Heart Of The Wild

Can a great story change the future of our planet? In this FUN, inspiring episode, we explore the extraordinary power of storytelling to reshape the way we think about wildlife, conservation, and our responsibility to protect the natural world. Joining us is Will Attenborough, founder of Green Rider, to discuss how the entertainment industry is embracing more sustainable practices and why the stories we tell on screen have the power to influence millions, inspiring action for wildlife and the planet.Will also reflects on his own family's remarkable conservation legacy and how generations of powerful environmental storytelling has helped shape public understanding. From behind the scenes in Hollywood to the front lines of stories that have changed the way species have evolved, this conversation is a hopeful reminder that stories don't just entertain; they can transform perspectives, spark movements, and help create a better future.For more information on the incredible work that Will is doing with Green Rider, please visit their website at https://www.green-rider.org/ and visit them on social media @greenriderorg

What does it take to earn the trust of a wild gorilla?Ian Redmond OBE has spent more than 50 years finding out. One of the world’s leading great ape conservationists, Ian began his career working with legendary primatologist Dian Fossey and went on to become a pioneering force in gorilla conservation and responsible wildlife tourism.In this episode, Ian takes us deep into the world of mountain gorillas, sharing extraordinary encounters from a lifetime in the field; from working alongside Fossey and David Attenborough to guiding celebrities and rock stars through the African rainforest.He reveals how gorilla trekking began, what it’s really like to come face-to-face with a wild silverback, and why these intensely intelligent, social animals have shaped the course of his life. We also explore our complicated cultural fascination with gorillas, including the surprising story of King Kong, and how our understanding of great apes has transformed over the past half-century.Part adventure story, part conservation masterclass, this is a rare glimpse into the lives of gorillas from a man who has spent a lifetime getting to know, and fighting to protect, them.

Losing a beloved pet is one of life's deepest heartbreaks—but grief is also a reflection of extraordinary love. In this heartfelt episode, we're joined by renowned pet loss grief counsellor Beth Bigler, founder of Honouring Our Animals, to explore why saying goodbye to an animal companion can feel so overwhelming, and how we can move through that grief with compassion, grace, and hope. Together, we discuss the importance of honouring the unique bond we share with our animals, navigating feelings of guilt, anticipatory grief, and loss, and finding meaningful ways to keep their love woven into our lives. Whether you're grieving a recent loss, preparing for an inevitable goodbye, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers comfort, validation, and the gentle reminder that while grief changes us, the love we share with our animals never leaves us.You'll come away feeling seen, supported, and inspired to honour your beloved companion—not only in their memory, but in the way you continue to live, love, and heal.For more information about Beth's work and her book, visit: https://honoringouranimals.com/about/

Some stories don't end when the credits roll—they're only just beginning. Discover how one iconic film inspired a family to turn storytelling into a lifelong mission for wildlife. From the silver screen to the front lines of conservation, this is the remarkable origin story of the Born Free Foundation. Joining us is co-founder Will Travers, whose parents' work on the groundbreaking film Born Free sparked a legacy that has shaped global wildlife conservation for decades. Alongside the Foundation's inspiring journey, Will shares remarkable, true stories of animals whose lives have been transformed through Born Free's work—powerful reminders of what's possible when compassion turns into action.For more information about the Born Free Foundation and how you can get involved, please visit: https://www.bornfree.org.uk/

Trees are more than just part of the landscape — they’re living infrastructure, climate regulators, and biodiversity powerhouses. In this episode, we speak with Abby Seneor, founder of vegetation intelligence platform Treelyon, and explore how new mapping technologies are transforming the way we understand trees. By tracking their lifecycles, health, and growth patterns, we are gaining powerful insights into how trees cool our neighbourhoods, clean our air, and support wildlife.From dense urban streets to vast forests, mapping trees tree-by-tree is revealing the critical role they play in sustaining ecosystems — and why understanding them better may be key to protecting the natural world around us.For more on Treelyon and their important work, check out their website! https://treelyon.com/ For more about the app that identifies bird sounds, visit: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org