Wild Encounters – Details, episodes & analysis

Dr. Richard Linnehan is one of the most unique individuals I have ever talked to. A man who inspires, who makes anything seem possible. Taking multiple trips to SPACE, Dr. Linnehan shed light on his role in the missions, how we perceive our problems, and best of all......aliens. This is definitely an episode not to miss, as we dove into some of the most fascinating conversations.

If you ever think you can't do something in life, give this episode a listen and you'll see just how possible all things are. Being a veterinarian and astronaut, what more could you want? 

Dr. Richard Linnehan's Biography

VETPAW, protecting wildlife on the frontlines. Post 9/11 US Veterans is who makes up VETPAW. These individuals are dedicated to protecting and training park rangers to combat poaching on the ground in Africa. Today I was able to speak with the Founder and President of the organization, Ryan Tate. Ryan is one of the most genuine people I've talked to and being able to hear how he is changing/saving parts of the world was amazing.

Check out their website: Vetpaw.org/ Figure how you can get involved to help TODAY!

Make sure you follow them on Instagram @vetpaw to see some amazing footage!

Found and President of The Orangutan Project: Leif Cocks has dedicated his life to the survival of The Orangutan. The project was established back in 1998 with Leif being the President from the get-go. This non-profit has gained over $14,000,000 to save the species from extinction and has made enormous accomplishments. Leif was involved in the first-ever successful reintroduction of a zoo-born orangutan giving the project wold standing in conservation. To donate, go to orangutan.org.au

Check out their Instagram @Theorangutanproject

Leif has a Masters of Science studying orangutans and also the author of books: Orangutans and their Battle for Survival (2002) and Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends (2016). Visit leifcocks.org to learn more!

In this episode, I was delighted to talk with Todd Montgomery, head of operations and outreach coordinator at The Elephant Sanctuary located in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Taking a stance on what is right vs wrong is defining and The Elephant Sanctuary has portrayed what it means to do good on this earth since 1995. Elephants are held captive for terrible reasons and this is where The Sanctuary comes into play, providing amazing animals with a home to flourish in. A total of 27 elephants call The Elephant Sanctuary their home with more than 2700 acres to explore. Make sure you check out their website, www.Elephants.com, and on Instagram @Theelephantsanctuary to learn more about one of the greatest places on this planet! If you want to learn about how smart elephants truly are while also restoring your faith in humanity I'd recommend giving this episode a listen! 

Marine biology is sweet, as are the venomous octopi that come with it. I chatted with a free diver who captures footage of these radical cephalopods and all alien~ like creatures living down below. Lawrence is a talented individual who shares some of the most fascinating information on sea life. We chat about blue dragons, seals, eels, and many more. If you don't know much about those that conquer in the deep blue you'll want to check out this weeks episode!

Let's zoom in on the ground where an entirely different group of animals reside. In this episode, I chatted with a biologist who studies snakes, lizards, birds, bats, and many more. We discuss what this man did while studying crazy animals in Belize and how he helps to educate students everywhere possible. He explains the unknown creatures of the night and those that can hardly be seen during the day. Dillon Jones is the MAN and you do not want to miss out on this sweet episode!

In this episode I met up with a freediver from Australia who swims with some insane sea creatures. We discuss the "symbiotic relationships" between marine animals, the curiosity of dolphins, and many other walks of life that live below the earth's surface. Jules not only gets killer footage of underwater creatures, but also keeps it clean and rids the ocean of trash when she can. If you want to learn some WILD facts about marine life and to finally start recycling you better listen to this awesome episode! 

In the FIRST EPISODE EVER of Wild Encounters, I had discussed the interesting life of Dr. Joel Alves. From conservationist to wildlife veterinarian working in Africa this man had some insane stories to share. His journey has taken him to the most remote locations to deal with some of the most unique animals. We discussed his work with wild dogs, lions, and many more. Take a listen to hear about some of the craziest encounters with animals.

Growing up in rural Michigan, Dr. Erica was never far from animals and started riding horses when she was four years old. She taught horseback riding lessons and directed a summer camp for kids through high school, university, and veterinary school. Her passion for conservation, volunteerism, and eco-tourism began during a high school ambassador trip to Australia. Soon after that, she made it her dream to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

She has participated in conservation, veterinary, and eco-tourism programs in Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Greece, Thailand, South Africa, and Costa Rica. While attending veterinary school at Michigan State University, she developed a deep passion for elephant medicine and spent several months over summer breaks and the clinical phase of school working with elephants in Southeast Asia. After earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Erica moved to Thailand to work as a full-time veterinarian at a world-renowned elephant sanctuary. She is now an adjunct professor at the University of Findlay and Loop Abroad’s Academic Director and Head Veterinarian.

Dr. Erica teaches a variety of Loop courses including the Elephant Bonus Week, several courses in the Thailand Veterinary Semester Abroad program, and the Vet School Vet Service program. She also loves sharing her experiences and opportunities with pre-vet clubs both in-person while visiting the US and through virtual meetings.

A few of Dr. Erica’s favorite things are adventure sports, nature walks and hikes swimming, and spending time with her dogs, Mango and Lila.

Contact Erica at erica@loopabroad.com

Check out Loopabroads opportunity at loopabroad.com

Welcome back to volume 2 of Wild Encounters! Today I had the opportunity to chat with a marine mammal veterinarian. She studies the connections between animal health, ocean health, and our own. Coining the term “Zoognosis”, she shed light on the knowledge spread between humans and animals. She spearheaded neurosurgery done to a sea lion in the New York Times! In this fascinating episode, I learned about her ted talk, marine mammal business, and so much more. We got to talk about the importance of both human and animal medicine working together to create change in the world.

Check out her website, Ted Talk, and article on the sea lion brain surgery below.

New York Times Sea Lion Article

https://clairesimeone.com/

Dr. Claire Simeone's Ted Talk