Podcast appearances and mentions of michael howie

We're releasing this episode in time for International Rabbit Day – a celebration of our favourite floppy-eared lagomorphs. While rabbits do make wonderful companions, they are frequently released or dumped in the wild – and with an exceptionally quick gestation period, that can lead to a lot of domestic rabbits in the wild, really fast. Fortunately, there are incredible people who are working to find homes for rabbits and prevent the need for dumping – like Amy McLaughin of Amy's Bunny Barn on Vancouver Island. A vet assistant, past SPCA worker, and passionate advocate for rabbits, Amy is providing essential education, foster care, and resources to help keep bunnies in homes with full, happy lives. To share more about what goes into caring for a pet rabbit, why dumping is such an issue, and the importance of meeting the many needs of bunnies in homes, Amy joins Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES The rabbit shown in the episode artwork is named Bella, and is one of many bunnies available for adoption! Visit https://www.amysbunnybarn.org/adoptables to see more. Amy's Bunny Barn online: https://www.amysbunnybarn.org/ Support Amy's Bunny Barn with a tax deductible donation: https://www.amysbunnybarn.org/donate Amy's Bunny Barn on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amysbunnybarn/ Amy's Bunny Barn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amysbunnybarn/ Amy's Bunny Barn on Pinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/amysbunnybarn/ Amy's Bunny Barn on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amybunnybarn Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Finding community is an important part of being an advocate – and in a post pandemic world, that can be a struggle. Fortunately, opportunities like Humane Canada's Summit for Animals bring together hundreds of likeminded people, sharing resources, ideas, and finding hope together. The 2025 Summit for Animals is taking place in Montreal, Quebec on April 27, 28 and 29 – and there's still time to submit a proposal to present yourself! To learn more about the Summit, the range of subjects that will be presented upon, and what kind of proposal is perfect, Humane Canada's Natalia Hanson joins Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES Episode art photo by RT-Images / Getty Images Humane Canada's website: https://humanecanada.ca/ Humane Canada's Summit for Animals website: https://reg.eventmobi.com/summitforanimals Humane Canada on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HumaneCanada/ Humane Canada on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanecanada/?hl=en Humane Canada on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanecanada/ Humane Canada on X: https://x.com/HumaneCanada Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Hundreds of black bears are killed in British Columbia every year; often, the issue leading to government agents killing bears is attractants such as unsecure garbage that bears may want to explore or eat. While there is much to be said and debated about this situation, one thing is clear: communities need solutions. And that's where the Ursa Project comes in. Founded in Nelson, BC, in 2022, the Ursa Project was created by concerned citizens who wanted to see the bears of their community protected, not killed simply for looking for food. To date, the non-profit has made inroads in getting new waste management tools, increasing education, and providing an important voice to represent the needs of bears in local decision-making. To share more about the origins, work, and goals of the Ursa Project, Defender Radio is joined by founding member Katie Graves. SHOW NOTES Ursa Project's website: https://www.theursaproject.ca/ Ursa Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789619325665220/ Ursa Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ursaprojectnelson/ FREE coexistence door hangers: https://thefurbearers.com/resources The Fur-Bearers' Attractants page: https://thefurbearers.com/attractants The Fur-Bearers' BC Black Bears page: https://www.thefurbearers.com/bcblackbears Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

More than 5,000 wild species are at risk of extinction in Canada right now – it's an overwhelming, staggering number, and it begs the question: what are we doing about it? Environmental journalist Sarah Cox explores this question with hope and curiosity in her new book, Signs of Life: Field Notes from the Frontlines of Extinction. Featuring interviews and experiences with advocates, researchers, Indigenous peoples, and even the Canadian military, Sarah explores several species at risk of extinction in Signs of Life, and what's being done by different people to make an impact. Signs of Life is a must read for wildlife and environmental advocates in Canada, or anyone interested in how we can make an impact on climate change. Sarah joins Defender Radio to share more about what motivated her to write Signs of Life, how she manages the difficult narratives she shares, and how people of all walks of life can make a difference for the future. SHOW NOTES: Episode art photo by Frank Fichtmüller / Getty Images Sarah Cox's website: https://www.SarahCox.ca Signs of Life from Goose Lane Publishing: https://gooselane.com/collections/nature/products/signs-of-life Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

What's the world like for a Puma in California? What would they encounter, and what would they make of the humans acting strangely in the landscape? Scientist Dr. Tiffany Yap and artist Meital Smith put together what they think that may look like in the incredible Tales of the Urban Wild: A Puma's Journey, now available from Reverberation Books. Dr. Yap, a conservation scientist, wrote the story of the puma named C-8 by local scientists who explores the world around him; Meital Smith, a multidisciplinary artist, developed the incredible artwork that pulls together the graphic novel into a poignant, evocative read. To share more about the motivation behind the story, the artwork, and why the narrative of a young puma navigating the world is more important today than ever before, Dr. Tiffany Yap and Meital Smith join Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES: Buy Tales of the Urban Wild: A Puma's Journey at https://www.amazon.ca/Tales-Urban-Wild-Pumas-Journey/dp/1634050584 Learn more about Meital Smith: https://www.meitalsmith.com/ Learn more about Dr. Tiffany Yap: https://tiffanyyap.com/ Episode art by Meital Smith Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Black bears in British Columbia face an impossible reality: find new places to live, without being near people, while we continue to remove habitat and ecological connectivity from the landscape. It's a struggle that journalist and documentarian Paul Johnson wanted to profile – in hopes of making a change. Bears in our Backyards: The Struggle to Survive with Humans, is Johnson's latest full-length documentary, and features extensive footage of black bears in British Columbia, along with interviews from experts, advocates, and government officials. The documentary is poignant, and shows the precarious situation we've created for black bears – and how our attitudes toward wildlife coexistence can set us all up for success, or failure. Paul joins Defender Radio to share more about what motivated him to create the documentary, how his time as a television journalist with Global BC shapes his views of the issue, and what we can all do to create the future for ourselves and black bears that we want to see. SHOW NOTES: View Bears In Our Backyards: The Struggle to Survive With Humans (trailer and rent/buy options): https://vimeo.com/ondemand/466402 Connect with Paul on X/Twitter: https://x.com/PJReporter/ The episode art image is a still from Bears in our Backyards, provided by Paul Johnson. Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Nakoda was a grizzly bear who lived in Yoho National Park. She was a well-known bear, having been tracked by Parks Canada as Bear 178, and popular with photographers and tourists who caught a glimpse of her famous blonde-white fur. Tragically, on the evening of June 6, 2024, Nakoda was struck by a vehicle on the Trans-Canada highway near the park, and was later found dead. This came only 12 hours after Nakoda's two cubs were also struck and killed on the highway. Nakoda isn't the first grizzly to die due to the railways and highways that flow through and around national park sites; but John Marriott and the team at Exposed Wildlife Conservancy hope she may be the last. John, the cofounder of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy and an award-winning wildlife photographer, joins Defender Radio to share the tragic story of Nakoda and her family, what is leading to the deaths of grizzlies in the area, and how wildlife lovers can take action to protect more grizzly bears. SHOW NOTES: Take Action with Exposed Wildlife Conservancy: https://win.newmode.net/exposedwildlifeconservancy/nakodasletter Connect with Exposed Wildlife Conservancy: https://www.exposedwc.org  Exposed Wildlife Conservancy on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/exposdwc/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/exposdwc/) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@EXPOSEDWildlifeConservancy) Support Exposed Wildlife Conservancy: https://www.exposedwildlifeconservancy.org/one-time-donation  Episode art photo of Nakoda by Exposed Wildlife Conservancy Ambassador Lee Horbachewski Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Mustachioed dog-nappers chasing animated pooches around the city may be what's in some of our heads when it comes to animal control, but the important front-line officers in our communities go well beyond that trope. In Arlington, Virginia, the community knows they can rely on the Animal Welfare League of Arlington to help, whether it's support for expensive veterinary procedures, getting an injured raccoon into care, or working with citizens to ensure that everyone's dignity and welfare are considered. Chief of Animal Control and Senior Director of Community Resources Jennifer Toussaint joins Defender Radio to discuss how considering an intersectional approach to animal welfare makes an impact, the importance of crisis intervention training, and why finding moments to celebrate matters. SHOW NOTES: Visit the Animal Welfare League of Arlington's website: https://www.awla.org/ Find AWLA on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/awlaarlington/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AWLArlington/), and X/Twitter (https://x.com/AWLAArlington). The Office Clip (Dwight and the bat): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6i4rubASKs Parks and Rec (Andy catches the opposum): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0-c3bF-bdc Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Room to roam for wildlife is essential to their health, particularly as they face increasing pressures related to development and the climate crisis. But many communities aren't planned with wildlife in mind – or ecological connectivity between neighbourhoods and boundaries. The California state assembly has passed the Room to Roam Act, which compels local governments to work with each other and state agencies to ensure resilient, sustainable ecosystems are connected to protect wildlife, the environment, and human health. To share more about this exciting legislation, the impact it may have, and why connectivity is an essential tool for climate adaptation, Dr. Tiffany Yap, Senior Scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. SHOW NOTES: Episode photo of a bobcat using an underpass by National Park Service Read the Room To Roam Act: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1889 Read Center for Biological Diversity's News Release: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/california-assembly-passes-first-of-its-kind-bill-to-improve-wildlife-connectivity-2024-05-20/ Support the Center for Biological Diversity: https://biologicaldiversity.org/support/ Report - California Connections: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/wildlife-connectivity/pdfs/California-Connections-wildlife-connectivity-report.pdf Dr. Tiffany Yap: https://tiffanyyap.com/ Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Traditional media has long portrayed coyotes in a negative light – and you don't have to take my word for it. Nicole Murphy, a student at Peterborough's Trent University took on the issue of how coyotes are perceived by undertaking a three-part project: she ran an analysis of media reporting on coyotes across the Greater Toronto Area, surveyed staff, faculty and students at Trent University to get their perceptions, and setup trail cameras around the campus to learn and showcase how coyotes are already coexisting with people. The paper, titled Perceptions of Urban Coyotes in Ontario: The role of media as a barrier to tolerance and possibilities for coexistence, is an outstanding look at how traditional media continues to paint coyotes in a negative light – and how, surprisingly, that impact may be shifting. It also provides insights into how advocates and educators can help people understand who coyotes are, the roles they play in ecosystems, and steps we can all take toward coexistence. To share more about the paper, the results, and what it all means is Nicole Murphy, with Dr. Stephanie Rutherford of Trent University. SHOW NOTES: Coyotes of Trent (Nicole's Thesis website): https://www.coyotesoftrent.com/coyote Trent University News: Why Are People Afraid of Coyotes? Trent Student Research Explores Our Perceptions of the Often-Feared Animal Find Nicole Murphy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemurphy003/ Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Rutherford: https://www.stephanierutherfordphd.com/ Trent University School of the Environment: https://www.trentu.ca/environment/ Trent University's Bachelor of Environmental Science / Studies: https://www.trentu.ca/bess/ Cover photo provided by Nicole Murphy Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Episode originally released September 2021. The idea of walking into a flat earth convention makes my tummy hurt. For Dr. Lee McIntyre, it was an exercise in curiosity explored in the introduction of his new book, How To Talk To A Science Denier. Dr. McIntyre is an author, a research fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University and an instructor in Ethics at Harvard Extension School. An award-winning teacher, McIntyre has penned several popular titles on the philosophy of science and anti-science sentiments and strategies. His latest, published by MIT Press this year, is a dive into science denial in the modern era. How to Talk to A Science Denier combines Dr. McIntyre's own experiences and thoughts with a well-executed explanation of what, somewhat ironically, science and history can tell us about the current state of science denial. The book itself covers subjects ranging from climate denial to conspiracy theory, flat Earth to anti-vaccine and more. However, as I learned by reading the book and through my conversation with Dr. McIntyre, curiosity, compassion and disconfirming inquiries will play a far greater role in bringing science to those who deny it than I initially thought. Learn more about Dr. Lee McIntyre and How To Talk To A Science Denier at https://leemcintyrebooks.com. Want to suggest topics for the show? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael), TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

The search for home is something most people can relate to, at some point in their lives. Regardless of circumstance, that need for the place that is yours, surrounded by the people you love, and the sense of wellness that comes with it, is a universal desire. And it's not just for humans. Animals bred and kept as livestock – or farmed animals – have similar feelings and needs. And one incredible group of people is helping make sure that a forever home exists for those they can help. A Home For Hooves Farm Sanctuary is a haven for animals on Vancouver Island, where pigs, goats, horses, chickens, and other domestic animals can live out their days with love, peace, and serenity. The first Canadian farm sanctuary to be accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, A Home For Hooves was founded in 2017 and cares for over 170 animals. To share the story of how the sanctuary was born, how the location is managed to protect wildlife and the sanctuary animals, and how a big pig named Cyrus led to an even bigger move, Defender Radio is joined by A Home For Hooves founder and director Michelle Singleton. SHOW NOTES: Episode photo shows Sanctuary residents Penny and Buddy. Photo provided by A Home For Hooves. A Home For Hooves website: https://www.homeforhooves.org/ Meet the Animals: https://www.homeforhooves.org/meet-the-animals.html Sponsor an Animal: https://www.homeforhooves.org/sponsor-an-animal.html A Home For Hooves on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahomeforhoovesfarmsanctuary/ A Home For Hooves on Instagram: https://instagram.com/homeforhooves Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Making an emotional connection to a non-human animal is a defining moment in many peoples' lives. It could be the family dog, a squirrel who hops past a window every day, or a black bear known to meander through a local forest. It's that connection that can help people understand the depth of non-human animal emotion and make changes in how they view the world around them. Dr. Marc Bekoff knows a thing or two about this connection – and has revisited a classic publication to show how far science and society have come in understanding animal emotions. Dr. Bekoff is a celebrated ethologist, best-selling author, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, and along with Dr. Jane Goodall, a co-founder of Ethical Treatment of Animals: Citizens for Responsible Animal Behavior Studies. His popular book, The Emotional Lives of Animals, was originally published in 2007 to great response. Seventeen years later, Dr. Bekoff has updated and revised the book with new studies, anecdotes, an updated foreword from Dr. Jane Goodall, and more. Dr. Bekoff joins Defender Radio to share what he's most excited about in the newly revised book, if recognition of animal sentience is the finish line for advocates, and where he sees hope for the future. SHOW NOTES: Episode photo of a coyote by Donna Feledichuk / Getty Images Find Dr. Marc Bekoff's website at https://marcbekoff.com/ Animal Emotions blog at Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/animal-emotions Dr. Marc Bekoff on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarcBekoff Emotional Lives of Animals (book): https://newworldlibrary.com/product/the-emotional-lives-of-animals-revised Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Investigations into farms by animal advocacy groups is an essential tool to exposing serious, systemic abuses of animals, failures to follow basic policy, and have led to criminal charges. But the Ontario government wanted to stop that – and introduced Bill 156 in 2020. The Bill, Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, was challenged in court by Animal Justice, with applicants Jessica Scott-Reid (a journalist) and Louise Jorgensen (an advocate with Toronto Cow Save). Intervenors who joined Animal Justice included Animal Alliance of Canada, the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University, and The Regan Russell Foundation. After some serious legal work by the aforementioned team, Justice Markus Koehnen of the Superior Court ruled that elements of the law and its regulation violate the right to freedom of expression guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal Justice, joins Defender Radio to share the background and impact of Bill 156, the significance of defeating elements of it in court, and how that will make a difference for advocates and animals in Ontario and across Canada. SHOW NOTES:  Animal Justice Court Decision Media Release: https://animaljustice.ca/media-releases/court-strikes-down-ontario-law-banning-hidden-camera-farm-investigations Animal Justice Court Decision article: https://animaljustice.ca/blog/animal-justice-defeats-ag-gag-law Read the transcript of Justice Markus Koehnen's decision: https://animaljustice.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Animal-Justice-et-al-v-Attorney-General-of-Ontario-2024-ONSC-1753.pdf This episode's artwork features a rescued cow from Wishing Well Santuary in Bradford, Ontario. Photo by Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media. Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

A concrete laden Barton Street runs the distance of lower Hamilton, marking the transition from residential housing to commercial and industrial spaces – what many people think of when they hear Steel City. But along this busy street something magical is happening: swatches of concrete are vanishing, to be replaced by naturalized gardens. Flowers, native grasses, and plenty of shrubs and trees are establishing themselves in this urban core thanks to programs and the teams at Green Venture, a Hamilton-based nonprofit. Depaving is just one of the projects that Green Venture focuses on, in addition to rain gardens, urban miniforests, volunteer and educational opportunities, and more. To get the rundown on the significant impact this non-profit is making, Defender Radio is joined by  Green Venture Program Manager Liz Enriquez. SHOW NOTES: Image of depaving project on Barton Street provided by Green Venture. Green Venture on the web: https://greenventure.ca/ GV on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green_venture/ GV on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Green_Venture GV on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenVentureHamilton/ GV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCn18YjPfLsiLCPgFVW37fQ/ Defender Radio Podcast episode "The Mini-Forest Revolution": https://thefurbearers.com/blog/defender-radio/the-mini-forest-revolution-with-hannah-lewis/ Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

If you don't already have passes to Humane Canada's Summit for Animals May 5 to 7 in Halifax, you're going to miss out on an awful lot! The annual event is organized by Humane Canada, the national federation of humane societies and SPCAs, and presenting sponsor PetSmart Charities of Canada. The Summit for Animals brings together people who work on the frontlines of animal welfare, the folks who strategize behind the scenes, people who run shelters, and those that seek legislative policy shifts. It's the place to be for animal advocates, and to share more about what this year's conference will include, Defender Radio was joined by Humane Canada's Natalia Hanson. SHOW NOTES: Register for the Summit for Animals: https://reg.eventmobi.com/summitforanimals Add your name to Summit email list: https://mailchi.mp/humanecanada/summit-sign-up-form Learn more about Humane Canada: https://www.humanecanada.ca/ PetSmart Charities of Canada: https://petsmartcharities.ca/ Episode Art Photo by Donna Feledichuk / Getty Images Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Simone Diamond is a Coast Salish artist who creates art pieces in the Coast Salish style. You may have seen Simone's designs featured on products from companies like Native Northwest, on her popular Instagram account, or in The Fur-Bearers' kids activity book. Simone joins Defender Radio to talk about how spirituality is infused with her art, the impact of colonization on the traditions in her family and culture, and how aspiring artists can find joy and inspiration around them. SHOW NOTES Episode art by Simone Diamond Find Simone on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/simonediamonddesigns/ Find Francis Horne Sr. (Simone's master carver father) on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/francishornesr/?hl=en Simone's Designs at Native Northwest: https://nativenorthwest.ca/simone-diamond-coast-salish/ Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Improving the lives of dogs across Canada and around the world is a hefty goal – but by talking about the lives of wild dogs, Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin is getting closer to reaching that goal every day. Dr. Fraser-Celin, who has worked with African wild dogs, dogs in Indigenous communities in Canada, and identifying how a one-health approach makes an impact, is breaking down misconceptions, providing resourecs, and creating community programs – all from an Instagram account, @TheLivesofWildDogs. Head over to @TheLivesofWildDogs while listening to Dr. Fraser-Celin on Defender Radio discuss her journey to supporting people and dogs, how pet pantries can make an impact, what she hopes to achieve, and how a single television trainer introduced – and perpetuated – one of the biggest dog myths there is. SHOW NOTES: Find Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/TheLivesofWildDogs Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

It's grey, generally cold, damp, and rather unpleasant in early February across Canada. Fortunately, it's a great time of year to get outside and start planting! Now, I know I'm out on a bit of a limb here, but late winter and early spring are actually ideal for sowing many vital, native plant species across Canada. To tie this into how it helps wildlife and the environment briefly, many of the species we'll be talking about are essential to pollinators. SHOW NOTES: Cold Stratification: https://www.bhg.com/seed-stratification-6944477 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ Environment Canada Hardiness Zone Map: http://planthardiness.gc.ca/?m=1 Episode photo by Claude Laprise / Getty Images Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree).   

Killing neck snares are cruel devices that experts and scientists have shown to be ineffective and inhumane. Yet they remain common across Canada. A new documentary series, Trapped In The Past, is challenging why killing neck snares remain legal to use, what impact they have on wildlife, and how a lack of updated regulations puts wildlife, people, and pets at risk. The series, the result of a partnership between The Fur-Bearers and Exposed Wildlife Conservancy, features John E. Marriott and Kim Odland, cofounders of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy, as they explore the issues of trapping and interview experts – including trappers. To share more about the experiences that led to the development of the documentary series, what viewers can expect, and how everyone can make a difference to protect wildlife, John Marriott joins Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES Visit TrappedInThePast.com to watch all available episodes and take action now! View Trapped In The Past on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8zRjvAnLUg Learn more about trapping with The Fur-Bearers: https://thefurbearers.com/our-work/make-fur-history/trapping/ Connect with Exposed Wildlife Conservancy: https://www.exposedwildlifeconservancy.org/ Follow EWC on Facebook (click here), Twitter (click here), YouTube (click here), and Instagram (click here).  Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Eating a plant-based diet is a great way to be healthy and reduce your impact on the environment and climate crisis. Making the change can be intimidating, especially if, like me, you grew up on meat and potatoes. Fortunately, folks like Candice Hutchings are making it easier than ever to eat plant-based. Known by her millions of online followers as The Edgy Veg, Candice is a recipe designer and cookbook author who brings wit and levity to her channels. Beyond accessible, delicious recipes that are a weekly hit in my home, Candice also offers insights on animal advocacy, mental health, and the environment – and how plant-based eating impacts them all. Candice “The Edgy Veg” Hutchings joins Defender Radio to share her journey to becoming a cookbook author, influencer, and why the future will be plant-based. SHOW NOTES Episode photo provided by The Edgy Veg The Edgy Veg website: www.theedgyveg.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/edgyveg TikTok: www.tiktok.com/theedgyveg YouTube: www.youtube.com/@edgyveg Book - Easy Eats: https://amzn.to/47EpatT Book - 138 Carnivore Approved Vegan Recipes - https://amzn.to/3tSyFb6 Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree).   

Are you an active gardener looking for ways to reduce your impact on the local environment? Rain barrels are a great, accessible place to start! Join me for a quick conversation about the known - and perhaps less known - benefits of using rain barrels around your home.  Have you had success with rain barrels, or created an innovative solution? Let me know at @HowieMichael on Instagram or by emailing Michael@TheFurBearers.com!  SHOW NOTES Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree).  Mike's shed rain barrel solution (lean-to of leftover project wood, one piece of corrugated roofing, one piece of eaves, and a downspout extendor; the rain barrel itself is a garbage can with a faucet caulked near the base and the lid turned upside down with a hole to create the screened intake). Total project cost ~$100

Beavers are incredible animals who have complex social lives, engineer essential ecosystems, and can help us develop climate resilience. In Canada, beavers were nearly wiped out by fur trappers, but their populations slowly returned, though not to their pre-colonization levels. But in Britain, European beavers haven't had the opportunity to return to the landscape. That's what the Beaver Trust wants to change. A registered charity in England and Wales, Beaver Trust is seeking to restore beavers to their former range, in hopes of building climate resilient landscapes and restoring freshwater habitats. Their multi-tiered strategy includes translocation of beavers into landscapes and implementation of coexistence measures, communicating and educating on the success of the programs, and influence government policy to support ecological goals. Dr. Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Head of Restoration for Beaver Trust, joins Defender Radio to share why returning beavers to Britain matters, what tools and strategies are used to prevent or mitigate negative encounters, and how communication ends up playing a significant role in this scientific journey. SHOW NOTES Episode photo of a Scottish beaver (Castor fiber) by AlasdairSargent / Getty Images Beaver Trust website: https://beavertrust.org/ Beaver Trust on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beavertrust/ Beaver Trust on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beavertrust?lang=en Beaver Trust on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/beaver-trust Beaver Trust on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beavertrust/?hl=en Article: Always Champion the Underbug: Career insights with beaver specialist Dr. Roisin Campbell-Palmer - Beaver Trust The Fur-Bearers' Beaver Coexistence Booklet: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/the-fur-bearers-release-free-beaver-coexistence-book/ Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree).   

Gift giving is wonderful and generous, but around the holidays can generate a lot of waste. Dr. Elisabeth Ormandy (TEDx speaker, UBC Professor and zero waste enthusiast) is making The Switch to zero waste gift giving!  These tips can make a big impact on local waste during the holiday season, and we'd love to hear from you! Tag @howiemichael on Instagram or email defenderradio@gmail.com with your zero waste gift giving tips and get included in a future episode! This episode was originally published December 13, 2021. SHOW NOTES: Episode photo by Julia Klueva / Getty Images Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Tigers are at risk of extinction around the globe. But in India, hard fought conservation has seen the population double since 2006. While this is fantastic news, it does create new challenges to face: such as how to manage poachers, and negative encounters between tigers and animals kept as livestock, and the people who live in the tigers' range. Artificial intelligence, matched with innovative trail camera technology may be the answer to not only protecting tigers in India, but other large carnivores around the world. Published in the October 2023 edition of BioScience, 'Mitigating human-wildlife conflict and monitoring endangered tigers using a real-time camera-based alert system' outlines how the new tech (TrailGuard AI by Nightjar) works, and what implications it may have beyond tigers in India. Lead author of this paper Dr. Jeremy S. Dertien joins Defender Radio to share more about his experience working with AI and tigers, how we can see the solution be used in larger context, and what ethical issues need to be considered. SHOW NOTES: Photo of tigress in India by Dr. Jeremy S. Dertien Dr. Jeremy S. Dertien's website: https://www.conservationdertien.com/ BioScience study: https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article/73/10/748/7261057 OneEarth coverage: https://www.oneearth.org/breakthrough-monitoring-technology-to-save-the-worlds-tigers/ TIME magazine calls TrailGuard AI one of the best inventions of 2023: https://time.com/collection/best-inventions-2023/6327141/trailguard-ai/ NGO Resolve and TrailGuard AI: https://www.resolve.ngo/trailguard.htm Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Giving Tuesday is a huge opportunity for non-profits and charities across the country to raise desperately needed funds to keep campaigns going. But Canadians are giving less overall to charities – and that means Giving Tuesday is even more important. Hear more about how only a few dollars or a share can make impact for people, wildlife, and the environment this year. SHOW NOTES: The Fur-Bearers Giving Tuesday Campaign: https://www.thefurbearers.com/givingtuesday.  CanadaHelps 2023 Giving Report: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/the-giving-report/ Ontario Nonprofit Network article: https://theonn.ca/2023/08/charitable-giving-has-reached-a-historic-low-in-canada-now-what Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Wolves are iconic, majestic and absolutely essential apex predators. But what do Canadians think about wolves? That was the primary question driving a survey developed by Drs. Valli-Laurente Fraser-Celin and Stephanie Rutherford in conjunction with The Fur-Bearers earlier this year. The final report, titled, The Social Landscape of Wolves in Canada: A National Survey, revealed fascinating results, some of which were quite unexpected. To dive into the survey results, what we can learn from them, and how they will impact advocacy, conservation, and protection for wolves in Canada, Drs. Valli-Laurente Fraser-Celin and Stephanie Rutherford join Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES: Episode art photo by John E. Marriott (https://www.wildernessprints.com/)  Dr. Valli-Laurente Fraser-Celin (Instagram: @thelivesofwilddogs) Dr. Stephanie Rutherford (Website: https://www.stephanierutherfordphd.com/, Mapping for Change project: https://www.mapping4change.org/, Book (Villain, Vermin, Icon, Kin: Wolves and the Making of Canada): https://www.mqup.ca/villain--vermin--icon--kin-products-9780228011088.php) The Social Landscape of Wolves in Canada: A National Survey (https://thefurbearers.com/blog/the-social-landscape-of-wolves-in-canada-a-national-survey/)  Mario Canseco and Research Co.: https://researchco.ca/ Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Political leaders from across the spectrum have debated the taxation and cost of home heating in Canada recently; while noses are thumbed back and forth, there's a couple easy steps we can all take in our homes to reduce our energy usage as we enter the chilly season. Let's talk about drafts and how to reduce them without breaking the bank! SHOW NOTES: Episode art photo by nicoletaionescu / Getty Images Natural Resources Canada Directory of Energy Efficiency Programs for Homes (https://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/programs/programs.cfm) Why it's time to hop on the energy-efficient bandwagon, CIBC article (https://www.cibc.com/en/personal-banking/smart-advice/renovating-a-home/energy-efficiency.html)  Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Any time spent watching chimpanzees is valuable; they show tool use, complex social structures and behaviours, and, according to the latest science, are often quite adorable. It's no surprise that humans are fascinated by chimpanzees, as we share 98.8 percent of our DNA with them. But how humans treat chimpanzees isn't always positive. Chimps are still poached for meat and are kept as pets or entertainment. On social media, chimps are dressed up, paraded about, and earn significant revenue for their owners and social media platforms. Tragically, these platforms have little in place to protect potentially exploited animals, and that's something Dr. Jake Brooker wants to see change. A research associate at Durham University, working at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust, Dr. Brooker is studying the behaviour of rescued chimpanzees who were taken from the pet and bushmeat trades. In a recent article on TheConversation.com, Dr. Brooker outlined the realities chimps face as a result of social media and the ongoing plight of wild chimpanzees. To share more about his experiences with the chimpanzees of Chimfunshi, what he's learning about their incredible behaviour, emotional lives, and social structures, and how animal lovers can help protect chimpanzees, Dr. Brooker joins Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES: Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphange Trust: https://chimfunshiwildlife.org/ Dr. Brooker's Durham University Page: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/jake-s-brooker/ Dr. Brooker's work at Chimfunshi is funded by a grant from the Templeton World Charity Foundation: https://www.templetonworldcharity.org/?furbearers Dr. Jake Brooker on Twitter/X (https://twitter.com/jakebrooker?lang=en), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jakebrooker.photo/).  Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Wildlife rehabilitators are incredible people: they dedicate their time, personal or professional, to assisting wild animals who are injured or orphaned. It takes a lot to successfully navigate the provincial bureaucracies, fundraising, administration, and volunteer wrangling – let alone actually caring for the animals. I regularly stand in awe of such individuals, and as such, am thrilled to connect with Bonnie Dell, Executive Director of Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan. Bonnie joins Defender Radio to share the story of WRSOS, the challenges faced daily in providing care for Saskatchewan's wildlife, and how people can support WRSOS, their local rehabilitator, and get involved. Episode art features Tinker, a fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) who was successfully rehabilitated and released by WRSOS! SHOW NOTES: Wildlie Rescue Society of Saskatchewan website: https://www.wrsos.org/ WRSOS on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WRSOS/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wildliferescuesos/?hl=en), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCDRIb8FIc9QqTDoVhL72A), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrsos?originalSubdomain=gt).  Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio). 

Beavers are an essential animal to the North American landscape. They create and maintain wetlands that are home to at-risk and endangered species; they clean runoff from agricultural lands; they sequester carbon; they improve habitat for salmon and other fish species; and they even help mitigate wildfires. Sadly, beavers are trapped and killed across Canada and the United States for their fur, but also when their presence challenges human infrastructure. Fortunately, there are solutions that keep beavers on the land and protect human-created systems like roadways and storm water management systems. And teaching people how to implement these life-saving devices is The Beaver Institute. A US-based non-profit, The Beaver Institute aims to restore ecological balance with beavers, and offers incredible training programs that help communities coexist. To speak more to the programs, the importance of beavers, and how people can get involved with protecting beavers across the landscape, Defender Radio is joined by Adam Burnett, Executive Director of The Beaver Institute. SHOW NOTES: The Beaver Institute: https://www.beaverinstitute.org/?furbearers The Fur-Bearers' Beaver Institute Scholarship: https://thefurbearers.com/our-work/outreach-education/scholarships-awards/beaver-institute-scholarship/ The Fur-Bearers' Beaver Coexistence Guide: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/the-fur-bearers-release-free-beaver-coexistence-book/ Episode Art photo by Traci Beattie / Getty Images Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

We spend our lives with dogs, sharing joy, sorrow, companionship, and often surprisingly deep friendships. But often, we can be perplexed by our best friends' behaviours, or make assumptions about why they're barking, rolling over, or refusing to let you have the ball after demanding that you throw it for them. For those who want to learn more about dogs – in a practical, direct way, Dr. Marc Bekoff has a solution: his new book, Dogs Demystified, an A-to-Z Guide to All Things Canine. The new book, which has a forward by Jane Goodall, is an encyclopedia of dog behaviours, technical and colloquial terminology, and pretty much anything you need to know to learn how to be a better companion to your dog, and understand their needs. Dr. Bekoff, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado and an ethologist, joins Defender Radio to share what led to this new book, why having citations on his website makes for an easier read, and how demystifying dogs can lead to a happier, healthier companion. Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Blat, Darcy and Eggerton flee the forces of evil into a whirlwind of paradoxes and nightmares.Episode TranscriptGame Master: Sean HowardPlayers: Carter Siddall, Michael Howie and Marisa KingStory Consultant: Laura PackerGame Consultant: Stephen SmithMusic and Sound Design: Eli Hamada McIlveenContent warning: Panic, hallucinations, falling from heights, murder, trauma, gory comedy deaths.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Blat, Darcy and Eggerton flee the forces of evil into a whirlwind of paradoxes and nightmares. Game Master: Sean Howard Players: Carter Siddall, Michael Howie and Marisa King Story Consultant: Laura Packer Game Consultant: Stephen Smith Music and Sound Design: Eli Hamada McIlveen Content warning: Panic, hallucinations, falling from heights, murder, trauma, gory comedy deaths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a repost from last year's popular Defender Radio Solstice Special! The Squirrel Who Stole Solstice was written and directed by Marisa King. Starring Kristi Boulton, Marisa King and Michael Howie. Original holiday carol by Julian Sark. The Squirrel Who Stole Solstice was written and Directed by Marisa King! Marisa voiced Nutty! Marisa King is an actor, director and long-time animal advocate based in Toronto, Ontario.  You can also hear her on the award-winning Alba Salix podcast as well as improvising her way through the wacky roleplaying world of The End of Time and Other Bothers, all from Fable & Folly production at FableandFolly.com. Nutzo and Mrs. DeNutzio were played by Kristi Boulton! Kristi Boulton is an actor, improviser, director and podcast producer in Hamilton, Ontario, and can be found at www.kristiboulton.com or on the socials (Twitter: https://twitter.com/kristi_boulton, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristi_boulton/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiboulton/). Kristi can also be heard on Civilized, a dark comedy improvised podcast at CivilizedPod.com.  The original squirrel solstice carol was written and performed by Julian Sark, with backup squirrel vocals by Marisa King and Kristi Boulton.  Julian Sark is a deeply repressed creative based in Toronto.  Due to the immense internal pressures at play, asking him to do literally anything will likely get you way, way more than you bargained for.  Seriously, like, get ready to screen your calls, people.  He's also recently written a song he thinks would be perfect for Michael Buble, so Michael, if you're listening, find Julian on Facebook.  Yes, he's that old. And I played Mr. O, and worked with this fabulous team of creative geniuses to put the episode online for all of you. Thank you EVERYONE for listening, and please remember to be kind, be curious, and be patient with each other. Happy Solstice, everyone, and happy solstice Magnanimous Moose! Defender Radio and The Switch will return with new episodes in 2023.  

Ethical skincare expert Tricia Stevens of batch skincare joined The Switch to share tips on how to identify ethical and sustainable ingredients and products while choosing skincare and beauty products.  batch skincare, launched by industry experts with decades of experience, also prioritizes kindness, effectiveness, progress, fairness and giving back. The Fur-Bearers is one of the first organizations that is benefitting from the kindness of batch skincare. Right now you can save 10% on your first batch and also have that matched with a donation from batch skincare by using the code FURBEARERS10% at checkout.  Show Notes + Links Learn more about batch skincare at https://batchskincare.com/?defenderradio Use code FURBEARERS10% at checkout for your first order and you'll save 10% plus batch will make a donation to The Fur-Bearers!  You can connect with Tricia Stevens via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-stevens-304500a/?originalSubdomain=ca Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Halloween may be over, but the horrific hijinx continue with the delightful vampire comedy https://tubitv.com/movies/491824/i-had-a-bloody-good-time-at-house-harker?start=true (I HAD A BLOODY GOOD TIME AT HOUSE HARKER (2016)). The bumbling descendants of Jonothan and Mina Harker must raise $50,000 to save their ancestral home, and their elaborate scheme to cash in on their vampire-slaying history accidentally kicks off an actualvampire apocalypse. Oopsie. To add to the blood-soaked belly laughs, my special guests are https://www.screamqueenz.com/guests/michael-howie-1/ (MICHAEL HOWIE) from Defender Radio and https://www.screamqueenz.com/guests/christopher-gronlund-1/ (CHRISTOPHER GRONLUND) from Not About Lumberjacks. https://tubitv.com/movies/491824/i-had-a-bloody-good-time-at-house-harker?start=true (I HAD A BLOODY GOOD TIME OF HOUSE HARKER) was directed by https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1286934/?ref_=tt_ov_dr (CLAYTON COGSWELL) and stars https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4756611/?ref_=tt_ov_wr (NOEL CARROLL), https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3250385/?ref_=tt_ov_wr (JACOB GIVENS),https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3344322/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5 ( DEREK HAUGEN) and https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3179972/?ref_=tt_cl_t_7 (WHITNEY MOORE). https://tubitv.com/movies/491824/i-had-a-bloody-good-time-at-house-harker?start=true (I HAD A BLOODY GOOD TIME AT HOUSE HARKER) is currently available to watch on Amazon Prime, Tubi, The Roku Channel and Plex. Check out the sketch comedy of https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodCopsTV (GOODCOPS TV )on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodCopsTV (https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodCopsTV) Visit us at http://www.screamqueenz.com/ (www.ScreamQueenz.com) ***** Leave us a message at http://www.screamqueenz.com/voicemail (www.ScreamQueenz.com/voicemail) ***** Get access to THE FINAL REEL, "DAMN YOU, UNCLE LEWIS!" and all other Premium ScreamQueenz PATREON Content for as little as $5 a month. Find out more at http://www.patreon.com/screamqueenz (www.Patreon.com/screamqueenz) ***** BUY ME A COFFEE at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/screamqueenz (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/screamqueenz) ***** Get all your SCREAMQUEENZ MERCHANDISE and browse our entire catalog of hand-curated designs at SCREAMTEEZ. Visit http://www.screamqueenz.com/merch (www.screamqueenz.com/merch) ***** Catch all the video fun on the official ScreamQueenz YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg2yOVFHmwA0hHEt5Gpd7DA?view_as=subscriber (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg2yOVFHmwA0hHEt5Gpd7DA?view_as=subscriber) ***** CAPTIVATE.FM is the only podcast host dedicated to helping your podcast grow. Try them out for free for 7 days at https://www.screamqueenz.com/captivate (https://www.screamqueenz.com/captivate) ***** Don't settle for subpar sound. Get a free 7 day trial of SQUADCAST.FM - Remote Recordings For Professional Podcasters at https://www.screamqueenz.com/squadcast (https://www.screamqueenz.com/squadcast) Mentioned in this episode: November Movie Schedule

Solutions to the climate crisis are multifaceted and require innovative thinking. It also means the way we've been doing things, particularly with development, need to change. Imagine the vast array of asphalt, concrete, tar shingles, and metals that cover cities; they don't absorb water, and they retain heat – the opposite of what is desperately needed in many communities. What if we took all that infrastructure and made it green? While I traditionally avoid disagreement with my heroes, Kermit had this one wrong: it's getting easier by the day to be green. Defender Radio was joined by Dr. Anna Zakrisson, a green infrastructure researcher and science communicator to discuss what green roofs and green infrastructure can do for our cities. SHOW NOTES & LINKS: Follow Dr. Anna Zakrisson on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/doctor.annas.imaginarium), her website https://annasimaginarium.com/, or Green Roof Diagnostics at https://www.greenroofdiagnostics.com/.  The building depicted in this week's episode art is the ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall in Japan, a pioneer project of green infrastrucutre. Read more at https://www.greenroofs.com/projects/acros-fukuoka-prefectural-international-hall/.  Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

batch skincare launched this year and are already making an impact. The freshest skincare on the planet, every batch is made to order, has no preservatives or harsh chemicals, and uses vegan, fair-trade, organic and cruelty-free ingredients! The company, launched by industry experts with decades of experience, also prioritizes kindness, effectiveness, progress, fairness and giving back. The Fur-Bearers is one of the first organizations that is benefitting from the kindness of batch skincare. Right now you can save 10% on your first batch and also have that matched with a donation from batch skincare by using the code FURBEARERS10% at checkout.  To talk more about this fresh company and what sets them apart, as well as details on how your purchase can help wildlife, Tricia Stevens joined Defender Radio. Show Notes + Links Learn more about batch skincare at https://batchskincare.com/?defenderradio Use code FURBEARERS10% at checkout for your first order and you'll save 10% plus batch will make a donation to The Fur-Bearers!  You can connect with Tricia Stevens via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-stevens-304500a/?originalSubdomain=ca Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Fairtrade is a recognized sustainability term worldwide. Did you know that fairtrade practices are also applied in fashion? Kemp Edwards, sustainable business expert, President & CEO at Econic Apparel and Ethical Profiling, and Principal at Vert2Grow, joins The Switch to share how people can make a difference in the world through how they buy clothes. Show notes & Links Find Kemp Edwards through his sustainable, ethical businesses, including: Econic Apparel (https://www.econicapparel.com, https://www.facebook.com/econicapparel, https://www.instagram.com/econicapparel/)  Ethical Profiling (https://ethicalprofiling.com, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063545023269, https://twitter.com/ethicalprofile, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethical-profiling-ltd/)  Vert2Grow (https://vert2grow.com/) Want to suggest topics for The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

It's a common saying, that animals have no voice. But they do – they can be quite proficient at communicating their needs. It's more that humans have forgotten how to listen. This is a reality Ellie Lamb, bear viewing guide and educator, encounters often in her work. Black bears are found across Canada, but one of their largest populations exists within British Columbia. Despite all that is known about bears and how to prevent negative encounters, thousands of them are killed in British Columbia annually by the BC Conservation Officer Service, often for accessing anthropogenic, or human-created attractants and food sources. Talking to bears – or more particularly learning how to listen to them – can be a significant step in preventing such outcomes for bears, and lead to successful coexistence. Defender Radio was joined by Ellie Lamb to discuss black bears in British Columbia, what it means to talk and listen to bears, and how coexistence can be successful in communities. SHOW NOTES & LINKS You can find Ellie Lamb on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100033726425739 More information about BC black bears, how to coexist, and current actions from The Fur-Bearers can be seen at: https://www.thefurbearers.com/bcblackbears.  Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

The crew find themselves stuck with a new colleague. Recorded before a live audience at the Staircase Studio Theatre as part of the Hamilton Fringe Festival 2022. With: Kristi Boulton, Sean Howard, Michael Divinski and Phil Johnston Special guest: Michael Howie Live sound: Eli Hamada McIlveen Tech operator: Marc Nascimento Content warning: Bodily harm and death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An encounter with the local flora leaves some of the crew bent out of shape.  Recorded before a live audience at the Staircase Studio Theatre as part of the Hamilton Fringe Festival 2022. With: Kristi Boulton, Sean Howard, Michael Divinski and Phil Johnston Special guest: Michael Howie Live sound: Eli Hamada McIlveen Tech operator: Marc Nascimento Content warning: Bodily harm and death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two fur farms in Quebec are at the centre of a complaint filed by Animal Justice after they received images from We Animals Media. The photos, captured in August 2022, show deplorable conditions for mink and foxes. The Montreal SPCA has initiated a call for a ban on fur farming in Quebec and are setting up inherently inhumane fur farms as an election issue in the province. Camille Labchuk, executive director of animal law non-profit Animal Justice joined Defender Radio to discuss the situation in Quebec, what the images revealed, how various organizations are pushing for change, and what individuals can do to make a difference. Show Notes and Links: Animal Justice Article on Quebec Fur Farms: https://animaljustice.ca/blog/quebec-fur-farm-photos-show-suffering-foxes-mink We Animals Media Photo Gallery: https://tinyurl.com/yc245upv Montreal SPCA action page in French: https://www.spca.com/fermes-a-fourrure-images/ Montreal SPCA action page in English: https://www.spca.com/en/fur-farms-images/ The Fur-Bearers Article on Quebec Fur Farms: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/animal-justice-submits-complaint-to-investigate-quebec-fur-farms/ The Fur-Bearers National Fur Farming Toolkit: https://thefurbearers.com/our-work/make-fur-history/fur-farming/act-against-fur-farming/ Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are being banned in jurisdictions around the world due to the harm they cause ecosystems and individual animals. Fortunately, rodent proofing your home or business is a humane solution that's also great for the environment! Erin Ryan, a wild animal welfare specialist for the BC SPCA shares simple ways you can make the switch to a rodent proofed home! Shownotes and links: Learn more about humane methods to manage rodents from the BC SPCA at https://spca.bc.ca/ways-to-help/take-action/urban-wildlife/humane-rodent-control. You can also hear Erin talk more in-depth about SGARs in this episode of Defender Radio: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/defender-radio/rodenticides-with-erin-ryan.  Looking for more on finding humane removal companies? Check out the BC SPCA's Animal Kind program at https://animalkind.ca. Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and The Switch? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio and The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Farmed animal sanctuaries are a place of healing and hope. But the creation and management of a farmed animal sanctuary can be an overwhelming process with lives at stake. Sarien and Hugo Slabbert in 2019 started the charitable People Ensuring Animal Care Exists, or P.E.A.C.E., to provide vital resources in Western Canada. P.E.A.C.E. provides rescue support, resources for sanctuaries and their volunteers, and humane education for the public. They even have a podcast – Equilibrium by P.E.A.C.E. – to discuss issues from the perspective of farmed animal sanctuaries. To share the story of P.E.A.C.E., the importance of sustainable sanctuaries, and how everyone can make a difference for their local farmed animal sanctuary, Sarien Slabbert recently joined Defender Radio. LINKS: Get in touch with Sarien and Hugo at P.E.A.C.E. Canada at https://peacecanada.org.  Check out the Equilibrium by P.E.A.C.E. podcast at https://peacecanada.org/equilibrium-by-peace-podcast/ or by finding it wherever you listen. P.E.A.C.E. Canada on Instagram: https://www.secure.instagram.com/peacecanadaorg/ P.E.A.C.E. Canada on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/peacecanadaorg/ Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Rewilding the world is an important step in combating climate change; recreating ecosystems and habitat can't happen soon enough. Fortunately, a lot of solutions are already available – including the Miyawaki Method of using mini-forests to reforest the world. Mini-Forest Revolution: Using the Miyawaki Method to Rapidly Rewild The World was released in June 2022 by Chelsea Green Publishing. Author Hannah Lewis shares the ins and outs of what the Miyawaki Method looks like through stories of communities who have built mini-forests, supporting science, and past writings and conversations with the late Akira Miyawaki, who developed this method. The book is a journey of knowledge and solutions, and one that will be loved by readers who enjoy biographies, nature journals, or just want to learn about a reliable climate solution. Author Hannah Lewis joined Defender Radio to discuss writing the book, why the Miyawaki Method matters, and how people all over the world can help kick-start the mini-forest revolution. Photo of a mini-forest in Indiana used for episode art, as depicted in the book, by Dan Grady. Links and Show Notes: Find Mini-Forest Revolution on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3cAnL0N), Chapters Indigo (https://bit.ly/3B43NWl), direct from publisher at ChelseaGreen.com (https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/mini-forest-revolution/) or your local book seller. Learn more about Hannah Lewis on her website at https://www.hannahlewis.org/ Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRadio@Gmail.com, by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (www.instagram.com/howiemichael) or Facebook (www.Facebook.com/DefenderRadio).  The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (www.TheFurBearers.com), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (www.instagram.com/furbearers), Twitter (www.twitter.com/furbearers) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/FurFree). 

Darcy is at sea, Blat is on top of the world – and Eggerton has a kitchen nightmare of a different kind.Episode TranscriptGame Master: Sean HowardPlayers: Carter Siddall, Michael Howie and Marisa KingStory Consultant: Laura PackerGame Consultant: Stephen SmithMusic and Sound Design: Eli Hamada McIlveenContent warning: Electric shocks, tight spaces, panic, missing persons, institutional corruption, involuntary drug use, wheeling, dealing and reality television.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Darcy is at sea, Blat is on top of the world – and Eggerton has a kitchen nightmare of a different kind. Game Master: Sean Howard Players: Carter Siddall, Michael Howie and Marisa King Story Consultant: Laura Packer Game Consultant: Stephen Smith Music and Sound Design: Eli Hamada McIlveen Content warning: Electric shocks, tight spaces, panic, missing persons, institutional corruption, involuntary drug use, wheeling, dealing and reality television. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the end of the Sulfur Night truce approaches, the party's only way out is through the back door – or is it?Episode TranscriptGame Master: Sean HowardPlayers: Carter Siddall, Michael Howie and Marisa KingStory Consultant: Laura PackerGame Consultant: Stephen SmithMusic and Sound Design: Eli Hamada McIlveenContent Warning: impending war, siege, rocket attacks, cave-ins, poisoning, self harm, body image issues, big parental feelings.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.