Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our planet. From bees and butterflies to bats and birds, these species make life as we know it possible — yet they are facing unprecedented threats. In this episode of Echoes of the Wild, host Matt Giardino sits down with Maddie Dong, Communications Coordinator at Pollinator Partnership, to explore why pollinators matter, the challenges they face, and the innovative solutions being put into action.

Maddie shares the story behind Pollinator Partnership’s work, from flagship initiatives like Bee Friendly Farming and Monarch Wings Across America, to the everyday steps communities and individuals can take to make a difference. Along the way, she highlights inspiring moments from the field and gives us a glimpse into what a pollinator-friendly future could look like.

Whether you’re a gardener, a conservationist, or someone who just loves the natural world, this conversation will leave you inspired to take action for pollinators big and small.

Pollinator Partnership: https://www.pollinator.org/

Whales and dolphins are more than just ocean giants—they’re vital to the health of our entire planet. In this episode of Echoes of the Wild, Matt sits down with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) to explore why these marine mammals matter, the threats they face, and the powerful work being done to protect them.

From ending deliberate harm like whaling and captivity to tackling bycatch, vessel strikes, and ocean noise, WDC leads the charge for safer seas and stronger protections. You’ll hear stories from the field, insights into policy and advocacy, and how public engagement can spark real change.

🌊 Learn more about WDC’s mission: whales.org

📸 Follow them on Instagram: @whales_org

Join us for an inspiring look at what it takes to be true guardians of the deep—and how you can help.

Episode Description:

In this episode of Echoes of the Wild, we sit down with Sarah Conley, Director of Conservation at the International Elephant Foundation (IEF), to explore her remarkable journey in elephant conservation.

From working hands-on with elephants as a teenager to representing IEF on the global stage at CITES, Sarah shares how a deep childhood passion turned into a career dedicated to protecting one of the world’s most iconic species. We talk about the challenges elephants face in both Asia and Africa, the power of education and local engagement, and what it's like navigating conservation policy in today’s global landscape.

Whether you're fascinated by elephants, curious about fieldwork, or just love a good origin story from the wild—this episode offers a rare look behind the scenes of international conservation.

🌍 Learn more about the IEF at https://elephantconservation.org

📸 Follow IEF's work @elephantsief on Instagram
🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Echoes of the Wild, we step into the world of bird photography with Will, a passionate wildlife photographer whose lens captures more than just feathers — it captures the spirit of the wild.

We talk about:
• How one bird sparked a lifelong obsession
• Will’s favorite birds to photograph — and the stories behind them
• What makes a wildlife encounter unforgettable
• The role photography plays in conservation and awareness
• His personal connection to nature and the wild

Whether you're a photographer, a nature lover, or simply someone who finds peace in birdsong and stillness, this episode will leave you inspired to look more closely and listen more deeply.

🔗 Follow Will's work: [https://www.instagram.com/willswildlifephotography/]

In this premiere episode of Echoes of the Wild, we’re joined by Mich Biesbroek—a certified animal tracker, nature awareness instructor, and conservationist deeply immersed in wolf monitoring and wilderness education across Europe.

Mich shares how a rekindled love for nature led him from his home on the outskirts of The Hague to the snowy Tatra Mountains of Slovakia, where he guides citizen scientists for the Slovak Wildlife Society. He also walks us through his work with Werkgroep Wolf Nederland, advocating for peaceful coexistence with wolves in the Netherlands, and his passion for helping others reconnect with nature through tracking and primitive skills.

💬 Topics covered:

• How Mich fell in love with wolves
• What it’s like tracking large carnivores in the wild
• The return of wolves to the Netherlands
• His work with Werkgroep Wolf Nederland & the European Alliance for Wolf Conservation
• The challenges and rewards of field monitoring
• His philosophy around rewilding people, not just places
• A behind-the-scenes look at his GPS fundraiser for wolf tracking efforts

📍 Mich lives on the edge of a coastal nature reserve in The Hague and runs his own company, Onder de Berk, helping people rediscover their wildness through outdoor immersion and tracking.

📢 Support Mich's fundraiser:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/new-gpss-for-slovak-wildlife-society

📸 Connect with Mich:
Instagram – @tallmanhiking
Website – onderdeberk.online
Projects –
Werkgroep Wolf Nederland
Slovak Wildlife Society
Weylin Tracking
Bosbeweging

🌲 Echoes of the Wild brings you conversations with people who live and work in wild places—guides, trackers, photographers, and conservationists—sharing stories that reconnect us with the natural world.