Podcasts about wildlife trafficking

A Special Agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for over 20 years, Ed worked in Los Angeles and a variety of international posts before retiring in 2022. During his career, he conducted many high-profile international wildlife trafficking investigations involving every continent, including Antarctica, and is known for bringing down some of our planet's most notorious wildlife criminals. He is a recipient of the Humane Law Enforcement Award from the Humane Society of the United States and a record six Law Enforcement Awards from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. Listeners can learn more about Ed Newcomer on his podcast - Nature’s Secret Service, and on LinkedIn @EdNewcomer In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Ed Newcomer, a retired special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who spent over 20 years chasing down criminals most folks don’t even know exist. From bug smugglers to black market fish dealers, Ed’s seen it all, and y’all, he’s worked cases across a variety of continents, even Antarctica. The duo dig into some of his biggest cases, like the takedown of a notorious insect trafficker, Yoshi Kojima, and an undercover sting that exposed a major fish smuggling ring moving endangered Asian arowanas. Ed opens up about the real dangers behind wildlife crime, why these cases matter, and how they connect to other threats like human trafficking and organized crime. Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum (2:00) Sheryl welcomes guest, Ed Newcomer to Zone 7 (2:30) Ed's undercover work and challenges (3:00) The bug emporium heist (5:00) Becoming a wildlife cop (8:00) The case of Yoshi Kojima (14:00) Building the undercover persona (21:00) Taking advantage of communities and $10k butterflies (27:00) Gaining Yoshi’s trust (34:00) Ed uses awkward advances and undercover finesse (35:30) The arrest and aftermath of (37:30) The connection between wildlife and human trafficking (38:00)  ”Investigation is investigation, and crime is crime. This isn't directly what you're referring to, a lot of times once a smuggler has the systems in the roots in place, they will engage in other types of crimes.” (38:30) The fish smuggling case (43:00) How fish become evidence and crime currency (46:00) Operation RTG begins (50:00) The cost of Asian arowanas and setting up buyers (55:00) A deliver bust in broad daylight (1:01:00) Aftermath of case and final thoughts (1:04:00)  ”My dad worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service, and he worked for the Department of the Interior, you know, like the federal government. And consequently, I spent a lot of time outdoors in my life. I even became the voice of Smokey the Bear.” -Sam Elliot Thanks for listening to another episode! If you’re loving the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to Itunes and leave a rating and review! --- Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Sheryl is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a collaboration between universities and colleges that brings researchers, practitioners, students and the criminal justice community together to advance techniques in solving cold cases and assist families and law enforcement with solvability factors for unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Africa Report Correspondent, Crystal Orderson discussing two major stories: First, African policymakers are meeting in Lomé, Togo, from May 12–14, 2025, at a High-Level Conference co-hosted by the African Union, African Development Bank, and the Togolese government to address Africa’s growing debt crisis. The summit aims to adopt the AU Lomé Declaration, which will lay out shared principles for managing public debt and coordinating creditor engagement across the continent. Second, a Kenyan court has sentenced four men including two Belgians, a Vietnamese, and a Kenyan to one year in prison or a $7,700 fine for attempting to smuggle thousands of live queen ants out of the country, a case shedding light on the niche but illegal global trade in exotic insects. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ant smugglers arrested in Kenya as government warns of new trafficking trends. Trading card series celebrating the humble lives of middle-aged men is popular in Japan. Man, 84, critically injured after falling from cross during crucifixion reenactment. // SUPPORT by joining the Weird AF News Patreon http://patreon.com/weirdafnews - OR buy Jonesy a coffee at http://buymeacoffee.com/funnyjones Buy MERCH: https://weirdafnews.merchmake.com/ - Check out the official website https://WeirdAFnews.com and FOLLOW host Jonesy at http://instagram.com/funnyjones

Clarence Ford chats to Barbara Friedman on Barbs Wire about stories trending online. Views and News with Clarence Ford is the mid-morning show on CapeTalk. This 3-hour long programme shares and reflects a broad array of perspectives. It is inspirational, passionate and positive. Host Clarence Ford’s gentle curiosity and dapper demeanour leave listeners feeling motivated and empowered. Known for his love of jazz and golf, Clarrie covers a range of themes including relationships, heritage and philosophy. Popular segments include Barbs’ Wire at 9:30am (Mon-Thurs) and The Naked Scientist at 9:30 on Fridays. Listen live – Views and News with Clarence Ford is broadcast weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) https://www.primediaplus.com/station/capetalk Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/capetalk/views-and-news-with-clarence-ford/audio-podcasts/views-and-news-with-clarence-ford/ Subscribe to the CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/ Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CapeTalk   CapeTalk on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@capetalk   CapeTalk on Instagram: www.instagram.com/capetalkza  CapeTalk on X: www.x.com/CapeTalk  CapeTalk on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fiona Macleod, editor of Oxpeckers Environmental Journalism, joins John Maytham to unpack a chilling exposé on the criminal networks driving rhino horn trafficking across the South Africa-Mozambique border. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learning English grammar and vocabulary is excellent fun! However, to master the language, you must use it genuinely to discuss various topics and learn new things in English. That means discussing issues and themes you like and those you do not.       I will be the first to tell you perfection is impossible because no one and nothing is perfect. With that said, it is human nature to strive for perfection. Maintain your discipline and learn something new every day.    This is a short introduction to the English conversation lesson, Wildlife Trafficking. I'm sure you'll find it engaging and insightful.    You can access the webpage for the lesson Wildlife Trafficking here: https://links.artisanenglish.jp/LessonWildlifeTrafficking    At ArtisanEnglish.jp, we emphasize enabling students to improve the sophistication of their English through meaningful communication while receiving 100% error correction and detailed after-lesson written feedback.      https://links.artisanenglish.jp/TrialLesson  If you'd like to try a FREE TRIAL LESSON, please get in touch with me, David, at https://www.artisanenglish.jp/contact/      If you are already an ArtisanEnglish.jp student, you can book or preview all the lesson materials.   Here are some other discussion topics related to animals you may find interesting:     1)  Xenotransplantation  Website: https://www.artisanenglish.jp/lesson-xenotransplantation/    2) Consciousness  Website: https://www.artisanenglish.jp/lesson-consciousness/    3) Nature in Wartime  Website: https://www.artisanenglish.jp/lesson-nature-in-wartime/    4) Wild Pigs  Website: https://www.artisanenglish.jp/lesson-wild-pigs/     As always, maintain your discipline and learn something new every day.       Cheers, David.    Website: https://www.artisanenglish.jp  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artisanenglish.jp  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.artisanenglish.jp/  X: https://twitter.com/ArtisanEnglish  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT_UtvyQI9nVO3oX-z9t2mg  Spotify Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/artisanenglishjp

Indonesia is the Asian capital of wildlife trafficking, a market estimated at $20 billion according to Interpol. The archipelago is one of the world's biggest reservoirs of biodiversity. Wild animals are already the victims of massive deforestation, but they now face another. On the islands of Java, Sumatra and Borneo, poachers capture wild animals in their natural habitats and sell them at markets in Jakarta or online. While some of the animals remain in Indonesia, most are sent to other countries in Asia. In response, the Indonesian government is tightening laws against wildlife trafficking. Poachers and traffickers currently face a fine of just over 6,000 euros and up to several years in prison. But under the new law, they could face up to 10 years in prison and a 130,000 euro fine. William de Tamaris, Ismutia Rahmi, Justin McCurry report.

Researchers from Apopo, a Belgian-founded, Tanzania-based NGO, have trained eight African giant pouched rats to sniff out pangolin scales, rhino horns, elephant tusks and hardwood. The rats can be deployed in the fight against endangered wildlife trafficking.

Iquitos is a city of over 400,000 inhabitants located at the heart of the Peruvian Amazon and accessible only by boat or plane. In recent years, it has become a hotbed of wildlife trafficking in one of the world's most biodiverse areas. More than 300 species in Peru are directly threatened by this trafficking. The Peruvian authorities confiscate almost 5,000 animals every year, while tracking down the sale and possession of wild animals – particularly at the Belen market in Iquitos. FRANCE 24's Guillaume Gosalbes and Florent A. Motey report, with Josh Vardey.

Send us a Text Message.Adventure Diaries S2 Episode 134 Recap; Host Chris Watson sits down with Timothy Santel , a retired investigator turned passionate conservationist. Tim shares captivating stories from his 32-year career, where he transitioned from law enforcement to wildlife protection. The episode delves into Tim's dedication to mentoring the next generation of conservationists, his remarkable experiences in Nepal's Chitwan National Park, and his ongoing work with Focus Conservation—a nonprofit organization fighting wildlife trafficking in Africa.Key Takeaways:Mentorship Matters: Tim emphasizes the importance of paying it forward. He shares how his mentors shaped his career and why he continues to guide and support emerging conservationists through his work with Focus Conservation.Adventure in Nepal: Tim recounts his incredible journey to Chitwan National Park, where he encountered rare species like the one-horned rhino and sloth bears. His story highlights the beauty and biodiversity of Nepal, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.Wildlife Protection: Tim discusses his role at Focus Conservation, a unique nonprofit composed of former law enforcement professionals. The organization works with African countries to combat wildlife trafficking and rehabilitate animals like baby gorillas and chimpanzees.Conservation Challenges: Tim sheds light on the harsh realities of wildlife trafficking, sharing a poignant story about a baby gorilla rescued from poachers. He explains the crucial role that organizations like Focus Conservation play in protecting endangered species and preserving their habitats.Quotes from the Episode:“If you've got a skill and you've got experience, help somebody that might need a hand.”“Nepal would be a place that I would recommend... It's home to some of the coolest and most diverse species in the world.”“We're all cops... Our group works with countries in Africa to help them build crime units and mentor those crime units.”“What a cool story it would be to reintroduce [a rescued baby gorilla] back to his family.”Call to Action:Visit Focus Conservation: Learn more about the vital work being done by Tim and his colleagues by visiting Focus Conservation. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.Support Wildlife Protection: Consider supporting organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation and mentoring future conservationists.Explore Nepal: If you're seeking adventure, look into visiting Chitwan National Park in Nepal to witness the incredible wildlife and immerse yourself in local culture.Links Mentioned:Focus Conservation Website Support the Show.Thanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at ideas@adventurediaries.com. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Send us a Text Message.In this thrilling episode of Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson sits down with Timothy Santel.  From Tim's humble beginnings in the Midwest to leading some of the most impactful wildlife conservation operations in history, Tim shares his incredible journey over 32 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Discover the secrets behind Operation Crash—a groundbreaking investigation that dismantled global rhino horn trafficking networks—and Operation Snowplow, which exposed the dark underworld of big cat poaching in the United States. Tim's stories are not just about catching the bad guys but also about the deep passion and commitment it takes to protect the world's most vulnerable species.Tim also shares insights into his post-retirement work with Focus Conservation, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and supporting wildlife crime units across Africa. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about wildlife, conservation, and the relentless fight against poaching.Key Takeaways:Timothy Santel dedicated over 32 years to wildlife conservation and law enforcement.He led major operations like Operation Snowplow and Operation Crash, targeting illegal wildlife trade.Operation Crash was a landmark case that led to numerous arrests and global legislative changes.Tim continues his work through Focus Conservation, mentoring wildlife rangers on the front lines.Call to Adventure:Visit Chitwan National Park in Nepal:Witness one-horned rhinos, tigers, and diverse wildlife.Immerse yourself in local culture by staying in a nearby village.Experience Nepal's first national park and its rich biodiversity.Pay It Forward:Volunteer and gain experience in wildlife conservation.Be passionate and committed, even in unpaid roles.Mentorship is crucial—help guide the next generation of conservationists.Get involved with nonprofits like Focus Conservation to support wildlife crime units and rangers.Links & Resources:https://focusedconservation.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-santel-798206242/ Support the Show.Thanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at ideas@adventurediaries.com. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

This week, the US State Department issued a report on wildlife trafficking, The European Central Bank published a report on payment fraud, and Health Canada discussed the dangers of the increase in domestic fentanyl production. John and Elliot discuss these items and others, including a fraud warning from the FBI, the AML law passed in Singapore, and more.

Amy King hosts your Monday Wake Up Call. ABC News correspondent Tom Rivers speaks on the 78 countries at Swiss conference agreeing Ukraine's territorial integrity must be the basis of any peace. Amy talks with ABC News reporter Jim Ryan about a possible shark-attack epidemic. The stats don't support it. ABC News national correspondent Steven Portnoy joins the show to discuss the rules taking shape or the Trump-Biden debate. The show closes with Amy talking with Senior Advisor on Wildlife Trafficking for the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Sara Walker about the L.A Zoo and AZA debuting wildlife trafficking display at LAX.

Amy talks with the Senior Advisor on Wildlife Trafficking for the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Sara Walker about the L.A Zoo and AZA debuting wildlife trafficking display at LAX.

This week, John and Elliot discuss a new report from the OCCRP about global bad actors using Dubai real estate, the World Wildlife Crime Report from the UN Office of Drugs and Crime, a report from FINTRAC on virtual currency ATMs, a report from the Bipartisan Senate AI Working Group, and more.

Our guest today is Vianna von Weyhausen, a remarkable wildlife conservationist whose work stretches from the plains of Africa to the forests of India, to the charitable foundations of the US. Vianna launched and runs Conservation Solutions International, which focuses on the transformational role of canine units in anti-poaching and wildlife trafficking. Her dogs are trained to work with rangers, detecting poachers and protecting endangered species. Vianna shares her encounters with rhinos, elephants, and hippos, highlighting the brutality of killing and trading parts of endangered species in Africa, India and beyond, for lucrative financial rewards. Some individuals who specialize in wildlife trafficking are increasingly involved in human trafficking, also. She advocates for anti-trafficking initiatives, and describes her successful fundraising campaigns with supporters and foundations who are passionate about conservation work. And she talks about how we can all help.    Conservation Solutions International:https://www.csiwild.org/00:00 - Start00:39 - Meeting Vianna03:56 - Dogs in the anti-poaching units04:38 - How Vianna went from Morocco to Texas05:16 - Explaining Conservation Solutions International (CSI)07:30 - How animal and Human Trafficking involve the same people 08:33 - Poaching horns and the agony of the rhinos09:42 - You have to shoot the elephant to get the tusks - one killed every 20 minutes12:05 - How the dogs are helping the battle with the poachers13:58 - "There is no machine which can replicate the work of these dogs"18:18 - Pablo Escobar and liberating his hippos20:31 - The frightening price of rhino-horn22:30 - The impact of the Chinese markets in Africa23:45 - The Navy SEALs saving wildlife 24:35 - The statue of the poachers' snares28:03 - The Safari Club Conservationists in the US30:18 - When the elephants honor their dead relatives33:35 - "We were in her territory and she wasn't happy, so she charged"38:42 - Fundraising, and training the dogs40:40 - How it compares with human sex trafficking45:45 - How to reach Vianna 48:56 - Vianna's life lessons: "Live Your Power"

Send us a Text Message.Joe Exotic, the flamboyant and controversial figure known as the Tiger King, captivated the world's attention with his larger-than-life personality, eccentric lifestyle, and entanglement in a web of legal troubles. Born Joseph Maldonado-Passage on March 5, 1963, Exotic rose to fame as the owner of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Wynnewood, Oklahoma.Exotic's life story reads like a script from a reality TV show, filled with drama, intrigue, and unexpected twists. With his signature bleach-blond mullet, flashy attire, and penchant for self-promotion, he became a cult figure in the world of exotic animal enthusiasts and gained notoriety through the Netflix docuseries "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness."At the heart of the series is Exotic's bitter rivalry with Carole Baskin, the CEO of Big Cat Rescue, an animal sanctuary in Florida. Their feud, fueled by allegations of animal cruelty, exploitation, and a battle over the ethics of breeding big cats in captivity, escalated into a legal saga that would ultimately culminate in Exotic's downfall.One of the most compelling aspects of Exotic's story is his unconventional lifestyle and relationships. He was openly gay at a time when acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in rural America was limited, and his multiple marriages to younger men added another layer of intrigue to his persona. Exotic's unconventional personal life, combined with his unapologetic defiance of societal norms, endeared him to some while alienating others.However, behind the facade of charisma and showmanship, Exotic's life was fraught with turmoil and legal troubles. In 2019, he was convicted on 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of murder for hire, stemming from a plot to kill Carole Baskin. He was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison, effectively ending his reign as the Tiger King.Despite his incarceration, Exotic's legacy continues to fascinate and polarize audiences around the world. The "Tiger King" phenomenon sparked debates about the ethics of exotic animal ownership, the treatment of animals in captivity, and the sensationalism of true crime entertainment.While some view Exotic as a symbol of rebellion against authority and societal norms, others condemn him as a symbol of exploitation and cruelty. Regardless of one's opinion, there's no denying that Joe Exotic's journey from roadside zookeeper to international sensation is a testament to the power of fame, the allure of the exotic, and the complexities of the human psyche.As the world awaits further developments in Exotic's legal saga, his story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition and the dangers of blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Whether he is remembered as a tragic figure or a villainous mastermind, Joe Exotic will forever remain an enigmatic and unforgettable character in the annals of pop culture history.www.betterhelp.com/TheBarnhttp://www.betterhelp.com/TheBarn www.BetterHelp.com/TheBarnhttp://www.betterhelp.com/TheBarn http://www.betterhelp.com/TheBarnThis episode is sponsored by www.betterhelp.com/TheBarn and presented to you by The Barn Media Group.

Gabriel Mattei is a vet student born and raised in Thailand. In the episode, we discuss the wildlife and pet markets in Thailand, including the infamous Chatuchak Market, Gabriel's upbringing in Thailand, and his experience keeping various tortoise and turtle species (chelonians). Gabriel emphasizes the importance of establishing breeding groups and taking time to acclimate newly imported species. He also shares his thoughts on the ethics of keeping tortoises and provides insights into tortoise and turtle husbandry. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/186-gabriel-mattei/ WE DISCUSS: 0:00 Coming Up 1:57 Welcome Gabriel & Growing up in Thailand, Background 23:40 Pet Markets & Wildlife Trafficking 35:45 Asian narrow-headed softshell turtle (Chitra chitra) 37:08 EK Magazine & CRH Ad Read 38:20 Chitra chitra continued 41:31 Visiting rare collections in Thailand 43:08 Keeping Tortoises Outdoors, Quaratine, Breeding Tips, Diet (Pancakes, kinixys) 59:41 The ethics of keeping long-lived tortoises 1:05:17 Good tortoise species for beginners? 1:09:10 Three-keeled land turtle (Melanochelys tricarinata) 1:18:35 A Cupulatta Animal Sanctuary Placement 1:21:52 Closing Thoughts 1:23:26 Outro LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats HERE https://www.instagram.com/sokatraa/ Support, Subscribe  & Follow: CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats CLICK HERE SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NETWORK: SPOTIFY► https://spoti.fi/2UG5NOI Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/animalsathome Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnimalsatHomeChannel Follow on Instagram: @animalsathomeca

Wildlife trafficking is a high-profile but complex topic that reporters struggle to tackle effectively. Three experts recently spoke with Mongabay about some of the thornier questions the media should consider when covering international wildlife crime.    Wildlife trafficking should be covered as a crime story, first and foremost, because that's what it is, as one podcast guest argues.   Simone Haysome, Dwi N. Adhiasto, and Bryan Christy joined host Mike DiGirolamo in a live discussion that originally aired in late 2022 to unpack these questions as part of Mongbay's ongoing webinar series for environmental journalists.    This conversation is useful to anyone interested in wildlife conservation issues, and refers to a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) meeting that occurred in Panama City, Panama in November of 2022.   Watch more from our webinar series for journalists: Mongabay Webinars (Playlist) How to Cover the Illegal Wildlife Trade | Mongabay Webinars   Please invite your friends to subscribe to the Mongabay Newscast wherever they get podcasts, from Apple to Spotify, or download our free app in the Apple App Store or in the Google Store to get access to our latest episodes at your fingertips.   If you enjoy the Newscast, please visit www.patreon.com/mongabay to pledge a dollar or more to keep the show growing, Mongabay is a nonprofit media outlet and all support helps! See all our latest news from nature's frontline at Mongabay's homepage: news.mongabay.com or find and follow Mongabay on all the social media platforms.   Image Caption: Cameroon's gorillas and chimps have been hunted to feed a national and international illegal trade in skulls and other body parts. Photo by MCAMERFİLS licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

The Inspector General from the US Treasury Department has issued an audit report on FinCEN's BSA data retention processes. The Financial Conduct Authority in the UK is reviewing the treatment of domestic PEPs by financial services companies. Moody's Analytics issued a white paper on wildlife trafficking. John and Elliot discuss these developments and what you should know about them.

In this episode, award-winning freelance journalist, Rachel Nuwer, discusses her fantastic and revelatory new book, I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World. Featuring the real life stories of many intriguing characters, from ravers to PTSD sufferers, Nuwer's book covers a lot of ground: from how MDMA (aka Ectasy or "Molly") accidentally came to be (in a German lab for pharmaceutical company, Merck), to its use by the US government as a potential 'truth serum' circa the 1950s (spoiler: this never took off), and subsequently by prominent biochemists and pharmacologists as a (legal) treatment for trauma and addiction in the mid-1970s. I Feel Love is at times maddening and disheartening, but also captivating, enlightening and an overall pleasurable read - in the similar vein of Dr. Gabor Maté and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, who also explore the concept of 'best practice' for those who are suffering trauma. A must-read for those seeking a compassionate journey.Rachel Nuwer is an award-winning freelance journalist who reports about science, travel, food and adventure for the New York Times, National Geographic, Scientific American and more. Her multi-award winning first book, Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking, was published in 2018 with Da Capo Press. Her second book, I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World, was published in June 2023 with Bloomsbury. 

Rachel Nuwer is a journalist who has reported on science, travel, food, and adventure for the New York Times, National Geographic, Scientific American and many other publications. She is the author of Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking and her new book is I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World. Today we discuss all things MDMA. rachelnuwer.com

How did the psychedelic drug MDMA emerge from the shadows to the forefront of a medical revolution? What potential does it hold to help us? What do you think of when you hear the abbreviation MDMA? Often seen as a party drug and vilified as a Schedule I substance that would supposedly eat holes in users' brains, MDMA (also known as Molly or Ecstasy) has remained controversial. However, the substance is now being hailed as a therapeutic agent that could transform the field of mental health, becoming the first psychedelic approved for widespread clinical use. In I Feel Love, science journalist Rachel Nuwer presents evidence from scientific trials which suggest that MDMA, when properly administered, may be effective at relieving the effects of trauma. Results from other studies point to its usefulness for treating depression, alcohol addiction, eating disorders, and more. It has also been shown to dismantle psychological defenses and induce feelings of empathy, self-compassion, and love. Yet even as more is revealed about MDMA, there is still much that remains unknown that scientists are diligently working to figure out; the drug may answer as many questions as it asks. Nuwer guides readers through a cultural and scientific upheaval that separates fact and fiction, seeking to reshape our understanding of our brains, ourselves, and the space between. Rachel Nuwer is an award-winning science journalist who regularly contributes to the New York Times, National Geographic, Scientific American, and many other publications. Her reporting for the New York Times broke the news globally about the MDMA Phase III clinical trial and was highlighted by Michael Pollan, Ezra Klein, and Tim Ferriss, among other thought leaders. In 2022, Nuwer was among the inaugural recipients of the Ferriss–UC Berkeley Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship. She holds master's degrees in applied ecology and in science journalism. Her first book, Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking, took her to a dozen countries to investigate the multibillion-dollar illegal wildlife trade. She lives in Brooklyn. Dr. Sunil Kumar Aggarwal is a physician and medical geographer. He is a Board-Certified Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, where he was named a Top 20 Emerging Leader. He is the Past Chair of the Integrative Medicine Special Interest Group and an inaugural member of the Safe Use in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies Forum at the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He has been qualified as an expert in cannabis and psilocybin medical and religious use, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and MAPS MDMA-Assisted Therapy. He is the co-founder and co-director of Seattle's AIMS Institute. I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World Third Place Books

Rachel Nuwer is an award-winning freelance journalist who reports about science, travel, food and adventure for the New York Times, National Geographic, Scientific American and more. Her multi-award winning first book, Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking, was published in 2018 with Da Capo Press. Her second book, I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World, has just been published with Bloomsbury. The  book recounts the unlikely story of how the psychedelic drug MDMA emerged from the shadows to the forefront of a medical revolution—and the potential it may hold to help us thrive. To learn more about her writing please visit her website here. Support the show

Rachel Nuwer discusses with Ivan six things which should be better known. Rachel Nuwer is an award-winning freelance science journalist and author who regularly contributes to the New York Times, Scientific American and National Geographic. Her first book, Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking, took her to a dozen countries to investigate the multi-billion dollar illegal wildlife trade. Her new book, I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World, delves into the history, science, politics and culture of MDMA. She lives in Brooklyn. MDMA has been used by therapists since the 1970s https://www.amazon.com/Feel-Love-Quest-Connection-Fractured/dp/1635579570/ Most health problems and deaths attributed to MDMA are the result of prohibition https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61734334 Composting is a really easy way to support the environment https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/essays-culture/compost-new-york-city-zero-waste/ Trophy hunting contributes to conservation in Africa https://www.biographic.com/africas-conservation-conundrum/ Arresting poachers won't solve the problem of illegal wildlife trade https://www.amazon.com/Poached-Inside-World-Wildlife-Trafficking/dp/0306825503 Rabbits are incredible pets and should be kept indoors http://allaboutrabbitsrescue.org/rabbits-101/ This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Dr. Tim Wittig, Ph.D. ( https://www.timothywittig.com/ ) is a conservationist, professor, and former defense intelligence analyst. He is a research fellow at Oxford University (Oxford Martin School), an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London, and has served as Head of Intelligence for both the Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife Transport and Financial Taskforces ( https://unitedforwildlife.org/ ), and the wildlife investigations charity Focused Conservation. Dr. Wittig has lived in 8 countries on 3 continents and worked in nearly 50 different countries. His professional background is in research & development and applied sciences, intelligence-led targeting of illicit financial networks, and African and global security. Dr. Wittig began his career in national security, and was one of the first people in the US Intelligence Community (IC) to treat biodiversity and ecosystem collapse as a threat to global security. Since their inception in 2016, Dr. Wittig has played a central role in the United for Wildlife Transport and Financial Taskforces, a groundbreaking program of the Royal Foundation of the Prince & Princess of Wales ( https://royalfoundation.com/ ), to use data and intelligence, alongside high-level formal commitments, to mobilize 200+ of the worlds' largest banks, maritime shipping companies, and airlines to take meaningful action against global wildlife trafficking. Dr. Wittig conceived of and currently runs the central intelligence sharing system of the both Taskforces. A former tenured professor of International Relations and Humanitarian Action, and a life-long environmentalist and outdoorsman, Dr. Wittig, like many people today, believes reversing the current catastrophic extermination of nature is the single most important issue of our time - a literal life-and-death struggle for the future of our common planet and ultimately humanity itself. Dr. Wittig came to work professionally in conservation a decade ago after observing how the major threats to the environment today - species loss, climate change, pollution, et al - are all underpinned and driven often to a large extent by crime and corruption, illicit networks, and social injustices. And that rigorous, hard-hitting intelligence and data-led analysis of these dynamics, especially when done at scale, will be a game changer in how we confront threats to the world's wildlife and ecosystems. Dr. Wittig has a BA (High Honors) in History from William & Mary, a M.Litt. in International Security Studies, and PhD in International Relations, both from University of St Andrews. Support the show

Boiling Point host Cat chats with Charlotte Read. Charlotte has a degree in conservation and currently teaches children about wildlife and conservation at a zoo in Melbourne. Her interests in conservation are the human wildlife conflict, and in particular illegal wildlife trade. Since she is based in Melbourne, Cat talks to her to her via zoom about the sixth major extinction event and illegal wildlife trafficking. @BoilingPointFM https://www.facebook.com/boilingpoint/ Want to learn more about the sixth major extinction event and illegal wildlife trafficking? Check out these links: WWF Australia (https://www.wwf.org.au/what-we-do/species/illegal-wildlife-trade-and-poaching#gs.nkrmqa) TRAFFIC (https://www.traffic.org/) Interpol (https://www.interpol.int/Crimes/Environmental-crime/Wildlife-crime) CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species) (https://cites.org/eng/prog/iccwc) Wildlife Justice Commission (https://wildlifejustice.org/)

Boiling Point host Cat chats with Charlotte Read. Charlotte has a degree in conservation and currently teaches children about wildlife and conservation at a zoo in Melbourne. Her interests in conservation are the human wildlife conflict, and in particular illegal wildlife trade. Since she is based in Melbourne, Cat talks to her to her via [...]Read More... from The sixth major extinction event and illegal wildlife trafficking

An IU researcher is using data science to help stop illegal trade in wildlife.

The international wildlife trade jeopardizes the survival and welfare of billions of animals every year, including threatened and endangered species. These animals are often killed simply to be made into and sold as a decoration, piece of jewelry or a symbol of wealth, or they suffer horribly only to end up in a life of captivity. Today's guests work to end this illicit market, which is worth billions of dollars each year.Love and compassion for animals can bring everyone together. ‘Humane Voices' is the official podcast of the Humane Society of the United States. We'll explore the issues facing animals, interview worldwide animal experts, and discuss what you can do to get involved and help. If you care about the welfare of animals, or have a special pet or two in your life, this is the podcast for you.Contact us at podcast@humanesociety.org to offer feedback and suggest future episode topics.

KUOW's Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins has details.

New judicial interpretation revises punishments for artificial breeding of wild animals; JD.com founder sells down his stake in e-commerce giant; and the latest on Evergrande. Are you a big fan of our shows? Then please give our podcast account, China Business Insider, a 5-star rating on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Serene Chng is a wildlife trade researcher and a program officer with TRAFFIC in Southeast Asia. Her work involves recording wildlife traded in many of the region's most notorious markets, and she has brought many emerging wildlife trafficking issues to light through her research and collaborations with others. A bird lover herself, Serene is a co-coordinator with the IUCN Species Survival Commission Asian Songbird Specialist Trade Group, which was instrumental in highlighting the fact that the world is facing an Asian songbird crisis - a result of a frenzy of illegal trapping and unsustainable trade to supply demand for them as caged birds. Serene joins us to talk about her work, including what she did as a "National Geographic Explorer" from 2019 - 2021, which, among other stories, is now immortalised in a podcast series, Expedition: Earth.Image credit: A stall in a bird market, Bali. ©Serene Chng/TRAFFICSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer and producer of books, television and video games are just some of the hats Will Staples wears. From well known titles like Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare III to the popular Jack Reacher TV series and more, this guy's seen (and written) a lot. Last year, he took his talents to writing a book about animal trafficking, and the murky criminal enterprises behind it. Not much is known about this world because it's not the highest priority for law enforcement, making his job of shedding light on it even harder.  See more from Blood Origins: https://bit.ly/BloodOrigins_Subscribe Music: Migration by Ian Post (Winter Solstice), licensed through artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Decades of conflict has made Iraq a hotbed for trafficking. From weapons to drugs, Iraq has dominated headlines. However, less attention has been focused on the trafficking of wild animals. In fact, the Middle East is considered one of the hubs of animal trafficking. Our correspondent in Iraq, Lucile Wassermann, went to meet the players in the trading of wildlife to understand the drivers behind it. 

Pangolins are the only scaly mammals on earth, and the name “pangolin”, which is derived from the Malay word “pengguling”, loosely translates to “something that rolls up”. Pangolin numbers are rapidly declining, and they are considered one of the world's most heavily trafficked mammals. It's World Pangolin Day this Saturday, and in conjunction with that, we bring you another episode of The ABC's of Biodiversity, a series explaining why biodiversity loss is OUR loss, this time with a special focus on Sunda Pangolins. Joining us to shed more light on their plight are Dr Chong Ju Lian, an Associate Professor and Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, who is researching the Sunda Pangolin, and Elisa Panjang, a Pangolin Conservation Officer at the Danau Girang Field Centre.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kieran talks with Olivia Swaak-Goldman, executive director of the Wildlife Justice Commission, about the Hague-based organization's efforts to stop the illegal wildlife trade and other forms of environmental exploitation, currently the fourth largest source of funds for transnational criminal organizations. Olivia discusses how WJC targets traffickers in endangered species and those having the greatest negative environmental impact with its team of former law enforcement investigators, intelligence officials and prosecutors. Olivia highlights WJC's recent success in prosecuting ivory and Pangolin smugglers with help from Nigeria and China as well as the ongoing struggle to take down transnational criminals throughout the world who rely on the aid of corrupt officials and are often also engaged in human and drug trafficking. “Wildlife crimes wouldn't be there without corruption, without fraud, without money laundering,” Olivia says, adding, “Addressing corruption is absolutely essential to tackling wildlife crime.” ACAMS and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)collaborated with the WJC to develop a free training certificate on investigative strategies to aid law enforcement in the use of financial intelligence and other data related to the illegal wildlife trade. LEARN MORE: https://www.acams.org/en/training/certificates/ending-illegal-wildlife-trade-a-practical-guide-for-law-enforcement

Sea Cucumbers and Fish Maw might not strike you as facing threats nor do they seem like the poster children for marine conservation. But a new report by the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network TRAFFIC, has outlined how the booming online trade of both Sea Cucumbers and Fish Maw in Malaysia and Singapore, coupled with high levels of international trafficking, could endanger wild populations. How is this important from an ecological point of view, and what could happen if regulators don't step up scrutiny and control of this trade? We discuss this and more with Kanitha Krishnasamy, the Director for Southeast Asia at TRAFFIC.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is Carney Anne's presentation for the 2021 Symposium on Sports, Animals, & Ethics. Many don't know that Carney Anne has a degree in sports law and previous experience working with an NFL team's legal department. So, in this unique opportunity to participate in the intersection of sports law and animal law, Carney Anne delivers a timely discussion about the trend in pro-athlete encounters with tigers and other big cats at roadside zoos and how these encounters not only further exploitation of endangered species and contribute to the exotic pet trade, they technically violate common league rules and contract provisions that are meant to prohibit players from engaging in dangerous activities off-field, off-court, off-pitch, or off-ice. Thanks to symposium directors Profs. Sam Morris (University of Miami-Ohio) and Gabriela Tymowski-Gionet (University of New Brunswick) for allowing this cross-post. NOTE: The episode references slides and photographs. This presentation is also available as a video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcC0v2RkSuI.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Lions, tigers and bears...oh my! Alex travels to Eastern Ohio and the city of Zanesville to tell the story of one of the craziest and most dangerous events in Ohio history: the Zanesville Zoo Escape. When Terry Thompson released 50 of the world's most exotic and deadly animals on his hometown and then took his own life in October 2011. Alex relives the events of that surreal night with writers and even an animal activist that was on the ground in Zanesville. We tell the crazy true story of exotic animal ownership in the United States, it's bizarre history from Jack Hanna to Joe Exotic: the Tiger King. Alex is joined by Tim Harrison, Executive Director of Outreach for Animals to discuss his first hand experience of the Zanesville Zoo Escape and the continuing problem of exotic animal ownership and exploitation in America. Please donate to Tim's great organization Outreach for Animals by clicking here. https://outreachforanimals.org/175-2/ We sit down with award-winning journalist and author, Rachel Nuwer, to discuss the story of Terry Thompson and her excellent book, Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking (2018). Rachel discusses the rise of exotic pet numbers in the US, the role of reality TV and the lack of laws in place prior to the Zanesville Zoo Escape. Also, check out Rachel's podcast from 2020, "Cat People". Buy her book Poached here http://www.rachelnuwer.com/poached Our third guest, Matt Tullis, professor at Fairfield University and former Columbus Dispatch zoo reporter joins us to talk about the life and shocking death of Terry Thompson and the details surrounding his release of his dozens of exotic animals in October 2011. Matt also talks with us about Jack Hanna, former Columbus Zoo director and television start. We chat about his career and his role in the tragic Zanesville Zoo Escape. Check out Matt's great podcast "Gangrey" about narrative journalism and his interviews with our nation's finest reporters. Ohio v. the World: An American History podcast is now part of the Evergreen Podcast Network. Go to https://evergreenpodcasts.com to check out all our past episodes and dozens of other great podcasts. Don't forget to rate and review our show and we'll read your reviews on the air in a future episode. Also you can email Alex at ohiovtheworld@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had a great discussion with a freelance journalist who reports about science for the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC future, and more. Rachel Nuwer has a multi-award winning book, Poached: Inside the Dark world of wildlife trafficking that sheds light on many aspects of the illegal animal trade going on around the world. Back in 2010, she investigated the illegal wildlife trade use in Vietnam ultimately leading to the publication of her research after. We discussed the world's highest-trafficked mammal, her encounters with ivory trade, and traditional medicine black markets in China. Check out her book! https://www.amazon.com/Poached-Inside-World-Wildlife-Trafficking/dp/0306825503/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=poached&qid=1595036447&sr=8-4 Check her out on National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/contributors/n/rachel-nuwer/ Rachel's website: http://www.rachelnuwer.com/about --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The dangers of global wildlife trafficking have made global headlines. From an obscure wildlife wet market in Wuhan China, a frightening message jumped from the wild and right into a global pandemic crisis: COVID-19, a new zoonotic virus highly contagious to humans.My guest Dr. Peter Li specializes in Northeast Asian security, U.S.-China relations; China's environmental governance and animal welfare politics of the People's Republic of China. Dr Li's decades of work highlight the direct relationship between income, social status and the importance of meat consumption to the Chinese consumer. China has become the world's largest animal farming nation- from captive bred wildlife farms to large scale breeding of pork, beef and chicken. The message is clear: burgeoning human populations intersecting with wildlife in novel ways requires globally enforced environmental and wildlife protection laws. Nature has secrets, and we are not prepared to lift the lid on her zoonotic pandora's box.

My guest is Chris Slappendel, founder of Wildlife Advocates Foundation and administrator of the Facebook page, I Am A Tiger Advocate, a leading warehouse of all things tiger, news and articles about tigers world-wide joins me. Chris visited 24 countries where tigers once lived or still live: Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and Nepal where he was interviewed more than a 100 times by journalists for TV and radio programs, to raise awareness of the horrific conditions of tigers in captivity across the globe, the increasing illegal trade in tiger parts for Traditional Chinese Medicine, and to learn the challenges wild and captive tigers face- from the people who live with tigers, and the organizations working to protect them, and those who provide sanctuary for them. Today Chris tells us his story, his passion for tigers and what advocated can do for securing a future for them.

With my guest today, Ken McCloud, retired undercover special agent USFW/OLE (Office of Law Enforcement) officer that gave illegal wildlife smugglers in the US and around the world, a run for their money. Known through his career as The Chameleon, Ken introduces us to how our USFWS officers go the full distance during and after undercover operations, to take down traffickers of rare and endangered species around the world, and stop the illegal trade in wildlife. From international cartels to professors, universities and zoos, Ken takes us through spectacular cases from his journey and the follow through to prosecution that stands up to CITES mandates. With Ken, we learn of how the USFW Special Agents are not only responsible for collecting prosecutable evidence of illegal traffic, but also provide the immediate and necessary care needed and required of the seized and traumatized animals while they either to be repatriated into a zoo, or if possible, sent back to the wild.

We are dealing with an unprecedented spike in illegal wildlife trade, threatening to overturn decades of conservation gains. Wildlife overexploitation and crime is big business these days beyond the slippery slope and repercussions of impending extinctions. With my guest today, Will Gartshore of WWF we'll gain in-depth understanding of the wide net involved in and stemming from illegal wildlife trafficking, and what the US government, our Congress, and the current Administration is doing about it. Will's expertise is U.S. government relations and is World Wildlife Fund's lead congressional liaison to overall issues of wildlife crime and trafficking. Will is actively involved in discussions around the US National Strategy on Combatting Wildlife Trafficking; the President's Executive Order; and State Department activities among the security and intelligence communities on the illegal trade's ties to transnational organized crime groups.

Action by major tech companies combined with consumer education efforts can make big gains towards defeating the online trade of wildlife say experts at Wharton and elsewhere. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.