Policy for Humane World for Animals thinks the future of the industry is fur-free, and joins Defender Radio to discuss trends, textile innovation, and what gives him optimism.

SHOW NOTES

Humane World for Animals: https://www.humaneworld.org/

Humane World for Animals Woolrich Campaign: https://secure.humaneworld.org/page/176766/action/1

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

The tragic story of a locally beloved cougar being killed near Canmore, Alberta, earlier this year was heartbreaking. John Marriott, an award-winning wildlife photographer and co-founder of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy shared his harrowing experience with Defender Radio – along with his discovery of two cougar kits, orphaned by the incident.

Several months later, the cougar kits were transferred to Parc Safari in Quebec, and the outcry for policy change in Alberta rages on. To share more about these updates and introduce the new Executive Director of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy, John Marriott and Maggie Spizziri join Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES

Cougar kit photo by John E. Marriott / WildernessPrints.com

Exposed Wildlife Conservancy website: https://www.exposedwildlifeconservancy.org/

EWC on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSN6XzS07gO8xNxLWFGJY5Q

EWC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exposdwc/

EWC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exposdwc/

Canmore Cougar Tragedy (original episode): https://thefurbearers.com/blog/defender-radio/the-canmore-cougar-tragedy-featuring-john-e-marriott/

Conservationst article mentioned: https://www.nsnews.com/environment/study-reveals-anglers-conservationists-share-surprising-common-ground-in-orca-chinook-fight-11084359

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

From streetlights to skyscrapers and everything in between, lighting up the night can help keep people safe. But, this often excessive lighting has a consequence: light pollution. Native wildlife across Canada gets impacted by light pollution in many ways–and they're not alone. Humans, too, are impacted in surprising ways by our bright night skies.

Tijana Selak, Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at The Fur-Bearers, joins The Switch to talk about the impacts of light pollution on wildlife, humans, and the simple solutions that can help us make a switch for the better.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode art of Calgary at night by Gelu Popa / Getty Images

Check out Tijana's excellent article on light pollution at TheFurBearers.com: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/bring-back-the-night-how-light-pollution-disrupts-wildlife/

Learn more about window strikes and their impact on birds with FLAP Canada at: https://flap.org/

CBC Article "Urban wildlife team finds alarming rise in bird-window collisions in downtown Calgary": https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/bird-window-collisions-downtown-1.7606425

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Wildfires and drought, floods and ice storms, and a seemingly never-ending news cycle of chaos around us is a lot. I'll be honest – there are days I want to hide from it all myself. But carrying the weight of what's happening to the natural world around us isn't new, and it has a name – climate grief.

This intense grief and anxiety can come from any source and impact anyone. It can be the terrifying scenes of wildfires across Canada, the floods impacting other parts of the world, or even noticing the subtle quiet in greenspaces, once filled with bird calls and buzzing insects.

But there are ways to navigate this grief, to listen to ourselves and the world around us, and re-establish connections for resilience and hope. To share insights into how climate grief can impact us, how it manifests differently for different people, and strategies to manage, climate grief expert and author Dr. Shawna Weaver joins Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES

Episode title card photo of wildfire in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley by shootthebreeze / Getty Images

Dr. Shawna Weaver's book Climate Grief: https://lanternpm.org/shop/climate-grief-from-coping-to-resilience-and-action/

Dr. Shawna Weaver's website: https://www.shawnajweaver.com/

Mental Health Supports:
The Government of Canada's landing page for mental health supports offers a variety of services, organized by province/territory and type. Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html to find support for yourself or loved ones. You can call 9-8-8 in Canada and the United States to be connected to crisis intervention. You're not alone.

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Mink fur farms are a virus's favourite place. There's lots of opportunity to transmit, mutate, and lead to more virulent strains that threaten public health. With the devastating economic impact of H5N1 or avian flu in the news, the reintroduction of the Mink Virus Act to the United States Congress is well timed.

To share what this legislation is about, why it matters, and how people on both sides of the border can support it, Devan Schowe, Campaigns Associate for BornFree USA joins Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES

Photo of a mink on a Canadian fur farm by We Animals.

BornFree USA's Mink VIRUS Act page and action: https://www.bornfreeusa.org/2025/03/19/great-news-mink-virus-act-reintroduced-in-congress/

BornFree USA on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bornfreeusaorg
BornFree USA on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa
BornFree USA on Tiktok: http://www.tiktok.com/@bornfreeusaorg
BornFree USA on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bornfreeusa

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Anyone who follows John E. Marriott or Exposed Wildlife Conservancy on social media knows that a cougar John had tracked for many years was killed near Canmore, Alberta, earlier this year. It led to two orphaned kits, a harrowing experience for John, and a clear mission: to share this story with the public and lead to change for wildlife in Alberta. To give us the story from the very beginning and what he wants to see happen next, John Marriott joins Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES:

Photo of the orphaned cougars provided by John E. Marriott / WildernessPrints.com 

Exposed Wildlife Conservancy: https://www.exposedwildlifeconservancy.org/

John's Photography website: https://wildernessprints.com/

EWC on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSN6XzS07gO8xNxLWFGJY5Q

EWC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exposdwc/

EWC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exposdwc/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Fifty years ago this week, Canada officially made beavers one of our national symbols. In celebrating this anniversary – and the many ecological services and benefits provided by beavers – The Fur-Bearers have a bit of beaver fever.

And who better to talk to about beavers than Ben Goldfarb, the journalist behind Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. This book has made big waves since it landed in 2018, and Ben joins Defender Radio to share how he started out writing Eager, what he loves about beavers, his newer works, and how we can look to beavers for hope in uncertain times.

SHOW NOTES:

Cover photo by jamesvancouver / Getty Images

Ben Goldfarb's website: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/

More about Eager: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/eager

More about Crossings: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/crossings

Ben on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bengoldfarb.bsky.social

Learn more about Canada's 50th anniversary of the beaver as a national symbol from The Fur-Bearers at: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/celebrating-beavers-50th-anniversary-as-canadas-symbol/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Canada's iconic wildlife include moose, beavers, and wolves. But of the many species of vertebrate, which are the most evolutionarily distinct? And why does that matter?

A team of researchers from Simon Fraser University (emma Kominek, Olivia Cornies, Arne Ø. Mooers, and Wildlife Preservation Canada's Hannah McCurdy-Adams) explored these questions in their paper, Evolutionary isolation of Canadian terrestrial vertebrate species, published in the journal The Canadian Field-Naturalist. The final list included some not so surprising results – like beavers being near the top for mammals, and some unusual species that aren't commonly known, like mudpuppies, an amphibian that can be found in a relatively small range of southern Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

To share more about the paper, how the species lists were developed, and why it's important for conservationists to learn about, study coauthor Emma Kominek joins Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode photo by Chuck Miller / Getty Images

Evolutionary isolation of Canadian terrestrial vertebrate species: https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v137i4.2673

SFU's coverage of the study: https://www.sfu.ca/science/news/2024-news/move-along-moose--sfu-study-reveals-the--most-canadian--animals.html

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Whether you're heading south to escape the cold, across the provinces for an adventure, or just a town over for a quick getaway, there are a lot of choices we can make while travelling for March Break that reduce our impact on the environment – and can even improve it.

SHOW NOTES

Episode art photo by Petmal / Getty Images

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and The Switch? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio), or Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/defenderradio.bsky.social). 

Defender Radio and 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/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

The journey of Takaya the Lone wolf on Vancouver Island was one of hope, inspiration, and ultimately tragedy. Cheryl Alexander, acclaimed conservation photographer and Founding Executive Director of Takaya's Legacy has shared her story countless times – but this past year the story took a new twist.

An iconic photo of Takaya, taken by Cheryl, was used by a wolf hunting guide's website without permission. This not only created a social media outrage, but put the spotlight back on the pressures facing wolves in British Columbia and the need to connect public belief with policy. To share these updates and explore the impact the misuse of Takaya's image had both personally and publicly, Cheryl Alexander joins Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES:

Photo of Takaya by Cheryl Alexander

Takaya's Legacy website: https://takayaslegacy.com/

Takaya's Legacy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takayalonewolf

Takaya's Legacy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takayalonewolf

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Winter salt keeps sidewalks safe but harms Ottawa's waterways. A five-year study shows toxic chloride levels in local streams year-round. Learn how to reduce salt use, protect aquatic life, and keep winter walkways safe. 

SHOW NOTES:

Episode art photo by EyeEm Mobile GmbH / Getty Images

Check out Ottawa Riverkeeper's work on salt monitoring and reduction: https://ottawariverkeeper.ca/sign-the-road-salt-reduction-pledge/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and The Switch? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio), or Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/defenderradio.bsky.social). 

Defender Radio and 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/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

North Atlantic Right Whales are at extreme risk of extinction, with only around 370 individuals and around 70 reproductive females. According to RightWhales.org, over 142 individuals have been injured or died since 2017 – a shocking 35% of the current population.

Fortunately, individuals like Sheryl Fink of the International Fund for Animal Welfare or IFAW are working hard to collaborate and find solutions to protect this endangered whale species, who can be found off the coast of Canada. To share more about how North Atlantic Right Whales reached such critically low levels, what the largest impacts on their populations are, and how scientific collaboration can lead to solutions, Sheryl joins Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode art credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Image taken under NOAA Research Permit 665-1652 (link to original use).

Find more about Sheryl and IFAW's work to save North Atlantic Right Whales at: https://www.RightWhales.org. 

Find IFAW on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifawglobal/

Find IFAW on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ay3hmpazay7ndzmbxcyfasb7

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at info@TheFurBearers.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), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/thefurbearers.bsky.social) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Canadians waste a ton of food - literally! Learn how meal planning can reduce food waste, save you money, and reduce your impact on emissions and climate change by listening now.

SHOW NOTES:

LoveFoodHateWaste.ca: https://lovefoodhatewaste.ca/

Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and 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) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio). 

Defender Radio and 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/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Enhancing biodiversity in urban areas is a critical step in improving our ecosystems, resilience against the climate crisis, and ensuring nature exposure for residents. But how do you increase biodiversity on pavement?

According to two researchers, it can start with stepping stones.

Drs. Thami Croeser and Holly Kirk tackled this issue and showed the brilliance of available solutions in their paper Nature-based solutions for urban biodiversity: spatial targeting of retrofits can multiply ecological connectivity benefits.

In short, the researchers showed that converting underutilized parking spaces in urban Australia can improve ecological connectivity – the ability for various species to move across the landscape from one patch of greenspace to another.  To share the need for such connectivity changes, how they developed and ran their study, the incredible benefits to both people and ecosystems, and what lessons we can learn, Drs. Thami Croeser and Holly Kirk join Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode art provided by Dr. Thami Croeser

Read the paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204624001683

Dr. Thami Croeser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thami-croeser-822ab9a/

Dr. Holly Kirk's website: https://natureonthebrain.wordpress.com/

The Conversation Article: https://theconversation.com/stepping-stones-for-wildlife-how-linking-up-isolated-habitats-can-help-nature-thrive-in-our-cities-234923

Sound of Mole Crickets via Mostly Nature / YouTube

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). 

Cold drafts in winter aren't only unpleasant, they could be costing you money and wasting energy. Listen now to The Switch to hear how to quickly identify and deal with a draft.

SHOW NOTES:

Photo of a door equipped with two types of draft stoppers by AndreyPopov / Getty Images

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). 

One day at school, 7-year-old animal loving Georgia discovers her best friend is wearing a coat made with mink fur; with the companionship of her dog Tizzy, Georgia and her friend begin to learn about animals that live in fur farms – and that they must stand up for them.

Tizzy and Me: Fifteen Ways to Love A Mink is the lovely chapter book by NML Hazard (also known as Dr. Nadja Lubiw-Hazard), a former veterinarian turned author. Published in late 2024 by Red Deer Press with illustrations by Alice Priestly, Tizzy and Me is a wonderful story for young people and families who want to discuss issues of animal welfare, talking about difficult topics, and making an impact for animals in our lives. To discuss her unique background, what went into writing Tizzy and Me, what she hopes people learn, and some great writing tips, Defender Radio is joined by Dr. Nadja Lubiw-Hazard.

SHOW NOTES:

Dr. Nadja Lubiw-Hazard (NML Hazard): https://www.nmlhazard.com/
Tizzy & Me from Red Deer Press: https://www.reddeerpress.com/Detail/0889957509

Episode art photo of a mink by DanielLacy / Getty Images

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). 

I'm excited to announce season 11 of Defender Radio and The Switch is going live this month! You'll be hearing long-form interviews from expert scientists around the world talking about wildlife behaviour, population dynamics, and the environment. We'll be exploring ways you can reduce your impact on the climate crisis and become more resilient through bi-weekly episodes of The Switch. And I can't wait to hear from you! Make sure you're following The Fur-Bearers on Instagram @furbearers and find us on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn by searching The Fur-Bearers, where you can leave comments about the latest episodes, share your tips, and chat with me about upcoming episode ideas!

Remember to subscribe and follow Defender Radio and The Switch wherever you listen, and sign up to receive email updates from The Fur-Bearers to ensure you hear about each new episode! Find more episodes and how to listen at DefenderRadio.com.

We're releasing this episode in time for International Rabbit Day – a celebration of our favourite floppy-eared lagomorphs. While rabbits do make wonderful companions, they are frequently released or dumped in the wild – and with an exceptionally quick gestation period, that can lead to a lot of domestic rabbits in the wild, really fast.

Fortunately, there are incredible people who are working to find homes for rabbits and prevent the need for dumping – like Amy McLaughin of Amy's Bunny Barn on Vancouver Island.

A vet assistant, past SPCA worker, and passionate advocate for rabbits, Amy is providing essential education, foster care, and resources to help keep bunnies in homes with full, happy lives. To share more about what goes into caring for a pet rabbit, why dumping is such an issue, and the importance of meeting the many needs of bunnies in homes, Amy joins Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES

The rabbit shown in the episode artwork is named Bella, and is one of many bunnies available for adoption! Visit https://www.amysbunnybarn.org/adoptables to see more.

Amy's Bunny Barn online: https://www.amysbunnybarn.org/
Support Amy's Bunny Barn with a tax deductible donation: https://www.amysbunnybarn.org/donate

Amy's Bunny Barn on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amysbunnybarn/
Amy's Bunny Barn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amysbunnybarn/
Amy's Bunny Barn on Pinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/amysbunnybarn/
Amy's Bunny Barn on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amybunnybarn

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). 

Finding community is an important part of being an advocate – and in a post pandemic world, that can be a struggle. Fortunately, opportunities like Humane Canada's Summit for Animals bring together hundreds of likeminded people, sharing resources, ideas, and finding hope together.

The 2025 Summit for Animals is taking place in Montreal, Quebec on April 27, 28 and 29 – and there's still time to submit a proposal to present yourself! To learn more about the Summit, the range of subjects that will be presented upon, and what kind of proposal is perfect, Humane Canada's Natalia Hanson joins Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES

Episode art photo by RT-Images / Getty Images

Humane Canada's website: https://humanecanada.ca/
Humane Canada's Summit for Animals website: https://reg.eventmobi.com/summitforanimals

Humane Canada on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HumaneCanada/
Humane Canada on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanecanada/?hl=en
Humane Canada on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanecanada/
Humane Canada on X: https://x.com/HumaneCanada

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). 

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). 

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

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). 

What's the world like for a Puma in California? What would they encounter, and what would they make of the humans acting strangely in the landscape? Scientist Dr. Tiffany Yap and artist Meital Smith put together what they think that may look like in the incredible Tales of the Urban Wild: A Puma's Journey, now available from Reverberation Books.

Dr. Yap, a conservation scientist, wrote the story of the puma named C-8 by local scientists who explores the world around him; Meital Smith, a multidisciplinary artist, developed the incredible artwork that pulls together the graphic novel into a poignant, evocative read. To share more about the motivation behind the story, the artwork, and why the narrative of a young puma navigating the world is more important today than ever before, Dr. Tiffany Yap and Meital Smith join Defender Radio.

SHOW NOTES:

Buy Tales of the Urban Wild: A Puma's Journey at https://www.amazon.ca/Tales-Urban-Wild-Pumas-Journey/dp/1634050584

Learn more about Meital Smith: https://www.meitalsmith.com/

Learn more about Dr. Tiffany Yap: https://tiffanyyap.com/

Episode art by Meital Smith

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). 

Black bears in British Columbia face an impossible reality: find new places to live, without being near people, while we continue to remove habitat and ecological connectivity from the landscape. It's a struggle that journalist and documentarian Paul Johnson wanted to profile – in hopes of making a change.

Bears in our Backyards: The Struggle to Survive with Humans, is Johnson's latest full-length documentary, and features extensive footage of black bears in British Columbia, along with interviews from experts, advocates, and government officials. The documentary is poignant, and shows the precarious situation we've created for black bears – and how our attitudes toward wildlife coexistence can set us all up for success, or failure.

Paul joins Defender Radio to share more about what motivated him to create the documentary, how his time as a television journalist with Global BC shapes his views of the issue, and what we can all do to create the future for ourselves and black bears that we want to see.

SHOW NOTES:

View Bears In Our Backyards: The Struggle to Survive With Humans (trailer and rent/buy options): https://vimeo.com/ondemand/466402

Connect with Paul on X/Twitter: https://x.com/PJReporter/

The episode art image is a still from Bears in our Backyards, provided by Paul Johnson.

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). 

Nakoda was a grizzly bear who lived in Yoho National Park. She was a well-known bear, having been tracked by Parks Canada as Bear 178, and popular with photographers and tourists who caught a glimpse of her famous blonde-white fur. Tragically, on the evening of June 6, 2024, Nakoda was struck by a vehicle on the Trans-Canada highway near the park, and was later found dead. This came only 12 hours after Nakoda's two cubs were also struck and killed on the highway.

Nakoda isn't the first grizzly to die due to the railways and highways that flow through and around national park sites; but John Marriott and the team at Exposed Wildlife Conservancy hope she may be the last.

John, the cofounder of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy and an award-winning wildlife photographer, joins Defender Radio to share the tragic story of Nakoda and her family, what is leading to the deaths of grizzlies in the area, and how wildlife lovers can take action to protect more grizzly bears.

SHOW NOTES:

Take Action with Exposed Wildlife Conservancy: https://win.newmode.net/exposedwildlifeconservancy/nakodasletter

Connect with Exposed Wildlife Conservancy: https://www.exposedwc.org 

Exposed Wildlife Conservancy on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/exposdwc/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/exposdwc/) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@EXPOSEDWildlifeConservancy)

Support Exposed Wildlife Conservancy: https://www.exposedwildlifeconservancy.org/one-time-donation 

Episode art photo of Nakoda by Exposed Wildlife Conservancy Ambassador Lee Horbachewski

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). 

Mustachioed dog-nappers chasing animated pooches around the city may be what's in some of our heads when it comes to animal control, but the important front-line officers in our communities go well beyond that trope.

In Arlington, Virginia, the community knows they can rely on the Animal Welfare League of Arlington to help, whether it's support for expensive veterinary procedures, getting an injured raccoon into care, or working with citizens to ensure that everyone's dignity and welfare are considered. Chief of Animal Control and Senior Director of Community Resources Jennifer Toussaint joins Defender Radio to discuss how considering an intersectional approach to animal welfare makes an impact, the importance of crisis intervention training, and why finding moments to celebrate matters.

SHOW NOTES:

Visit the Animal Welfare League of Arlington's website: https://www.awla.org/

Find AWLA on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/awlaarlington/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AWLArlington/), and X/Twitter (https://x.com/AWLAArlington).

The Office Clip (Dwight and the bat): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6i4rubASKs

Parks and Rec (Andy catches the opposum): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0-c3bF-bdc

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). 

Room to roam for wildlife is essential to their health, particularly as they face increasing pressures related to development and the climate crisis. But many communities aren't planned with wildlife in mind – or ecological connectivity between neighbourhoods and boundaries. The California state assembly has passed the Room to Roam Act, which compels local governments to work with each other and state agencies to ensure resilient, sustainable ecosystems are connected to protect wildlife, the environment, and human health.

To share more about this exciting legislation, the impact it may have, and why connectivity is an essential tool for climate adaptation, Dr. Tiffany Yap, Senior Scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode photo of a bobcat using an underpass by National Park Service

Read the Room To Roam Act: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1889

Read Center for Biological Diversity's News Release: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/california-assembly-passes-first-of-its-kind-bill-to-improve-wildlife-connectivity-2024-05-20/

Support the Center for Biological Diversity: https://biologicaldiversity.org/support/

Report - California Connections: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/wildlife-connectivity/pdfs/California-Connections-wildlife-connectivity-report.pdf

Dr. Tiffany Yap: https://tiffanyyap.com/

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). 

Traditional media has long portrayed coyotes in a negative light – and you don't have to take my word for it. Nicole Murphy, a student at Peterborough's Trent University took on the issue of how coyotes are perceived by undertaking a three-part project: she ran an analysis of media reporting on coyotes across the Greater Toronto Area, surveyed staff, faculty and students at Trent University to get their perceptions, and setup trail cameras around the campus to learn and showcase how coyotes are already coexisting with people.

The paper, titled Perceptions of Urban Coyotes in Ontario: The role of media as a barrier to tolerance and possibilities for coexistence, is an outstanding look at how traditional media continues to paint coyotes in a negative light – and how, surprisingly, that impact may be shifting. It also provides insights into how advocates and educators can help people understand who coyotes are, the roles they play in ecosystems, and steps we can all take toward coexistence.

To share more about the paper, the results, and what it all means is Nicole Murphy, with Dr. Stephanie Rutherford of Trent University.

SHOW NOTES:

Coyotes of Trent (Nicole's Thesis website): https://www.coyotesoftrent.com/coyote

Trent University News: Why Are People Afraid of Coyotes? Trent Student Research Explores Our Perceptions of the Often-Feared Animal

Find Nicole Murphy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemurphy003/

Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Rutherford: https://www.stephanierutherfordphd.com/

Trent University School of the Environment: https://www.trentu.ca/environment/

Trent University's Bachelor of Environmental Science / Studies: https://www.trentu.ca/bess/

Cover photo provided by Nicole Murphy

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). 

Some days are hard. The world feels like it's falling apart, forests are burning, ecosystems are breaking down, and hope can be a long, long way away. But you're not alone in this feeling – and there are ways to manage and cope that not only support you but can make for a healthier community and planet.

Climate Grief, From Coping to Resilience and Action is a new book from Dr. Shawna Weaver that dives into the realities of climate change, the grief so many of us are experiencing, and how that impacts our day-to-day lives. Importantly, Dr. Weaver shows how facing our grief is the first step toward making change for ourselves and for the planet. An experienced eco-therapist with advanced degrees, Dr. Weaver joins Defender Radio to share what led to this book, how grief is unique to everyone, and what tools we have to ensure we not only cope but become resilient and lead fulfilling lives.

SHOW NOTES:

Cover photo by Peter Kolejak / Getty Images

Dr. Shawna Weaver's website: https://www.shawnajweaver.com/

Climate Grief on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Climate-Grief-Coping-Resilience-Action/dp/1590567161/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DCSKZH51R3K8&keywords=climate%20grief%20weaver&qid=1687959054&s=books&sprefix=climate%20grief%20weaver%2Cstripbooks%2C78&sr=1-1), Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/p/books/climate-grief-from-coping-to-resilience-and-action-shawna-weaver/19810317?ean=9781590567166), Indigo (https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/climate-grief-from-coping-to-resilience-and-action/9781590567166.html)

Follow Dr. Shawna Weaver on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drshawnajweaver/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/shawnajweaver?lang=en).

Mental Health Resources

Talk Suicide Canada:
https://talksuicide.ca/
1-833-456-4566 (toll free, 24/7)
Text 45645 (4 pm to midnight ET)

Government of Canada resource list:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html

Wellness Together Canada:
https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-ca/

Canadian Mental Health Association:
https://cmha.ca/find-help/

In case of emergency, call 9-1-1. 

For American listeners:

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://afsp.org/
Crisis interventions https://afsp.org/im-having-thoughts-of-suicide/

Episode originally released September 2021.

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 conversation with Dr. McIntyre, curiosity, compassion and disconfirming inquiries will play a far greater role in bringing science to those who deny it than I initially thought.

Learn more about Dr. Lee McIntyre and How To Talk To A Science Denier at https://leemcintyrebooks.com.

Want to suggest topics for the show? 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 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). 

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/

A Home For Hooves on Instagram: https://instagram.com/homeforhooves

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). 

Making an emotional connection to a non-human animal is a defining moment in many peoples' lives. It could be the family dog, a squirrel who hops past a window every day, or a black bear known to meander through a local forest. It's that connection that can help people understand the depth of non-human animal emotion and make changes in how they view the world around them.

Dr. Marc Bekoff knows a thing or two about this connection – and has revisited a classic publication to show how far science and society have come in understanding animal emotions. Dr. Bekoff is a celebrated ethologist, best-selling author, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, and along with Dr. Jane Goodall, a co-founder of Ethical Treatment of Animals: Citizens for Responsible Animal Behavior Studies. His popular book, The Emotional Lives of Animals, was originally published in 2007 to great response.

Seventeen years later, Dr. Bekoff has updated and revised the book with new studies, anecdotes, an updated foreword from Dr. Jane Goodall, and more. Dr. Bekoff joins Defender Radio to share what he's most excited about in the newly revised book, if recognition of animal sentience is the finish line for advocates, and where he sees hope for the future.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode photo of a coyote by Donna Feledichuk / Getty Images

Find Dr. Marc Bekoff's website at https://marcbekoff.com/

Animal Emotions blog at Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/animal-emotions

Dr. Marc Bekoff on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarcBekoff

Emotional Lives of Animals (book): https://newworldlibrary.com/product/the-emotional-lives-of-animals-revised

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). 

Investigations into farms by animal advocacy groups is an essential tool to exposing serious, systemic abuses of animals, failures to follow basic policy, and have led to criminal charges. But the Ontario government wanted to stop that – and introduced Bill 156 in 2020.

The Bill, Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, was challenged in court by Animal Justice, with applicants Jessica Scott-Reid (a journalist) and Louise Jorgensen (an advocate with Toronto Cow Save). Intervenors who joined Animal Justice included Animal Alliance of Canada, the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University, and The Regan Russell Foundation.

After some serious legal work by the aforementioned team, Justice Markus Koehnen of the Superior Court ruled that elements of the law and its regulation violate the right to freedom of expression guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal Justice, joins Defender Radio to share the background and impact of Bill 156, the significance of defeating elements of it in court, and how that will make a difference for advocates and animals in Ontario and across Canada.

SHOW NOTES: 

Animal Justice Court Decision Media Release: https://animaljustice.ca/media-releases/court-strikes-down-ontario-law-banning-hidden-camera-farm-investigations

Animal Justice Court Decision article: https://animaljustice.ca/blog/animal-justice-defeats-ag-gag-law

Read the transcript of Justice Markus Koehnen's decision: https://animaljustice.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Animal-Justice-et-al-v-Attorney-General-of-Ontario-2024-ONSC-1753.pdf

This episode's artwork features a rescued cow from Wishing Well Santuary in Bradford, Ontario. Photo by Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media.

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). 

A concrete laden Barton Street runs the distance of lower Hamilton, marking the transition from residential housing to commercial and industrial spaces – what many people think of when they hear Steel City. But along this busy street something magical is happening: swatches of concrete are vanishing, to be replaced by naturalized gardens. Flowers, native grasses, and plenty of shrubs and trees are establishing themselves in this urban core thanks to programs and the teams at Green Venture, a Hamilton-based nonprofit.

Depaving is just one of the projects that Green Venture focuses on, in addition to rain gardens, urban miniforests, volunteer and educational opportunities, and more. To get the rundown on the significant impact this non-profit is making, Defender Radio is joined by  Green Venture Program Manager Liz Enriquez.

SHOW NOTES:

Image of depaving project on Barton Street provided by Green Venture.

Green Venture on the web: https://greenventure.ca/

GV on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green_venture/

GV on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Green_Venture

GV on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenVentureHamilton/

GV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCn18YjPfLsiLCPgFVW37fQ/

Defender Radio Podcast episode "The Mini-Forest Revolution": https://thefurbearers.com/blog/defender-radio/the-mini-forest-revolution-with-hannah-lewis/

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). 

If you don't already have passes to Humane Canada's Summit for Animals May 5 to 7 in Halifax, you're going to miss out on an awful lot!

The annual event is organized by Humane Canada, the national federation of humane societies and SPCAs, and presenting sponsor PetSmart Charities of Canada. The Summit for Animals brings together people who work on the frontlines of animal welfare, the folks who strategize behind the scenes, people who run shelters, and those that seek legislative policy shifts. It's the place to be for animal advocates, and to share more about what this year's conference will include, Defender Radio was joined by Humane Canada's Natalia Hanson.

SHOW NOTES:

Register for the Summit for Animals: https://reg.eventmobi.com/summitforanimals

Add your name to Summit email list: https://mailchi.mp/humanecanada/summit-sign-up-form

Learn more about Humane Canada: https://www.humanecanada.ca/

PetSmart Charities of Canada: https://petsmartcharities.ca/

Episode Art Photo by Donna Feledichuk / Getty Images

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). 

Simone Diamond is a Coast Salish artist who creates art pieces in the Coast Salish style. You may have seen Simone's designs featured on products from companies like Native Northwest, on her popular Instagram account, or in The Fur-Bearers' kids activity book.

Simone joins Defender Radio to talk about how spirituality is infused with her art, the impact of colonization on the traditions in her family and culture, and how aspiring artists can find joy and inspiration around them.

SHOW NOTES

Episode art by Simone Diamond

Find Simone on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/simonediamonddesigns/

Find Francis Horne Sr. (Simone's master carver father) on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/francishornesr/?hl=en

Simone's Designs at Native Northwest: https://nativenorthwest.ca/simone-diamond-coast-salish/

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). 

Improving the lives of dogs across Canada and around the world is a hefty goal – but by talking about the lives of wild dogs, Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin is getting closer to reaching that goal every day.

Dr. Fraser-Celin, who has worked with African wild dogs, dogs in Indigenous communities in Canada, and identifying how a one-health approach makes an impact, is breaking down misconceptions, providing resourecs, and creating community programs – all from an Instagram account, @TheLivesofWildDogs.

Head over to @TheLivesofWildDogs while listening to Dr. Fraser-Celin on Defender Radio discuss her journey to supporting people and dogs, how pet pantries can make an impact, what she hopes to achieve, and how a single television trainer introduced – and perpetuated – one of the biggest dog myths there is.

SHOW NOTES:

Find Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/TheLivesofWildDogs

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).