On this weeks episode we speak to the director of Osa Conservation, Andy Whitworth! Andy has worked across the Neotropics for more than 10 years and is currently focusing his work on conserving the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica while also supporting projects in Peru. Andy shared his thoughts on conservation in Costa Rica, why it’s such a biodiversity hotspot and how climate change in particular is such a major threat to biodiversity across the Neotropics. Finally Andy shared his field story with us, and needless to say anytime a story involves caimans, it’s a banger!

This week we speak to Liliana Tobar González. Lili is a Mexican biologist who specializes in ornithology, with a focus on two pretty distinct groups: grassland and pelagic birds! In addition to her fieldwork, Lili is also very active on social media through her @bioloversdelmundo IG account. We spoke to Lili about why she is so passionate about promoting environmental science education in Spanish and in Latin America. She also shared very personal insights into the state of the environment in Mexico and the very complicated challenges facing conservation efforts there. A great episode with one of the most passionate and energetic guests we have had to date! Instagram - @bioloversdelmundoYouTube -  @Biolovers  Follow Field Stories - Instagram - @field_stories_podcastHosted by Chris (@chrisketola), Michela (@michiganbiologist) and Nick (@nick_smith_wildlife_photos) Theme Music: "Honey Bee" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Field Stories, we're thrilled to welcome J. Spahr, a masters-educated professional scientific illustrator from New Hampshire. J. Spahr, creates stunning infographics and illustrations that highlight endangered habitats and animals from around the globe. Her passion for wildlife and conservation has taken her to diverse locations such as Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and across the United States. Throughout her travels, J. has worked closely with a variety of species, including brown bears, salamanders, fish, and many more. J. also demonstrates that you don't need to be a scientist to contribute to conservation, and she shares how others can follow in her footsteps. Join us as we dive into her fascinating journey and learn about the vital role of scientific illustration in environmental awareness and conservation.

This week we speak to Zak Cole! Zak is a Marine biologist and wildlife filmmaker from Florida, with a background is in Sharks and Marine mammals. Straight out of college he plunged into the depths of commercial fish stock assessment as a fisheries observer in New England. After a back injury in the field, he transitioned to a protected species observer for wind farm projects. While repeated issues with his back prevented him from continuing work offshore, he now focuses on films about Scientists and Conservationists in Florida and their work related to local wildlife, while working full time in film production. Zak and our hosts discussed his transition into wildlife filmmaking and the ethical challenges of this field of work. Zak then shared some crazy stories about his early days as a marine biologist! Zak was a super engaging guest and we can't wait for the personal tour of Florida he promised Chris, Nick and Michela....

Philipp Kraemer is our guest this week! Philipp shared his story of completing his fieldwork in Antarctica, and while listening to him describe his experience you could really imagine what it would be like to visit the most remote continent on earth! Philipp also gave us a virtual seminar on seabirds, which isn’t surprising considering he will be studying them soon as a part of his upcoming PhD fieldwork in Chile. All in all another fascinating episode with an amazing guest!

Welcome back to field stories - today we speak with Emma who is a self proclaimed Orangutanologist and wow was it an interesting episode! Following on from our chat about the famous Orangutans with Jonah in a previous episode we get the insights from another perspective as we slowly transition into an "Orang" only podcast... Thanks a lot too Emma for the great podcast and top notch work in the field completing her PHD and we wish you all the best, if you enjoyed this episode, like, comment and share for more weekly episodes!

Welcome back to episode 15 and this week we learn about mixed species flocks in the Amazon rainforest and Australia. We also find out that Ettore has an obsession with Trumpeter's which he may explore with Chris. Oh and we also have one of the craziest stories yet told in the most casual way!

The Field Stories Podcast is back! After a brief hiatus, Chris and Michela are back in action, while Nick is off on an exciting adventure in France. On this week's episode, we have a special treat for you as we sit down with Ethan Tapper, a distinguished Forester, author, and educator hailing from Vermont, USA. Join us as Ethan delves into the rich history of the forests of New England. Ethan shares his insight on the vital work foresters are undertaking to break stigmas on silviculture and restore these forests, helping them adapt to our rapidly growing society. Plus, get ready to be captivated by a compelling tale pulled straight from Ethan's recently published novel, 'How to Love a Forest,' guaranteed to ignite your imagination and leave you inspired. Don't miss out on this fascinating episode!

This week, join Chris and Michela as they sit down with Dr. Jay Lombardi, a distinguished carnivore population and landscape ecologist with extensive research experience spanning over 20 carnivore species across various continents. Listen in as Dr. Lombardi shares the compelling narrative of his journey into the realm of wildlife, learning how to break into the field on his own. On a personal level, he overcame many other hurdles including his speech disfluency during his graduate studies. Dr. Lombardi persevered, ultimately becoming a seasoned presenter who effortlessly traverses continents to deliver impactful presentations. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, determination, and triumph in the pursuit of ecological understanding.

Today Nick is joined by fellow student and excellent filmmaker/photographer Emily Forster who shares lots of Belize stories as well as the incredible Whale encounters that are possible in the UK! It is a great episode which is free flowing and full of interesting information from Belize that may just surprise you. Big shame that Chris and Michela were unable to attend, through absolutely no fault of their own, the technical shambles continue but we roll on regardless. Hope everyone enjoys this style and if you have any questions, ask away in the comments section!