Global Guardians – Details, episodes & analysis

Mario interviews entomologist and conservationist Jim Cordoba! They explore the role of insects in the ecosystem, stunning biodiversity stats from Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, the controversial practice of shark finning, the impact of conservation on local communities, and how annual agricultural fires threaten Jim’s jungle reserve. Jim is president of the BioSur Foundation, and non-profit organization based in Costa Rica dedicated to protecting and safeguarding the biodiversity-rich tropical rainforests of the Osa Peninsula. To help protect the rainforest, please consider donating to the BioSur Foundation today: www.biosurfoundation.com Follow Jim Cordoba on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jimcordoba/ Follow BioSur Foundation on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/biosurfoundation/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/global_guardians_pod/ FOLLOW Mario Aldecoa on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mario_aldecoa/ FOLLOW Trent Underwood on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetrentunderwood/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@global.guardians/ 00:00:00 Intro to Jim and his early years 00:05:04 Sounds of the jungle 00:07:25 Entomology and importance of insects 00:15:50 Insectopia Museum, History of Puerto Jimenez 00:22:52 Progress, sustainability, ecotourism, conservation 00:26:36 Osa Peninsula, Gulfo Dulce and Biodiversity 00:32:11 Protections for marine ecosystems and shark finning 00:36:15 RioNuevo Nature Reserve, Corcovado National Park, link between Gulfo Dulce and terrestrial ecosystems, Red tides 00:43:43 Experiencing the reserve, Tiger ratsnakes, and four species of monkeys 00:48:27 Community involvement and the reserve 00:53:41Stingless bee project and jobs for locals 01:01:28 Protecting the future of humanity 01:02:40 Problems with the Reserve, first green frontier, Palm oil, fragmentation, issues with Costa Rica conservation 01:15:08 Fires threaten the reserve CREDITS: HOST - Mario Aldecoa HOST - Trent Underwood DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Trent Underwood CAMERA OPERATOR & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST - Mario Aldecoa EDITOR - Trent Underwood MARKETING - Matt Fujita GRAPHIC DESIGN - Chance Ross PRODUCER - Suzanne Zonner PRODUCER - Beau Sedivy EP - Coyote Peterson PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Mario Aldecoa and Trent Underwood as they launch Global Guardians! This first episode dives into their personal origin stories, exploring the paths that led them to wildlife filmmaking. They'll also give you a sneak peek at future guests and topics, and Mario recounts his experience working with crocs at a nuclear facility. 00:00:00 Intro Global Guardians, Why and History of Global Guardians 00:06:05 Mario’s background, volunteering at wildlife sanctuary, crocodile research 00:18:33 Trent’s background 00:34:21 What to expect from Global Guardians future eps FOLLOW Global Guardians on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/global_guardians_pod/ FOLLOW Mario Aldecoa on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mario_aldecoa/ FOLLOW Trent Underwood on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetrentunderwood/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@global.guardians/ CREDITS: HOST - Mario Aldecoa HOST - Trent Underwood DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Trent Underwood CAMERA OPERATOR & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST - Mario Aldecoa EDITOR - Trent Underwood MARKETING - Matt Fujita GRAPHIC DESIGN - Chance Ross PRODUCER - Suzanne Zonner PRODUCER - Beau Sedivy EP - Coyote Peterson PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Global Guardians is a new podcast hosted by Wildlife Biologist Mario Aldecoa and Nature Cinematographer Trent Underwood. Produced by Brave Wilderness, this series explores the people and ideas shaping the future of wildlife through conservation and innovation. Join Mario and Trent as they interview scientists, ecologists, filmmakers, and tech pioneers in incredible outdoor locations like jungles, deserts, and swamps. They also host studio sessions, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, travel reflections, and insights on the evolving world of wildlife storytelling and conservation. If you’re passionate about nature and the power of individuals to create change, subscribe to Global Guardians today! FOLLOW Global Guardians on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/global_guardians_pod/ FOLLOW Mario Aldecoa on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mario_aldecoa/ FOLLOW Trent Underwood on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetrentunderwood/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@global.guardians/ CREDITS: HOST - Mario Aldecoa HOST - Trent Underwood DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Trent Underwood CAMERA OPERATOR & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST - Mario Aldecoa EDITOR - Trent Underwood MARKETING - Matt Fujita GRAPHIC DESIGN - Chance Ross PRODUCER - Suzanne Zonner PRODUCER - Beau Sedivy EP - Coyote Peterson   PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Mario sits down with cryptozoologist and marine biologist Pat Spain for a fascinating dive into the world of legendary creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. Pat brings a grounded yet open-minded approach to cryptozoology—balancing scientific inquiry with cultural respect. Together, they explore how stories of mysterious creatures hold deep meaning for indigenous communities and why the field, often dismissed as pseudoscience, deserves both serious attention and a sense of wonder. FOLLOW Pat Spain on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/patspain/?hl=en To learn more about Pat's work check out https://www.patspain.com/ To purchase Pat's book series: https://www.patspain.com/books https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BP66JN6Q FOLLOW Global Guardians on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/global_guardians_pod/ FOLLOW Mario Aldecoa on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mario_aldecoa/ FOLLOW Trent Underwood on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetrentunderwood/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@global.guardians/ Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro to Location, Hagfish & Tide-Pooling 00:04:35 Intro to Cryptozoology & Pat's Approach to the Controversial Topic 00:26:04 Bigfoot and other Hominids 00:47:59 Extraterrestrial Life 00:57:25 Which Cryptid does Pat believe in? 01:08:21 Pat’s Book Series and Conclusion CREDITS: HOST - Mario Aldecoa HOST - Trent Underwood DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Trent Underwood CAMERA OPERATOR & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST - Mario Aldecoa EDITOR - Trent Underwood MARKETING - Matt Fujita GRAPHIC DESIGN - Chance Ross PRODUCER - Suzanne Zonner PRODUCER - Beau Sedivy EP - Coyote Peterson PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mario and Trent share their gear insights and the importance of being "dialed in" for filming wild moments, using their Costa Rica experiences—including capuchin monkeys eating a live iguana—as a prime example. This episode offers a raw, behind-the-scenes look at documenting critical ecosystems in real-time. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/globalguardians and get on your way to being your best self. FOLLOW Global Guardians on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/global_guardians_pod/ FOLLOW Mario Aldecoa on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mario_aldecoa/ FOLLOW Trent Underwood on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetrentunderwood/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@global.guardians/ Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction   00:00:38 - Getting Into Cinematography   00:03:46 - Filming for Brave Wilderness   00:10:06 - Challenges of Wildlife Filmmaking   00:14:26 - Choosing the Right Camera   00:23:52 - Action Cameras & DJI Gear   00:32:07 - Filming in Costa Rica   00:44:07 - Being Prepared in the Wild   00:48:34 - Capturing Viral Moments   00:56:25 - Monkey vs. Iguana CREDITS: HOST - Mario Aldecoa HOST - Trent Underwood DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Trent Underwood CAMERA OPERATOR & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST - Mario Aldecoa EDITOR - Trent Underwood MARKETING - Matt Fujita GRAPHIC DESIGN - Chance Ross PRODUCER - Suzanne Zonner PRODUCER - Beau Sedivy EP - Coyote Peterson PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Trent sits down with sound engineer Ryan LaVergne to explore the often overlooked but critical role of audio in filmmaking. From the dense jungles of Costa Rica to the bear-filled wilderness of Katmai, Alaska, Ryan shares what it takes to capture the natural world through sound. Trent and Ryan reflect on Ryan’s first Brave Wilderness production and the unforgettable adventures—and audio challenges—they faced along the way. Good sound can make or break a story, making it essential to every wild production. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/globalguardians and get on your way to being your best self. Follow Ryan Lavergne on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ryan_lavergne/ Check out Ryan's website: https://www.ryanlavergne.com FOLLOW Global Guardians on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/global_guardians_pod/ FOLLOW Mario Aldecoa on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mario_aldecoa/ FOLLOW Trent Underwood on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetrentunderwood/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@global.guardians/ CREDITS: HOST - Trent Underwood DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Trent Underwood CAMERA OPERATOR & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST - Mario Aldecoa EDITOR - Trent Underwood MARKETING - Matt Fujita GRAPHIC DESIGN - Chance Ross PRODUCER - Suzanne Zonner PRODUCER - Beau Sedivy EP - Coyote Peterson PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode , Mario and Trent reflect on one of their most ambitious productions—filming jaguars hunting caiman in Brazil’s Pantanal, the best place on Earth to witness these elusive big cats in action. From months of pre-production and engineering a custom camera gimbal for boat-based filming, to navigating the highs and lows of fieldwork, they share the BTS stories of what it takes to capture nature at its wildest. Along the way, Mario dives into fascinating facts about jaguars, and the unforgettable people who helped make the expedition possible. To learn more and support Jaguar Conservation: https://www.jaguaridproject.com/ To book your own Jaguar Safari: https://biodiversebraziltours.com/ CREDITS: HOST - Mario Aldecoa HOST - Trent Underwood DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Trent Underwood CAMERA OPERATOR & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST - Mario Aldecoa EDITOR - Trent Underwood MARKETING - Matt Fujita GRAPHIC DESIGN - Chance Ross PRODUCER - Suzanne Zonner PRODUCER - Beau Sedivy EP - Coyote Peterson PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Global Guardians studio session, Mario and Trent take a look back at their unforgettable adventures filming in South Africa, where wildlife, conservation, and chaos often went hand in hand. From unexpected encounters with venomous snakes to heartwarming moments with orphaned rhinos in rehabilitation, they share behind-the-scenes stories that reveal what it truly takes to produce meaningful wildlife content in the field. The highlight of the trip was a powerful rhino conservation collaboration with Kariega Game Reserve and the anti-poaching organization Global Conservation Force. Along the way, Mario recalls relocating a forest cobra found in a hotel bathroom—and returning home with an unexpected souvenir: a bacterial infection from a tick bite. Visit Kaiega Game Reserve ! Interested in helping protect rhinos and other threatened species? Support Global Conservation Force Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro to S. Africa, Covid delay 00:05:25 - Production partners! 00:14:20 - Filming locations in S. Africa 00:18:21 - Small car, lots of gear 00:24:40 - Venomous Snake Encounter 00:29:27 - Rhino Veterinary Procedures 00:43:01 - Mambas & Chameleons & Cobras, oh my! 00:59:07 - St. Lucia Cobra Rescue 01:07:45 - Tick bite fever; conclusion PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/globalguardians and get on your way to being your best self. Florida Keys biologist, Christina Wilson, joins Mario Aldecoa for a conversation about the growing challenges of conservation in one of the most visited island chains in the US. As tourism surges, Christina shares how she works to protect fragile habitats and wildlife while also using her platform to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science. With years of collaboration alongside the Brave Wilderness team, Christina offers a unique perspective on the power of fieldwork, education, and how social media is reshaping the way science and conservation reach the public. FOLLOW Christina on Instagram - / https://www.instagram.com/christinawildwilson/?hl=en FOLLOW Global Guardians on Instagram - / https://www.instagram.com/global_guardians_pod/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on TikTok - / https://www.tiktok.com/@global.guardians Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro to how we met Christina 00:08:50 - Mermaids 00:13:40 - Christina's first time in Costa Rica 00:19:09 - Christina's origin story, California to Florida 00:26:37 - Christina's role in the Keys 00:39:58 - Facts about the Florida Keys 00:52:50 - Threats to the Florida Keys 01:13:16 - Role of social media in conservation CREDITS: HOST - Mario Aldecoa HOST - Trent Underwood DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Trent Underwood CAMERA OPERATOR & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST - Mario Aldecoa EDITOR - Trent Underwood MARKETING - Matt Fujita GRAPHIC DESIGN - Chance Ross PRODUCER - Suzanne Zonner PRODUCER - Beau Sedivy EP - Coyote Peterson PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Global Guardians episode, Sea turtle specialist Laura Exley joins Mario to share the story of how a research trip studying monkeys in South America unexpectedly led her to the shores of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. There, she launched COPROT—a grassroots conservation initiative focused on protecting critical sea turtle nesting beaches. Laura dives into the daily realities of monitoring turtles, building community involvement, and navigating the growing threats these animals face, including habitat loss and climate change. Together, she and Mario explore what it takes to safeguard one of nature’s most ancient mariners in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Learn how you can get involved by visiting: www.tortugasdeosa.org FOLLOW Tortugas de Osa on Instagram - / https://www.instagram.com/tortugasdeosa/ FOLLOW Lauran on Instagram - / https://www.instagram.com/laurita_pacita/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on Instagram - / https://www.instagram.com/global_guardians_pod/ FOLLOW Global Guardians on TikTok - / https://www.tiktok.com/@global.guardians CREDITS: HOST - Mario Aldecoa HOST - Trent Underwood DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Trent Underwood CAMERA OPERATOR & WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST - Mario Aldecoa EDITOR - Trent Underwood MARKETING - Matt Fujita GRAPHIC DESIGN - Chance Ross PRODUCER - Suzanne Zonner PRODUCER - Beau Sedivy EP - Coyote Peterson PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REENACT OR RECREATE ANY EVENTS OR SCENES  FROM OUR VIDEOS. THE ANIMALS, INSECTS, PLANT LIFE, AND TERRAIN FEATURED IN  OUR VIDEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND CAN POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR  DEATH. The Global Guardians hosts and crew are professionally trained and routinely  receive assistance from wildlife experts, guides, and safety personnel when filming to  ensure the safety of our crew and all wildlife. No animals were harmed or removed from  their natural habitat while making this video. Global Guardians has obtained permission  to film in each location featured in this video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices