PODCAST · science
Defender Radio and The Switch
by Michael Howie / The Fur-Bearers
Defender Radio and The Switch bring experts and solutions to wildlife advocates and animal lovers around the world. Hosted by award-winning journalist Michael Howie, Defender Radio and The Switch are produced by The Fur-Bearers (TheFurBearers.com) and released weekly. Learn more at DefenderRadio.com
Episodes
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The Fragile Future of BC's Fishers feat. Rich Weir
Fishers – Pekania pennanti – are secretive, forest-dwelling members of the weasel family found across parts of British Columbia. But the Columbian population in BC's central interior is small, isolated, and facing serious pressure from habitat loss, wildfire and trapping. Rich Weir is a senior...
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Growing Hamilton's Urban Canopy
Hamilton's urban tree canopy currently sits at about 18 per cent, and the City has set a goal of increasing that to 40 per cent by 2050. That matters for people — but it also matters for wildlife. Trees provide food, shelter and movement corridors for many of the fur-bearing animals who share our...
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OnlyMarms Featuring Dr. Julien Martin
For more than 60 years, researchers have been studying generations of yellow-bellied marmots in Colorado, creating one of the longest-running studies of wild mammals in the world. Dr. Julien Martin is a professor of biology at the University of Ottawa and one of the researchers now leading that...
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Jimothy and Wild Animal Welfare Science
The Fur-Bearers' Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager Tijana S and Science Communicator and Researcher Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin join the Defender Radio podcast to talk Jimothy, wild animal welfare science, how our use of space impacts wildlife, and a new study on coexistence stats worldwide.…
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Surviving The Wildfire feat. Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
Over 21,000 people were evacuated from Summerland, British Columbia, when the Bald Range fire rapidly grew to over 156 square kilometres. Among the thousands of homes that were impacted or destroyed by the wildfire is Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society. The volunteer-run organization, led…
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Urban Habitats and Connectivity featuring Dr. Lenore Fahrig
When we talk about wildlife, we often talk about it as though it belongs somewhere else. A forest. A park. A protected area. Somewhere north of us, away from the roads, neighbourhoods, shopping centres, and backyards where we spend most of our lives. But nature is not somewhere else. It's...
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The Space Wildlife Needs feat. Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin & Tijana
Defender Radio host Michael Howie is joined by colleagues Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin and Tijana (Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at The Fur-Bearers) to talk about studies covering drones and British Columbia's endangered species, plus a chat about what kind of space wildlife needs this time…
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Fur Farming and the Next Pandemic featuring Dr. Neil Vora
It feels like yesterday – and a lifetime ago – that the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world. I don't know about you, but I'm still dealing with that experience, and I see the impact of it around me regularly. What's most upsetting, perhaps, is that experts are sending clear messages: it's…
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Spring in the Wild City featuring Nathalie Karvonen
This time of year is glorious for all of us – and for the wild neighbours with whom we share our communities. From black bears and coyotes to skunks and squirrels, wildlife is out and about, finding new den sites, food sources, and introducing their families to the world around them – even in...
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Communicating Coexistence feat. Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin + Tijana S.
Defender Radio host Michael Howie is joined by colleagues Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin and Tijana S. (Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at The Fur-Bearers) to talk about The Fur-Bearers' recent time at the Humane Canada Summit for Wildlife, two studies reviewed for our article, and how...
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What's Next?
We want to look into the future for Defender Radio and The Switch – and that means hearing from you! We've put together a short (really) survey that will take fewer than 5 minutes and can help us know in which direction to go. It includes episode length/frequency, guest mix, accessibility, and...
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Animal Law at University of Toronto featuring Dr. Angela Fernandez
Animal law is a topic of growing interest to Canadians, advocates, and legal experts. While there are some great people doing great work related to animal law in Canada, there haven't been any university-associated programs on it – until now. Angela Fernandez, a long-time University of Toronto…
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Fashion's Future is Fur-Free featuring PJ Smith
September is fashion month, with massive week-long events in major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Milan and Paris. And the question on many peoples' minds is: will we be seeing fur, or will more designers choose to go fur-free? PJ Smith, Director of Fashion Policy for Humane World...
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Canmore Cougar Tragedy Update feat. John Marriott and Maggie Spizziri
The tragic story of a locally beloved cougar being killed near Canmore, Alberta, earlier this year was heartbreaking. John Marriott, an award-winning wildlife photographer and co-founder of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy shared his harrowing experience with Defender Radio – along with his discovery...
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Bring Back the Night: Light Pollution featuring Tijana Selak
From streetlights to skyscrapers and everything in between, lighting up the night can help keep people safe. But, this often excessive lighting has a consequence: light pollution. Native wildlife across Canada gets impacted by light pollution in many ways–and they're not alone. Humans, too, are...
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Navigating Climate Grief featuring Dr. Shawna Weaver
Wildfires and drought, floods and ice storms, and a seemingly never-ending news cycle of chaos around us is a lot. I'll be honest – there are days I want to hide from it all myself. But carrying the weight of what's happening to the natural world around us isn't new, and it has a name – climate...
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The Mink VIRUS Act featuring Devan Schowe
Mink fur farms are a virus's favourite place. There's lots of opportunity to transmit, mutate, and lead to more virulent strains that threaten public health. With the devastating economic impact of H5N1 or avian flu in the news, the reintroduction of the Mink Virus Act to the United States…
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The Canmore cougar tragedy featuring John E. Marriott
Anyone who follows John E. Marriott or Exposed Wildlife Conservancy on social media knows that a cougar John had tracked for many years was killed near Canmore, Alberta, earlier this year. It led to two orphaned kits, a harrowing experience for John, and a clear mission: to share this story with...
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A Dam Good Conversation: Ben Goldfarb on Beavers, Wetlands, and Rewilding the World
Fifty years ago this week, Canada officially made beavers one of our national symbols. In celebrating this anniversary – and the many ecological services and benefits provided by beavers – The Fur-Bearers have a bit of beaver fever. And who better to talk to about beavers than Ben Goldfarb, the...
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Canada's Most Distinct Species featuring Emma Kominek
Canada's iconic wildlife include moose, beavers, and wolves. But of the many species of vertebrate, which are the most evolutionarily distinct? And why does that matter? A team of researchers from Simon Fraser University (emma Kominek, Olivia Cornies, Arne Ø. Mooers, and Wildlife Preservation...
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The Switch: Going Green for March Break Travel
Whether you're heading south to escape the cold, across the provinces for an adventure, or just a town over for a quick getaway, there are a lot of choices we can make while travelling for March Break that reduce our impact on the environment – and can even improve it. SHOW NOTES Episode art…
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Takaya's Ongoing Legacy featuring Cheryl Alexander
The journey of Takaya the Lone wolf on Vancouver Island was one of hope, inspiration, and ultimately tragedy. Cheryl Alexander, acclaimed conservation photographer and Founding Executive Director of Takaya's Legacy has shared her story countless times – but this past year the story took a new...
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The Switch: Road Salt Solutions
Winter salt keeps sidewalks safe but harms Ottawa's waterways. A five-year study shows toxic chloride levels in local streams year-round. Learn how to reduce salt use, protect aquatic life, and keep winter walkways safe. SHOW NOTES: Episode art photo by EyeEm Mobile GmbH / Getty Images Check out...
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Saving North Atlantic Right Whales featuring Sheryl Fink
North Atlantic Right Whales are at extreme risk of extinction, with only around 370 individuals and around 70 reproductive females. According to RightWhales.org, over 142 individuals have been injured or died since 2017 – a shocking 35% of the current population. Fortunately, individuals like...
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The Switch: Meal Planning to Reduce Food Waste
Canadians waste a ton of food - literally! Learn how meal planning can reduce food waste, save you money, and reduce your impact on emissions and climate change by listening now. SHOW NOTES: LoveFoodHateWaste.ca: https://lovefoodhatewaste.ca/ Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and The...
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Biodiversity and Urban Connectivity feat. Dr. Thami Croeser and Dr. Holly Kirk
Enhancing biodiversity in urban areas is a critical step in improving our ecosystems, resilience against the climate crisis, and ensuring nature exposure for residents. But how do you increase biodiversity on pavement? According to two researchers, it can start with stepping stones. Drs. Thami...
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Dealing With Winter Drafts
Cold drafts in winter aren't only unpleasant, they could be costing you money and wasting energy. Listen now to The Switch to hear how to quickly identify and deal with a draft. SHOW NOTES: Photo of a door equipped with two types of draft stoppers by AndreyPopov / Getty Images Want to suggest...
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Tizzy and Me: Fifteen Ways To Love A Mink feat. Dr. Nadja Lubiw-Hazard
One day at school, 7-year-old animal loving Georgia discovers her best friend is wearing a coat made with mink fur; with the companionship of her dog Tizzy, Georgia and her friend begin to learn about animals that live in fur farms – and that they must stand up for them. Tizzy and Me: Fifteen…
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Season 11 Coming Soon!
I'm excited to announce season 11 of Defender Radio and The Switch is going live this month! You'll be hearing long-form interviews from expert scientists around the world talking about wildlife behaviour, population dynamics, and the environment. We'll be exploring ways you can reduce your…
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Rescuing Rabbits with Amy's Bunny Barn
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...
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Speak at Humane Canada's Summit for Animals with Natalia Hanson
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...
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The Ursa Project with Katie Graves
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:...
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Signs of Life with Sarah Cox
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...
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Tales of the Urban Wild with Dr. Tiffany Yap and Meital Smith
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…
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Bears in our Backyards with Paul Johnson
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…
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Nakoda's Story with John E. Marriott
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…
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Beyond Animal Control with Jennifer Toussaint
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...
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California's Room to Roam Act with Dr. Tiffany Yap
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...
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Perceptions of Urban Coyotes in Ontario with Nicole Murphy + Dr. Stephanie Rutherford
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...
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Climate Grief with Dr. Shawna Weaver
Some days are hard. The world feels like it's falling apart, forests are burning, ecosystems are breaking down, and hope can be a long, long way away. But you're not alone in this feeling – and there are ways to manage and cope that not only support you but can make for a healthier community and...
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How To Talk To A Science Denier with Dr. Lee McIntyre (repost)
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…
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A Forever Home for Hooves with Michelle Singleton
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.…
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The Emotional Lives of Animals with Dr. Marc Bekoff
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...
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VICTORY: Fighting Ag-Gag in Ontario with Camille Labchuk
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...
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Depaving Hamilton with Green Venture
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...
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Humane Canada's Summit for Animals
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...
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The Art of Simone Diamond
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...
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The Lives of Wild Dogs with Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin
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…
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The Switch: Winter Planting for Wildlife
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...
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Trapped In The Past Documentary Series with John E. Marriott
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Defender Radio and The Switch bring experts and solutions to wildlife advocates and animal lovers around the world. Hosted by award-winning journalist Michael Howie, Defender Radio and The Switch are produced by The Fur-Bearers (TheFurBearers.com) and released weekly. Learn more at DefenderRadio.com
HOSTED BY
Michael Howie / The Fur-Bearers
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Defender Radio and The Switch have?
Defender Radio and The Switch currently has 406 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Defender Radio and The Switch about?
Defender Radio and The Switch bring experts and solutions to wildlife advocates and animal lovers around the world. Hosted by award-winning journalist Michael Howie, Defender Radio and The Switch are produced by The Fur-Bearers (TheFurBearers.com) and released weekly. Learn more at DefenderRadio.com
How often does Defender Radio and The Switch release new episodes?
Defender Radio and The Switch publishes regularly with 406 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Defender Radio and The Switch?
You can listen to Defender Radio and The Switch on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Defender Radio and The Switch?
Defender Radio and The Switch is created and hosted by Michael Howie / The Fur-Bearers.
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