Rewildology turns four! In this special Nature Happy Hour episode, Brooke and Dr. Charles van Rees, PhD, raise a glass to four years of the show, reflecting on its biggest moments—the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. They also unveil exciting updates for the future before diving into this episode’s theme: New Horizons. From newly discovered species to astonishing rediscoveries of those thought lost to time, Brooke and Charles explore the thrill of nature’s greatest surprises. Grab your favorite drink and join the celebration!

Join the new Rewildology Book Club!

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show.

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to Rewildology's 4th Birthday Celebration!
00:59 Reflecting on Four Years of Rewildology
01:10 Exciting Updates and New Horizons
02:30 Nature Happy Hour with Dr. Charles Van Rees
04:16 Challenges and Triumphs of Podcasting
11:35 Rose, Bud, and Thorn: Reflecting on the Journey
18:33 Future Plans: Themed Seasons and More
22:35 Rewildology Book Club Announcement
32:05 Charles' New Role and Research at UGA
45:35 Rediscovering Species: A Scientist's Perspective
47:04 Integrative Conservation and New Species Discovery
48:18 Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge
49:16 The Joy and Reality of New Species
51:03 Molecular Tools and Cryptic Species
53:34 Rediscovery Missions and Lazarus Species
56:18 The Clouded Tiger Cat Discovery
01:02:05 Vampire Hedgehog and Other Unique Finds
01:08:01 Seamount Expedition and Marine Discoveries
01:13:57 Water Mouse and Pandanus Frogs
01:23:41 Conservation Challenges and New Horizons

Join Brooke as she reconnects with Brad Nahill, Co-Founder and President of SEE Turtles, to explore the latest developments in sea turtle and marine conservation. In this episode, Brad shares new challenges and successes from the field, updates on groundbreaking projects like Billion Baby Sea Turtles, and how conservation strategies differ across regions like Central America, Asia, and Africa. They also discuss the role of technology, including AI, in protecting marine biodiversity, the evolution of nonprofit funding models, and Brad’s vision for the future of SEE Turtles and global conservation. If you’re passionate about protecting our oceans and the incredible creatures that call them home, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Support
00:07 The Ancient Sea Turtles and Modern Threats
00:46 Meet Brad Nahill of SEE Turtles
01:12 Updates in Marine Conservation
01:43 SEE Turtles' Mission and Sponsorship
02:40 Reflecting on Past Conversations
03:47 Challenges and Wins in Sea Turtle Conservation
05:35 Global Efforts and Local Success Stories
11:26 Innovative Conservation Strategies
19:15 Billion Baby Sea Turtles Initiative
26:40 Expanding Conservation Efforts
27:57 Exciting Travel Plans for the Year
28:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Cuba
29:39 Popular Trips to Oaxaca
31:12 Record-Breaking Year and Future Plans
35:48 Innovative AI Solutions for Conservation
47:41 The Impact of Technology on Wildlife Conservation

Monarch butterflies are one of the most awe-inspiring species on the planet, undertaking a migration that spans thousands of miles across North America. However, their populations are rapidly declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and agricultural practices. In this episode of Rewildology, we sit down with Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñón, Program Director of Climate Resilient Habitats at the National Wildlife Federation, to explore the challenges and opportunities in monarch conservation. Rebeca shares insights into the cultural significance of monarchs in Mexico, the collaborative efforts between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and the potential impact of listing monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act. We also dive into community-based programs, habitat restoration projects, and actionable steps anyone can take to help pollinators and biodiversity thrive. Don’t miss this engaging conversation about saving one of nature’s most iconic species.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show.

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction and Podcast Support
00:08 The Monarch Butterfly Migration
00:47 Meet Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñon
03:48 Rebeca's Journey into Conservation
10:00 Monarch Butterfly Biology and Migration
18:14 Tracking Monarch Populations
27:33 Challenges Facing Monarch Butterflies
39:34 Collaborative Conservation Efforts
42:04 Community-Based Projects in Mexico
46:00 Cultural Significance of Monarchs in Mexico
56:12 The ESA Proposal and Its Implications
01:05:44 Future Conservation Strategies
01:08:44 Individual Actions for Monarch Conservation
01:15:08 Resources and Final Thoughts